How to Get Property Tax Relief in Washington: Exemptions and Attesting
If you’ve opened your latest property tax statement and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone. As we covered in our recent blog on rising property taxes, homeowners across King and Snohomish Counties are seeing sharp increases in their assessments.
But here’s the good news: there are steps you can take to reduce your tax burden. Whether it’s applying for an exemption or challenging your assessed value, this guide breaks down your options and the key things to watch out for.
When Are Property Taxes Due in King County and Snohomish County?
Property taxes in Washington State are typically due in two installments:
- First half: Due April 30
- Second half: Due October 31
This schedule applies to both King County and Snohomish County. If taxes are not paid by the due dates, interest and penalties begin to accrue. Even if you’re planning to appeal or apply for an exemption, it’s smart to pay on time to avoid unnecessary charges.
Feeling the squeeze from your last tax bill and worried about the next one? Contact Georgia Buys today to explore simple, stress-free solutions.
Who Qualifies for Property Tax Exemptions in King County?
King County offers a Property Tax Exemption Program for seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans. You may qualify if:
- You are 61 years or older, or retired due to disability
- You own and occupy the home as your primary residence
- Your annual household income is $58,423 or less for the 2025 tax year
This exemption can freeze the value of your home for tax purposes and reduce or eliminate certain levies.
Please note that this information is accurate as of June 27, 2025. Please refer to King County’s program directly for up-to-date or additional information.
Who Qualifies for Property Tax Exemptions in Snohomish County?
Snohomish County provides a Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption Program for:
- Seniors aged 61 and over
- Individuals retired due to a physical disability
- Veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability
To qualify, your gross household income must be $55,000 or less, and the home must be your primary residence. Depending on your income level, you could see a partial or full exemption on $60,000 to $70,000 of your property’s assessed value.
Please note that this information is accurate as of June 27, 2025. Please refer to Snohomish County’s program directly for up-to-date or additional information.
How Do I Appeal My Property Tax Assessment in Washington?
If your assessed value seems too high, you can file an appeal through your county’s Board of Equalization (BOE). Here’s how:
- Check your Notice of Value for the appeal deadline (usually within 60 days of the mailing date)
- Gather evidence, such as comparable property sales, recent appraisals, or documentation showing property damage or disrepair
- Submit your appeal form to your county’s BOE
- Attend a hearing to present your case
A successful appeal can result in a lower assessed value and tax bill for the current year. In some cases, it may influence values for subsequent years as well.
What Are the Benefits of Lowering My Property Tax Assessment?
The most direct benefit is a lower annual property tax bill.
For homeowners on fixed incomes or dealing with rising living expenses, a successful appeal can provide much-needed relief. It can also correct overestimations caused by inaccurate assumptions about your home’s condition, size, or comparable sales.
What Are the Downsides of Lowering My Property Tax Assessment?
While a lower tax bill is appealing, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- If you plan to sell your home, a lower assessed value may reduce the perceived market value for buyers or agents using public records
- If you’re refinancing, some lenders may view your lowered assessment as a reflection of market value, which could affect loan terms
- It may complicate future assessments, especially if your appeal was based on temporary factors like storm damage
Think about your long-term goals before pursuing an appeal. A tax break now may affect the financial picture down the road.
What Happens If I Fall Behind on Property Tax Payments?
Falling behind on your property tax bill is more common than you might think, especially in areas where assessments have skyrocketed.
If taxes are not paid:
- Interest and penalties begin to accrue. This starts at 1 percent per month and increases over time with additional penalties.
- You will receive delinquency notices from the county. These notices can lead to collections or liens.
- After three years of delinquency, Washington State law allows counties to initiate a tax foreclosure process. This may result in your home being sold at public auction.
- If the property is sold, you may lose all or part of your home equity, depending on county rules regarding surplus funds.
To prevent this from happening, homeowners should contact the Snohomish County Treasurer or King County Treasury Operations to ask about payment plans or tax deferral options. If the burden becomes too great, selling the property may help preserve your equity and credit.
Struggling to keep up with property taxes? Let’s talk about how we can help you move forward with less stress and more financial breathing room.
Can I Get Help with This Process?
Yes. At Georgia Buys, we work with homeowners throughout King and Snohomish Counties who feel overwhelmed by property taxes or unfair assessments.
Whether you want to explore your appeal options, connect with the right county office, or sell your home as-is without the cost and stress of traditional listings, we’re here to help.
We make cash offers with no fees, no repairs, and no commissions, so you can move on comfortably and quickly.
Request your free offer here!
Final Thoughts
Rising property taxes are putting pressure on families, seniors, and long-time homeowners throughout the region. But there are tools available to reduce the burden, protect your finances, and preserve the value of your home.
Whether you’re applying for an exemption, considering an appeal, or ready to move on from your property, Georgia Buys is here to help you understand your options and take action.
