Property Taxes in Washington
Washington property taxes add to the continuous costs of owning a home, whether you live in it or rent it to tenants. These annual dues significantly affect your budget, portfolio, and the community around you, so we’re glad you joined us to learn more.
Property taxes are necessary because they pay for the basics in your county: schools, fire departments, roads, libraries, tourism boards, and more. And, while you might not enjoy cutting a tax check twice a year, these services play a big role in both your community and your property’s value.
TurboTenant’s comprehensive guide details how Washington calculates property taxes, what they pay for, payment due dates, typical rates in significant counties, how assessments and exemptions work, and what you can do to reduce costs.
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Calculating Property Taxes in Washington
Each year, county assessors determine your property’s assessed value, which reflects its current market value. Local taxing districts (such as cities, counties, schools, and fire departments) also submit budget requests to fund their services.
During this process, the assessor calculates the levy rate for each district by dividing the district’s budget by the total assessed value of all properties within that district. They then combine these individual levy rates to form the total levy rate applicable to your property.
Here is the calculation to estimate your Washington property tax:
Property tax owed = (assessed value / 1,000) × total levy rate
(Levy rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value, similar to millage rates in other states.)
New and recent laws: In 2024, Washington launched new property tax incentives to support affordable housing and help disabled veterans, which include exemptions for turning buildings into housing and tax breaks for veteran nonprofits.
National comparison: Washington’s property tax rate sits near the national average. At 0.87%, it’s slightly higher than Oregon (0.78%) and a touch lower than Idaho (0.93%).
County/Municipality-Specific Rates
Property tax rates in Washington change from county to county. What you end up owing depends on where your property is located and what local services the area needs to fund.
Pierce County: 1.02% — Pierce County has the highest rate on this list, landing above the state average and near the national median.
Spokane County: 0.93% — Slightly above average, Spokane County’s rate reflects steady investment in schools, infrastructure, and safety across a growing metro area.
Clark County: 0.92% — Just over the state average, Clark County carries a moderate tax load. Its suburban growth and proximity to Portland keep demand (and costs) fairly steady.
King County: 0.88% — Home to Seattle, King County matches the state property tax average. Its rate balances the high cost of city services with a large, diverse tax base.
Snohomish County: 0.79% — The lowest rate of this group, Snohomish County offers relatively lower taxes, even with steady growth in cities like Everett and Lynnwood.
Reassessments and Increases
Reassessment frequency: Washington counties update property values once per year. But, if you sell a home or make major improvements, the assessor will likely revise the valuation early to reflect those changes.
Renovations and improvements: In Washington, major upgrades can lead to a higher property value and a bigger tax bill. Adding a garage, finishing a basement, or building an ADU often triggers reassessment, especially if the work changes the home’s overall structure.
Reassessment impact: In Washington, big upgrades can raise your home’s value (and property taxes). Counties must update your property’s valuation if the work alters the structure, so factor in the chance of a higher tax bill before you start your next big project.
Reducing Taxes and Exemptions
In Washington, property owners have a few ways to reduce their tax bill: file for exemptions, appeal a home’s assessed value, or address errors in the county’s records. Reducing your property taxes depends on your situation. Common options include:
Appeals: In Washington, you can challenge your home’s assessed value by appealing through your county’s Board of Equalization. Most counties give you until July 1, or 30 to 60 days after your assessment notice, whichever comes later.
Beyond appeals, some homeowners qualify for property tax relief through exemptions, which include:
Senior citizens: Homeowners aged 61 or older may qualify for a property tax exemption if their annual household income exceeds the state limit. The income cap changes over time, so check RCW 84.36.381 or your county’s website for details.
Disabled veterans: Washington offers a property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. To qualify, the veteran must live in the home as their primary residence and meet income limits set by the state.
Gold Star spouses: Surviving spouses of military members killed in action are eligible for a Gold Star spouse exemption. To qualify, apply through your county assessor’s office and show proof of eligibility, including documentation of your spouse’s military service and death.
Organization-specific exemptions: Washington gives property tax exemptions to nonprofits like schools, churches, and charities if they use the property only for their core work. Organizations must apply through the county assessor and prove that the property directly supports their mission.
Property Tax Deductions
Tax deductions: In Washington, landlords can write off property taxes as a business expense, as well as insurance, repairs, depreciation, and more.
Forms: Most landlords report rental property deductions on IRS Schedule E (Form 1040). However, if you offer your tenants extra services and treat your rental more like a business, you should consider using Schedule C instead.
How Often You Pay Taxes
Payment frequency: Washington homeowners typically pay property taxes in two installments yearly. If you miss a tax deadline, expect your local government to charge interest and fees.
Due dates: Local governments split Washington property taxes into two payments. The first half is due by April 30, and the second by October 31. If your total bill is under $50, you must pay your entire balance by April 30.
Late payments: If a homeowner misses a property tax deadline, interest adds up at 0.75% per month. A 3% penalty hits on June 1st for nonresidential and multifamily properties, with another 8% added if the balance remains unpaid by December 1.
How to pay: In Washington, property owners pay taxes through their county treasurer’s office. Most counties let you pay online, by mail, in person, or by using a secure drop box outside the office. Always check local protocols before sending your payment.
What do property taxes pay for in Washington?
Washington property taxes help pay for local services that keep communities running. They fund schools, maintain roads, keep libraries open, and pay emergency response teams. Your property tax dollars keep these essential public systems working across the state.
Education: Property taxes help fund public schools through state and local levies. These dollars cover basics like teacher salaries, classroom materials, and building upkeep, ensuring every school district receives the minimum funding needed to operate.
Public safety: Washington property taxes help cover public safety services like the state patrol, local police, fire districts, and EMS. Some areas add extra taxes to fund specific needs, like regional fire protection or advanced medical response in high-demand zones.
Infrastructure: Local governments use property tax dollars to keep key infrastructure in working order, including highways, local roads, bridges, ferries, and public transit systems.
Government services: Washington property taxes help pay for a wide range of local government services, including libraries, parks, rec centers, trash pickup, public health programs, environmental cleanup, and animal control.
Resources and Contacts
Washington Property Tax FAQs
Does Washington have property tax?
Washington has property taxes, with each county determining its own tax rate and assessing properties annually to calculate the amount due.
How much is property tax in Washington?
On average, Washington property owners pay about $1,500 annually in property taxes.
When are property taxes due in Washington?
Washington property taxes are due in two installments: the first by April 30 and the second by October 31.
What is the property tax rate in Washington?
Washington’s effective property tax rate averages about 0.84%, slightly below the national average.
