Property tax
Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1332 allows for an extension of payment on 2021 real property taxes and provides for a payment agreement of the taxes due to the State of Emergency related to the Novel Coronavirus. It only applies, if the owner or person responsible for payment of tax on real property primarily used for business purposes demonstrates a loss of at least 25% of its revenue attributable to that real property for calendar year 2020 compared to calendar year 2019. Requests for an extension of payment on 2021 real property taxes under ESHB 1332 must be submitted to the county treasurer by April 30, 2021.
Your county assessor and treasurer administer property tax. County assessors value (assess) your property, and county treasurers collect property tax.
The Department of Revenue does not collect property tax. We oversee the administration of property taxes at state and local levels.
Nonprofit exemptions
Paying your property tax
You should pay your property taxes directly to the county treasurer's office where your property is located. We’ve provided contact information for Washington’s 39 counties to assist you.
Learn more about paying or appealing your property tax.
Can I appeal my property valuation?
You may appeal your property’s assessment to the county board of equalization in the county where your property is located.
- Learn how residential property is valued.
- Learn how business property is valued.
- Learn how to appeal your property assessment.
What if I can't pay my property tax?
If you live in Washington and meet certain criteria such as age and income, you may be eligible for either an exemption or deferral.
How does funding schools impact my property taxes?
About one third of your property tax goes to funding education. The Legislature passed Engrossed House Bill (EHB) 2242 in 2017, in response to a Supreme Court order to fund education. This bill makes changes to:
- property taxes imposed by the state.
- voter-approved property taxes imposed by school districts.
- state funding for certain school districts.
In 2018, the Legislature made additional changes to lower the levy rate for taxes in 2019.
Where does your property tax go?
Property taxes make up at least 9.4 percent of the state’s General Fund, which supports public services for Washington residents. Revenue at a Glance provides more detail on property taxes and how they help fund these services.
Questions?
Please contact your local county officials.