April 30 and Oct. 31 are two dates seared in many homeowners’ minds. That’s when property taxes are due on your home (or commercial property).
In February, King and other counties across Washington state issued tax notices. Property owners are responsible for paying those bills twice a year – at the end of April and October…except in 2020.
The health crisis that is challenging us all has prompted county assessors in our state to consider the economic ramifications on homeowners and delay required payments – without interest or penalty.
The delay – to June 1 – will briefly ease the burden on property owners as they navigate these uncharted waters. We have Washington Realtors ® – of which I am a proud member – to thank for advocating the governor’s office for this delay. Officials in Snohomish, Pierce and Thurston joined King and other counties in Washington to offer this option to delay payment.
There is one notable exception. Homeowners who pay a mortgage also typically wrap the semiannual tax into their monthly payment to loan servicers. They are expected to continue making payments (with property tax included) as usual. Property owners without a mortgage have the option to delay paying the tax.
In normal times, the county levies a fine for being late with your tax payment, starting at 1% of the tax due with an escalation to 3% and 8% as the months add up. In addition, failure to pay the tax will lead to having a lien placed against your home – a “cloud” on the title – meaning the issue must be resolved before successfully selling the property.
Meantime, home and business owners can also challenge the assessed value of their property. The county’s Department of Assessments mails a “value notice card” between May and November. Information on the card includes the new assessed value, parcel size, property type, area of any improvements (residence) and views. This year’s assessed value helps determine the 2021 property tax.
With the construction of hundreds of new single-family homes, townhouses and condo units in our area, mistakes can happen on property information. Owners should take time to carefully review the card for accuracy and, if something doesn’t look right, consider filing an appeal. An overstated property square footage, for example, can inflate the assessed value and generate a larger tax bill.
If there is a potential error, the county recommends that property owners first contact the Department of Assessments before filing an appeal; call 206-296-7300 or write to Assessor.Info@KingCounty.gov. (Sorry, no face-to-face visits at this time.) The department may be able to correct information and avoid the appeal process. (You can review your property parcel/account information online using eReal Property at Assessor-Online Services or with the Assessor’s staff.)
If the information remains in dispute, it’s wise to file an appeal online – to cover your, um, assets. The filing is with the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization (BOE), which is an independent agency and unaffiliated with the Assessor. Outside King, check your local county website for rules to file an appeal.
Petitions must be postmarked to the BOE or filed online by July 1 OR within 60 calendar days from the mailing date printed on the value notice card. Wait to file an appeal until after receiving and reviewing the official notice.
If you proceed with an appeal, set up a personal file with photographs and records of recent like-for-like property sales. An organized presentation to an appeals board will strengthen your claim.
The process can be time-consuming and even intimidating. There are people who can help. For a few hundred dollars, a property owner can hire a member of the American Society of Appraisers or, likely for a higher fee, a real estate attorney to manage the appeal. Real estate brokers may also help supply evidence in the form of recently sold homes (price, square footage, date of sale) in your area.