News Releases
International Association of Assessing Officers Announces King County, WA Department of Assessments Earns Outstanding Recognition
(Kansas City, Missouri) - The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) is pleased to announce that the King County Department of Assessments has earned the IAAO Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration. IAAO recognizes governmental units and individuals involved with assessment that integrate best practices in the workplace. This challenging and rigorous program is a self-conducted evaluation of specific, accepted, assessment administration and appraisal practices as defined in the IAAO publication Assessment Practices: Self-Evaluation Guide. The King County Department of Assessments has met or exceeded IAAO defined criteria for best practices in the workplace. They will be recognized in September at the International Conference on Assessment Administration as just the fifth applicant to successfully fulfill all the requirements necessary to demonstrate excellence in assessment administration. Gary McCabe, Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) and Chair of the IAAO Research Committee praised the King County Department of Assessments saying they "passed with very high grades. Congratulations to Scott Noble (King County Assessor) and his staff for excellent reports. The King County office embodies the best attributes of a fair property tax, including; stability, transparency, autonomy, and equity." Scott Noble responded, "It is a great honor to be recognized and cited by our peers as among the very best Assessor's offices in the world. The award of the IAAO Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration to King County is a tribute to all of the men and women of the Department of Assessments for their dedication to fairness and outstanding professional public service." About IAAO IAAO is a nonprofit, educational and research association. It is a professional membership organization of government assessment officials and others interested in the administration of the property tax. The association was founded in 1934, and now has a membership of more than 8,000 members worldwide from governmental, business, and academic communities. 2008 Property Taxes Property taxes will show an overall 8.18% increase over last year when tax bills are mailed in King County this February, according to Assessor Scott Noble. New construction revenues (tax neutral) represented 1.63% points, with existing taxpayers seeing an overall increase of 6.55%. Last year, the overall property tax increase was 5.87%, and in 2006 the overall increase was 4.54%. Countywide, 24 out of 31 monetary property tax measures were passed by voters, including 13 permanent lid lifts. Total property taxes for all purposes will total $3.191 Billion in 2008, up $241 million over 2007’s $2.950 Billion. Of the $241 million increase, 19.94% (or $36 million) was due to a record amount of new construction in King County, totaling $6.66 billion of assessed value in 2008. New construction revenues to districts are tax neutral (no tax increase for existing taxpayers). "The increasing reliance on voted property taxes by taxing districts is a continuing trend and is accelerating", Noble said. "In particular, lid-lifts are more common, with voters approving much higher property tax increases", he added. Assessed value changes resulted in 14.14% growth in King County’s tax base for 2008 tax distribution purposes (compared to 10.42% in 2007). Most levy distribution rates per thousand dollars of assessed value have continued to drop throughout the county. King County utilizes multiple years of real estate sales when determining assessments. Valuation appeals remain at historically low levels, numbering 3,500, significantly less than 1% of properties appraised. All school district areas will see overall property tax increases except the Fife School District which has a 3.6% decrease. The highest average increase is within the Skykomish School District (23.5%), followed by Tukwila (12%), Riverview (11.6%), Highline (10.8%), and Kent (10.4%) school districts. Key factors in King County’s 2008 property tax picture are: Voters approved 24 of 31 monetary property tax measures on the ballot in 2007 for 2008 tax purposes, including 13 permanent lid lifts. Approved school district measures include general obligation bonds totaling $695.6 million for capital projects: Seattle School District ($490 million), Federal Way School District ($149 million), and Riverview School District ($56.6 million). Three maintenance and operation levies were also approved beginning in the 2008 tax year for the Seattle School District ($123.5 million), Skykomish School District ($225,000), and the Highline School District ($32.47 million). King County taxpayers approved a permanent six year regional parks lid lift at $0.05/$1,000 along with a companion six year permanent lid lift for the Woodland Park Zoo, open space and trails at $0.05/$1,000. Voters also renewed the EMS levy for another six years at a higher rate of $0.30/$1,000, yielding a 66% increase over last year’s levy. As mentioned above, the City of Milton taxpayers also approved an EMS levy that will piggyback onto King County’s EMS levy, with the taxpayers in Milton on the King County side paying an additional $0.20/$1,000 for that service. The City of Redmond voters approved two permanent lid lifts totaling $0.40/$1,000 for fire, police and school safety at $0.35/$1,000 and the other for a parks program at $0.05/$1,000. The effects of voted permanent lid lifts and the addition of new taxing districts within King County for the 2008 tax year produced the following increases: Initiative 747 removed the ability of taxing districts to increase non-voted property taxes above 1% over the prior highest allowable levy (not necessarily the previous year). Fifty–five taxing districts out of 84 (or 65%) with non-voted tax levies imposed a 1% or lower increase in 2008, excluding new construction. The other districts made use of so-called “banked” levy capacity (accumulated in prior years where they had levied less than the maximum tax allowed) to increase non-voted taxes by from 1.17% to 17.21%. IMPORTANT: Increases in assessed value do not normally equate to equal tax increases. Assessed values are the mechanism to distribute property taxes. The magnitude of property taxes can only be lawfully levied by taxing districts and voters. Increases in the assessed value of existing property do not yield additional tax revenue for taxing districts.
NOTE: The attachments to the 2008 Property Tax release provide details of district levy changes. They are: NEW (per King County Ordinance 0294 passed May 7, 2007) 2007 Property Taxes Property taxes will show an overall 5.87% increase
over last year when tax bills are mailed in King County this February,
according to Assessor Scott Noble. Last year, the overall property tax
increase was 4.54%, and in 2005 the overall increase was 4.16%.
Countywide, 45 out of 54 monetary property tax measures were passed by
voters, of which 31 were for education purposes. Total property taxes for
all purposes will total $2.950 Billion in 2007, up $163 million over
2006’s $2.787 Billion. Of the $163 million increase, $28.2 million was due
to a record amount of new construction in King County, totaling $5.95
billion of new construction value in 2007. New construction revenues to
districts are tax neutral (no tax increase for existing taxpayers).
"The increasing reliance on voted property taxes by
taxing districts is a continuing trend and is accelerating", Noble said.
"In particular, lid-lifts are more common, with voters approving much
higher property tax increases", he added. Assessed value changes resulted in 10.42% growth in
King County’s tax base for 2007 tax distribution purposes (compared to
8.7% in 2006). Most levy distribution rates per thousand dollars of
assessed value have continued to drop throughout the county. King County
utilizes multiple years of real estate sales when determining assessments.
Valuation appeals are at their lowest level in ten years, numbering
approximately 3,000 (less than 1% of properties appraised), a 25%
reduction from last year. The majority of school district areas will see
property tax increases. The highest average increase is within the
Skykomish School District at 10.1%, followed by the Snoqualmie Valley and
Tahoma School Districts at 9.9%, and the Shoreline School District at
8.9%. Average decreases are found in the Renton School District (-0.7%),
Kent School District (-0.6%), and Fife School District (-2.4%). There is
no average change in the Mercer Island School District (0%). Key factors in King County’s 2007 property tax
picture are: Voters approved 45 of 54 monetary property tax
measures on the ballot in 2006 for 2007 tax purposes. Approved school
district measures included: (1) a total of $1.2 billion in new general
obligation bonds for capital improvements, led by the Lake Washington
School District at $436 million and followed by the Issaquah School
District at $242 million; (2) maintenance and operation levies (M&O)
totaling $255 million; (3) technology levies of $36 million; and (4)
transportation levies of $5.8 million. Other taxing districts had measures totaling
$94.8 million passed by voters. A total of 8 of 13 lid lifts (votes to
allow districts to exceed the 1% limit) were approved by voters for the
2007 tax year. The first year tax increases range between about 50.96%
and 6.37%, but in future years most of these districts will be limited
to one percent per Initiative 747. A six year lid lift for King County
for the expired Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) was
approved by voters at a rate not to exceed $0.0568/$1,000 of assessed
value. The City of Des Moines taxpayers approved a permanent lid lift to
$1.60 with a 4% increase for five (5) years, and City of Seattle voters
approved a transportation temporary lid lift for nine (9) years at a
cost not to exceed $36,650,000 per year. As required by law (RCW
36.69.145), Vashon-Maury Island Park and Recreation District voters
approved a new six-year levy for the district. Exceeding the 1% limit approved by voters were
Fire Districts 2, 11, 39, and 43. The Pierce County Library taxpayers
within the City of Milton approved a lid lift to $0.48 for the 2007 tax
year. In addition, general obligation bonds for capital
projects were approved for the City of Shoreline ($18.795 million) and
the City of Issaquah ($6.25 million), both for parks and open
spaces. PLEASE NOTE:
Initiative 747 is before the State Supreme Court, with a ruling
anticipated sometime in 2007. Initiative 747 removed the ability of taxing
districts to increase non-voted property taxes above inflation, and
limited tax growth to 1% over the prior highest allowable levy (not
necessarily the previous year). Fifty–six taxing districts out of 81 (or
69%) with non-voted tax levies imposed a 1% or lower increase in 2007,
excluding new construction. The other districts made use of so-called
"banked" levy capacity (accumulated in prior years where they had levied
less than the maximum tax allowed) to increase non-voted taxes by from
1.09% to 22.87%. The taxing districts with the highest levy
increases are as follows and are attributable to bonds, lid lifts
approved by voters and the use of banked capacity: City of Des Moines
(up 50.96%), Pierce County Library (up 34.87%), Redmond Fire District
#34 (up 27.65%), Vashon Maury Island Park and Recreation District (up
24.11%), Maple Valley Fire District #43 (up 18.91%); City of Seattle (up
14.98%); Bellevue Fire District #14 (up 11.7%), South King Fire and
Rescue District #39 (up 10.4%), Angle Lake Fire District #24 (up
10.08%), City of Newcastle (up 9.98%), Port of Seattle (up 9.67%), King
County (up 9.36%), Issaquah Fire District #10 (up 8.75%), North Highline
Fire District #11 (up 8.73%), Burien Fire District #2 (up 8.42%), City
of Kirkland (up 6.51%), City of Duvall (up 5.95%), and City of Bellevue
(up 5.23%). NOTE: The attachments to the
2007 Property Tax release provide details of district levy changes. They
are:
Additional
Attachments IMPORTANT: Increases in
assessed value do not normally equate to equal tax increases. Assessed
values are the mechanism to distribute property taxes. The magnitude of
property taxes can only be lawfully levied by taxing districts and voters.
Increases in the assessed value of existing property do not yield
additional tax revenue for taxing districts. 2006 Property Taxes Property taxes will show an overall 4.54% increase
over last year, when tax bills are mailed in King County this February,
according to Assessor Scott Noble. Last year, the overall property tax
increase was 4.16%, and in 2004 the overall increase was 4.1%. Countywide,
67% of voted property tax measures were lid lifts, of which 10 out of the
12 measures passed in 2005 for 2006 tax purposes. Voted property taxes
increased by 6.87% over last year, while non-voted taxes increased by
2.7%. Total property taxes for all purposes will total $2.787 Billion in
2006, up $121 million over 2005’s $2.666 Billion. New construction in King County increased to $5.02
billion in 2006, yielding $23.9 million in revenue. “The increasing reliance on voted property taxes by
taxing districts is a continuing trend and is accelerating”, Noble said.
“In particular, lid-lifts are more common, with voters approving much
higher property tax increases”, he added. Assessed value changes resulted in 8.7% growth in
King County’s tax base for 2006 tax distribution purposes (compared to
5.5% in 2005). Most levy distribution rates per thousand dollars of
assessed value have continued to drop throughout the county. King County
averages at least two years of real estate sales when determining
assessments. The State Department of Revenue has measured King County
assessments at about 92% of market value. Valuation appeals number
approximately 3,800 (less than 1% of properties appraised), a 30%
reduction from last year. Average residences will see increases in the
majority of the school districts, with the highest increase within the
Issaquah School District at 8.7% and Renton School District following at
8.6%. Average residences in the Skykomish School District will see a
decrease of 1.4%, with two other school districts showing a 1% increase
(Fife and Riverview). Key factors in King County’s 2006 property tax
picture are: Voters approved 15 of 18 monetary property tax
measures on the ballot in 2005 for 2006 tax purposes. The number of
measures on the ballots was small – the majority of school ballots are
in even numbered years. However, voters in the Auburn school district
approved a general obligation bond for new elementary schools, and in
the Vashon school district voters approved a facility and technology
capital projects levy and a bond to repay a loan for renovation of
facilities. Voters in the Valley General hospital district approved a
permanent lid lift of fifty-nine cents for emergency medical and
hospital services. Also, voters in King County approved a six (6) year
lid lift for veteran’s health and human services at five cents per
thousand of assessed value. A total of 10 of 12 lid lifts (votes to
allow districts to exceed the 1% limit) were approved by voters. The
first year tax increases range between about 600% and 8%, but in future
years these districts will be limited to one percent per I-747. Exceeding the 1% limit approved by voters were
Fire Districts 2, 11, 26, 39, 41, 44, and 49. General obligation bonds
for capital projects were approved in Fire District 40. Although banked
capacity can be used without voter approval, the City of Enumclaw asked
its voters and gained approval to tap into their banked capacity for two
full-time fire fighters and a police dispatcher. Initiative 747 removed the ability of taxing
districts to increase non-voted property taxes above inflation, and
limited tax growth to 1% over the prior highest allowable levy (not
necessarily the previous year). Fifty–eight taxing districts out of 81
with non-voted tax levies, imposed a 1% or lower increase in 2006,
excluding new construction. The other districts made use of so-called
“banked” levy capacity (accumulated in prior years where they had levied
less than the maximum tax allowed) to increase non-voted taxes by from
1.05% to 28.98%. The taxing districts with the highest levy
increase are as follows and are attributable to bonds, lid lifts
approved by voters and the use of banked capacity: Valley General
Hospital District #1 (up 600%), Kirkland Fire District #41 (up 39%), Si
View Metropolitan Park District (up 29%), Snoqualmie Fire District #49
(up 20%), Auburn Fire District #44 (up 19%), Spring Glen Fire District
#40 (up 18%) , City of Burien (up 17%), Shoreline Fire District (up
12%), and the City of Enumclaw (up 9%). IMPORTANT: Increases in assessed value do not
normally equate to equal tax increases. Assessed values are the
mechanism to distribute property taxes. The magnitude of property
taxes can only be lawfully levied by taxing districts and voters.
Increases in the assessed value of existing property do not yield
additional tax revenue for taxing districts. (Please see Attachments
1 and 8.) The other significant variable is cumulative
property tax exemptions enacted by the State Legislature. Exemptions
are tax breaks for certain properties. The tax burden which would
have been paid by these properties is reallocated (shifted) to
properties which do not have an exemption. For the cumulative impact
of exemption tax shifts, see Attachment
2. 2005 Property Taxes Property taxes will show an overall 4.16% increase
over last year, when tax bills are mailed in King County this February,
according to Assessor Scott Noble. Last year, the overall property tax
increase was approximately the same at 4.1%, and in 2003 the overall
increase was 4.9%. Countywide, 46% of voted property tax measures were lid
lifts, of which 14 out of the 18 measures passed in 2004. Voted property
taxes increased by 4.49% over last year, while non-voted taxes increased
by 3.69%. Total property taxes for all purposes will total $2.666 Billion
in 2005, up $107 million over 2004’s $2.559 Billion. “The increasing reliance on voted property taxes by
taxing districts is a continuing trend and is accelerating”, Noble
said. Assessed value changes resulted in 5.5% growth in
King County’s tax base for 2005 tax distribution purposes (compared to
4.6% in 2004). Levy distribution rates per thousand dollars of assessed
value have continued to drop throughout the county. Valuation appeals
number approximately 5,300 (less than 1% of properties appraised), a 30%
reduction from last year. Average residences will see increases in the
majority of the school districts, with the highest increase within the
Fife School District at 10.6% and Renton School District following at
9.1%. Average residences in two school districts, Mercer Island and Tahoma
will see decreases, (1.6%) and (0.9%) respectively. Key factors in King County’s 2005 property tax
picture are Voters approved 31 of 40 monetary property tax
measures on the ballot in 2004. Support for schools remains a top
priority for taxpayers, approving a combination of eight (8) levies for
M&O, transportation and capital projects, totaling $285.5 million
(Auburn, Mercer Island, Renton, Seattle, Fife, Riverview, Federal Way
and Tukwila). A total of 14 of 18 lid lifts (votes to allow districts to
exceed the 1% limit) were approved by voters, with ten (10) of those for
fire protection districts. Exceeding the 1% limit approved by voters were
Fire Districts 2, 11, 16, 20, 26, 27, 28, 36, 37, and 39. General
obligation bonds were approved for Fire Districts 43 and 47 for fire and
life safety facilities and equipment. City of Seattle voters renewed the
Families and Education lid lift for seven (7) years at a cost of $16.7
million maximum per year; the City of Black Diamond rescinded a seven
year lid lift approved by voters in 1999 and replaced it with a new
seven year lid lift at $.86 per year for fire, police and emergency
services; the City of Duvall residents approved a five year lid lift
with a 104% limit factor each year to maintain police and park services;
and lastly, the City of Auburn had a six year lid lift for street
improvements approved by voters with a limit factor of 103% for each of
those years. General obligation bonds were approved for the
City of Issaquah for traffic improvements at a cost of $3.6 million;
$120 million was approved for Evergreen Hospital District #2; and the
King County Library District voters approved a $170 million bond for
library improvements, however, the Library District will not levy for
those dollars until 2006. Initiative 747 removed the ability of taxing
districts to increase non-voted property taxes above inflation, and
limited tax growth to 1% over the prior highest allowable levy (not
necessarily the previous year). Fifty –two taxing districts (same as in
2004) out of 81 with non-voted tax levies, imposed a 1% or lower
increase over 2004 regular taxes in 2005, excluding new construction.
The other districts made use of so-called “banked” levy capacity
(accumulated in prior years where they had levied less than the maximum
tax allowed) to increase non-voted taxes by from 1.02% to 1.53%. The taxing districts with the highest levy
increase are as follows and are attributable to bonds, lid lifts
approved by voters and the use of banked capacity: Evergreen Hospital
District #2 (up 84%), City of Duvall (up 51%), Bryn-Mawr Fire District
#20 (up 40%), Fall City Fire District #27 (up 40%), Enumclaw Fire
District #28 (up 33%), and Woodinville Fire District #36 (up
32%). STATE REPORTS KING COUNTY MEETS APPRAISAL PERFORMANCE
STANDARDS The State of Washington House of Representatives'
Office of Program Research recently released its 2003 statewide evaluation
of assessment practices in the Washington State property tax system. King
County was within all eight International Association of Assessing
Officers (IAAO) performance standards for level of assessment and
uniformity of assessment. King County was among thirteen counties meeting
all standards criteria for the 2003 assessments. The report "Measuring Real Property Appraisal
Performance in Washington's Property Tax System 2003" (dated April 15,
2004) evaluated the results of all 39 counties' 2003 assessments for 2004
property tax distribution purposes. The systems were judged on level of
assessment and uniformity of assessment, including both residential and
commercial properties. King County's overall level of assessment was 97%
of market value. On specific uniformity criteria, King County was in the
top 10% for how close assessments are to each other and in sales value
quartile measurements. "The results speak to the high level of fairness
and equity in the King County assessment process," said Assessor Scott
Noble. He added, "the report's extensive evaluation of our performance
helps our citizens see we are doing a fair job. The King County Assessor's
Office works hard to meet performance standards and I am pleased at how
well staff performed, especially on how close assessments are to each
other." Counties meeting all eight performance standards
for 2003 assessments were King, Asotin, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Island,
Jefferson, Lewis, Lincoln, Skagit, Skamania, Thurston and Walla Walla. Property Tax Bulletin EXEMPTIONS AND TAXES – "A DANGEROUS STATE OF
AFFAIRS" It is estimated $79 Million Dollars in property tax
increases will be enacted for 2005 tax purposes by the latest 2004
Legislative Session with three new property tax exemption proposals signed
by the Governor, and the state property tax levy expected to increase by
the 1% limit per Initiative 747 according to King County Assessor Scott
Noble. The proliferation of exemptions in recent years has
greatly concerned Assessors from around Washington State. "This is
outrageous," said Noble, referring to the huge property tax increases
resulting from property tax exemptions. A requirement for an exemptions review has been an
official Assessors Association Legislative priority for the past three
years: initiating HB 2731 in the 2002 Legislative Session and HB 3063 and
its Senate equivalent SB 6468 in the recent 2004 Legislative Session.
Unfortunately, this effort on enacting review requirements has so far been
unsuccessful. The urgent need for such a review became very
apparent with the release of the 2004 State Department of Revenue Tax
Exemptions Manual. As the property tax system in Washington State is a
budget-based tax system, exemptions for some create property tax increases
onto others who do not benefit from any particular property tax break.
There are over 100 existing property tax exemptions which have been
enacted over the years. A comparison of the 2000 Manual with the 2004
Manual found exemptions increased (emphasis
added) property taxes onto others by $9.352 BILLION DOLLARS. "These
increases are often invisible," Noble said. "It is somewhat similar to
fewer and fewer people paying a lunch tab for ten people -- even though
the total tab may not go up much, the individual shares of the burden
skyrocket as more people skip out on the bill," he added. "During this time period, for every relative $10
share increase in the overall property tax burden, over $9 came from the
state, either through exemption tax shifts ($8.89) or increases in the
state levy ($.57 cents), while $.54 cents came from all other local
governments," said Noble. He added, "individuals who think the primary
property tax problem rests with local government increases are incorrect,
and do not fully understand the real problem with property taxes."
According to the recent 2004 Tax Exemptions Report, exemptions as a
percentage of potential tax base is 69.3%. In stark contrast to property tax increases from
exemptions, increases from all (emphasis added)
taxing districts in Washington State for four years (99-03) totaled $1.172
Billion Dollars ($607 million (or 52%) of this increase came from the
state property tax levy). This means property tax increases from exemptions are at a rate
approximately eight times higher than taxing district levy increases
(non-voted and voter approved measures combined). Underscoring this trend is the fact that, despite
fiscal pressures, the State Legislature set a new record in 2003 for the
number of property tax exemption proposals submitted (39 bills
considered), surpassing the previous record set in 2001 (38 bills
considered). Overall, in the years 1997-2003 there were at least 878
different property tax system bills introduced and considered. Along with the big problem of exemption
proliferation, Noble indicated the number of taxing districts is also an
important issue. "In the Puget Sound metropolitan area we have one taxing
district for every 6,300 citizens, a ratio five times worse than Greater
Los Angeles and seven times worse than New York City," he said. With the vast majority of property tax increases
coming from exemptions within a highly fragmented governance structure,
current reform proposals or tax cut initiatives fundamentally confuse
cause and effect. Real reform and real relief, along with the principles
of fairness and equity, will only come with enacted policies of exemptions
review, governance structural reform, and truth-in-taxation. Noble said "meaningful reform and substantial
property tax relief can be delivered to all taxpayers of Washington State
by reducing exemptions, instituting governance fiscal efficiency measures,
and promoting truth-in-taxation." "Too often what we are told is the tip of the
iceberg, and we get struck with what’s below the surface," Noble
added. Tax Exemptions 2004, January 2004. State of Washington Department of Revenue Research Report, Tax Exemptions 2000, January 2000. State of Washington Department of Revenue Research Report, Property Tax Statistics 2003, September 2003.
2004 Property Taxes – Lowest Overall Increase Since
1998
Property taxes will show an overall 4.1% increase
over last year, when tax bills are mailed in King County this February,
according to Assessor Scott Noble. This is the lowest overall increase
since 1998. Last year, the overall property tax increase was 4.9%, and in
2002 the overall increase was 5.3%. Countywide, 58% of voted property tax
measures were lid lifts (a new record high), of which 10 out of 15
measures passed in 2003. Voted property taxes increased by 6.57% over last
year, while non-voted taxes increased by 2.65%. Total property taxes for
all purposes will total $2.559 Billion in 2004, up $106 million over
2003’s $2.453 Billion. "The increasing reliance on voted property taxes is
a trend likely to continue", Noble said. Assessed value changes resulted in 4.6% growth in
King County’s tax base for 2004 tax distribution purposes (compared to
6.6% in 2003). Levy distribution rates per thousand dollars of assessed
value have generally dropped throughout the county as a result. The average residence will see decreases in the
majority of the school districts, with the smallest decrease at 0.3% in
Tahoma and the highest at 12.1% in Skykomish (no levy in 2004). There were
only three school districts where average residences receive increases,
ranging from 1% in Seattle to 3.6% in Renton. Key factors in King County’s 2004 property tax
picture are: Voters approved 15 of 26 monetary property tax
measures on the ballot in 2003. Due to 2003 being an odd year, the
number of measures on the ballots were small – the majority of school
ballots are in even numbered years. However, voters did support higher
taxes for schools (Auburn, Snoqualmie, Renton, Highline), fire services,
swimming pools, hospital services and parks. Also, 10 of l5 lid-lifts
(votes to allow districts to exceed the 1% limit) were passed. Citizens of Auburn, Snoqualmie and Renton school
districts passed new school facilities bonds totaling $257.5 million and
Highline school district passed a two year M&O levy for $53 million
through 2005. Fire Districts 11, 26, 39, 40, and 43 voters approved
lifting the 1% limit for 2004 property taxes, and Fire District 10
voters approved a new fire benefit service charge which effectively
lowered their regular property tax levy to $1.00. King County voters
increased taxes by approving a four-year lid lift for funding parks,
recreation, open space and trails. City of Mercer Island voters approved
a 6-year maintenance and operation lid lift for Luther Burbank Park.
Voters within the City of Enumclaw also approved a permanent lid lift to
operate their swimming pool. City of Seattle voters increased taxes by
approving the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response temporary lid lift
raising $167.2 million over nine years. Hospital District No. 4
(Snoqualmie Valley) voters also raised their regular levy to $.50 to pay
for hospital services. Initiative 747 removed the ability of taxing
districts to increase non-voted property taxes above inflation, and
limited tax growth to 1% over the prior highest allowable levy (not
necessarily the previous year). Fifty-two taxing districts (a new record
high) out of 81 with non-voted tax levies, imposed a 1% or lower
increase over 2003 regular taxes in 2004, excluding new construction.
The other districts made use of so-called "banked" levy capacity
(accumulated in prior years when they had levied less than the maximum
tax allowed) to increase non-voted taxes by from 1.18% to 19.22%. The
taxing districts of The Town of Beaux Arts (up 19.22%), the County’s
Conservation Futures (up 7.27%) the County Road District (up 5.53%), and
Redmond Fire District #34 (up 5.47%) led the list of districts utilizing
banked capacity to supplement this year’s tax levy. There were also two new taxing districts added to
the tax rolls for 2004 -- Si View Metropolitan Park District and Finn
Hill Park and Recreation District.
2003 Property Taxes – Taxes up 4.9% over
2002
Property taxes will show an overall 4.9% increase
over last year, when tax bills are mailed in King County this February,
according to Assessor Scott Noble. Last year, the overall property tax
increase was 5.3%, and in 2001 the overall increase was 6.3%. Countywide,
a record number of voted property tax measures passed, with the highest
passage rate in the last ten years. Also, the number of lid-lift proposals
considered and passed set new records. Voted property taxes increased by
5.32% over last year, while non-voted taxes increased by 4.62%. Total
property taxes for all purposes will be a total of $2.453 Billion in 2003,
up $114 million over 2002’s $2.339 Billion. "The increasing reliance on voted property taxes is
a trend likely to continue", Noble said. Assessed value changes resulted in 6.6% growth in
King County’s tax base for 2003 tax distribution purposes (compared to
12.1% in 2002). Levy distribution rates per thousand dollars of assessed
value have dropped throughout the county as a result. The average residence will see double-digit tax
increases in four school districts; Highline (up 14.9%), Shoreline (up
13.7%), Mercer Island (up 12%), and Fife (up 10.2%). Smallest tax
increases will be experienced for the average residence in the Enumclaw
(up 0.2%) and Riverview (up 0.8%) school districts. Key factors in King County’s 2003 property tax
picture are: Voters approved 46 of 60 monetary property tax
measures on the ballot in 2002, a new ten year high (the previous record
of 38 passed was in 1998). The 2002 passage rate of 77% also established
a new high surpassing 2001’s rate of 75%. Voters supported higher taxes
for schools, fire services, parks, libraries, and low-income housing.
Also, 11 of l3 lid-lifts (votes to allow districts to exceed the 1%
limit) were passed, both record highs in the number considered and
passed. Citizens of all school districts, except Seattle
and Skykomish, passed new school levies totaling $1.07 Billion through
2007. Fire Districts 2, 4, 11, 26, 39, and 50 voters approved lifting
the 1% limit for 2003 property taxes, and Fire District 20 voters
approved a new bond measure to fund acquisition of land and facilities.
City of Seattle voters increased taxes by renewing the Low-Income
Housing temporary lid-lift for another seven years ($86 million), and
citizens in the City of Kirkland approved bonds and a one-year temporary
lid-lift ($670,000) for parks. Voters also approved fire station bonds
(City of Snoqualmie), a King County Library District lid-lift increase
(up 18%), and a Vashon Park and Recreation District lid-lift increase
(up 28%). Initiative 747 removed the ability of taxing
districts to increase non-voted property taxes above inflation, and
limited tax growth to 1% over the prior highest allowable levy (not
necessarily the previous year). Forty-five taxing districts (out of 79
with non-voted tax levies) imposed a 1% or lower increase over 2002
regular taxes in 2003, excluding new construction. The other districts
made use of so-called “banked” levy capacity (accumulated in prior years
when they had levied less than the maximum tax allowed) to increase
non-voted taxes by from 1.04% to 34%. The taxing districts of The Town
of Beaux Arts (up 34%), Port of Seattle (up 29.9%), and the City of
Bothell (King County – up 10.6%) led the list of districts utilizing
banked capacity to supplement this year’s tax levy.
Assessor's Staff Wins Distinguished Research and
Development Award
The King County Department of Assessments was
awarded the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)
Distinguished Research and Development Award October 14,
2002, at the 68th Annual International Conference on Assessment
Administration in Los Angeles, California The award is "presented to a
non-profit organization, education agency, private sector firm, public
agency or individual for original research in property assessment,
taxation, or mass appraisal techniques." "This award reflects great credit upon all staff
for their hard work, professional talent and commitment to the IAAO goals
of fairness and equity" stated Scott Noble, King County Assessor. "It is
quite an honor for staff to be recognized for outstanding professional
achievement by their colleagues throughout North America." Accepting the award on behalf of King County was
Mr. Don Saxby, Programmer Analyst, who was instrumental in the original
research. Also integral to the research was Ms. Cindy Kohn who was
unable to attend. Previously, the staff of the Assessor’s office was
awarded the Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction Award for North America
on September 30, 1999.
TWO YEARS OF SALES POLICY CONTINUES / NEW NOTICES
MAILED
King County Assessor Scott Noble announced his
office will continue using two years of sales in determining residential
assessments. An extensive analysis of residential real estate sales in all
neighborhoods (attachment) had two major
findings: 1. Two years of sales remains the most fair and appropriate
period for residential assessments; and 2. In all cases, overall sales
prices per square foot during a two-year or annual time period exceed
assessed value levels in all neighborhoods. "It is fair and equitable to continue the practice
of using two years of sales", Noble said, "it has helped improve overall
uniformity in periods of growing market activity and helped eliminate the
influence of market spikes". Noble added, "we took a hard look at sales
after September 11, 2001, and found the market is still appreciating, but
less actively than in past years. The main reasons appear to be low
interest rates and scarcity." Noble also announced his office will begin mailing
the annual 600,000 "Property Value Notices" for real property to taxpayers
this week, and will continue to mail notices through the summer. IMPORTANT: These valuation notices are not tax
bills, nor do the increases equate to tax increases. Assessed values are
the mechanism to distribute property taxes. The magnitude of property
taxes can only be lawfully levied by taxing districts and voters. Valuation notices to be mailed during April reflect
overall market conditions as of January 1, 2002, and show single digit
increases. Appraisers are analyzing sales during 2000 and 2001 to
determine a January 1, 2002 value for 2003 property tax distribution
purposes. Over seven years ago, Scott Noble adopted the
practice of using at least two years of sales to remove speculative value
from the basis for property taxation. He further directed his
administration to extensively document how assessments are done and what
sales were used. These reports, initiated by Noble in 1994, will be
available on the Assessor’s web site (www.metrokc.gov/assessor/) by the
end of April. "Our new site link will improve access to information (by
parcel number) while also protecting the privacy concerns of citizens",
Noble said. The 2002 valuations are the seventh year of King
County’s annual revaluation cycle and set the value (as of January 1,
2002) on which year 2003 property taxes will be distributed. New
construction value and remodeled properties are valued as of July 31,
2002. Final property tax distribution rates for next year
won’t be established until December of 2002, after all property tax ballot
measures have been decided and taxing districts have set their non-voted
property tax levies. King County’s valuation notices include the
property address to assist taxpayers in identifying the subject of the
notice. Information concerning valuation assistance, property tax relief
and valuation appeals is listed on the back of the notice. When taxpayers
receive a valuation notice, they should review their value and determine
from neighborhood sales if the property could reasonably sell for the
appraised value shown (sources of information include realtors, Assessor
Reports, Tax Advisor contact et cetera). Taxpayers have until July 1,
2002, or 60 days from the mailing date of the notice, whichever is later,
to file an appeal. Preliminary
Ratio Study for 2002 Assessments
Information Bulletin: King County Performance Audit Verifies and Validates Residential Assessment Process King County Performance Audit Verifies and Validates Residential Assessment Process The King County Auditor’s office today reported the Assessor’s office meets or exceeds standards for fairness, equity and uniformity in the residential assessment process. The Auditor found that "the Department of Assessments, headed by the County Assessor, performs residential appraisals in a manner which conforms to professional standards for mass appraisals. Based on key indicators of performance, King County meets those standards, and when compared to other counties in Washington State, meets or exceeds the statewide average for those statistical measures." "I am extremely pleased and gratified the success of the hard-working professional staff of the Assessor’s office has been independently recognized," said Scott Noble, King County Assessor. He added, "we appreciate the professionalism and statistical testing expertise of the Auditor’s office." The Assessor’s office annually values all property in King County and relies on characteristics – based multiple regression computer formulas. The Auditor’s office performed rigorous statistical testing for 10 random neighborhoods. Findings were that values were equitable and uniform across neighborhoods, and also horizontal equity existed between these areas. Auditor findings of the Assessor’s office included:
The Auditor also recommended improving delays in appeal order adjustments and better coordination of web sites. " A new Assessors web site by the end of April and our streamlined value adjustments process will improve these areas", Noble said. "I am pleased our citizens have been assured by an independent, official audit that their residential assessment process is fair, equitable and uniform", Noble concluded. The complete report can be viewed at http://www.metrokc.gov/auditor/ by clicking Audit Reports.
2002 Property Taxes - Taxes up 5.3% over 2001 Property taxes will show a 5.3% increase over last year, when tax bills are mailed in King County this February, according to Assessor Scott Noble. Last year, the overall property tax increase was 6.3%. Countywide, voted property taxes constitute 37.0% of the total property tax in 2002. Non-voted taxes are up 6.2% over last year, while voted taxes increased by 3.6%. Total property taxes for all purposes will be $2.339 billion in 2002, up $117 million over 2001’s $2.222 billion. Key factors in King County’s 2002 property tax picture are:
Assessed value changes resulted in 12.1% growth in King County’s tax base for 2002 tax distribution purposes (compared to 13.4% in 2001). Tax rates have dropped throughout the county as a result. Residential taxpayers in the Skykomish school district will see another double-digit tax increase this year (10.3%). Smallest tax changes will be experienced in Issaquah (down 0.2%), Lake Washington (up 0.7%), Enumclaw (up 1.2%) and Kent (up 1.4%) school districts. View the attachments:
Earthquake Damage In response to Wednesday’s earthquake, King County Assessor Scott Noble reviewed possible property tax relief programs available when taxpayers’ properties are destroyed or damaged. “We are here to provide service and assistance to property owners whose property has been damaged or destroyed by the recent earthquake.” Under current law property owners can receive relief on their 2001 property taxes if they suffered property damage. Also, since the state has been declared a disaster area by the federal government, properties whose value has been reduced at least 20% because of the earthquake are also eligible for relief, even if no physical property damage took place. Taxpayers have three years to apply for an adjustment due to damage or destruction. Some tips in claiming this property tax exemption:
Property owners who report damage to the King County Office of Emergency Management will receive a Taxpayer’s Claim for Reduction of Assessment on Destroyed Property form in the mail by the end of the month. Any interested property owner may call the County Assessor’s office at 296-3920 or 296-5151 and ask for the Taxpayer’s Claim for Reduction of Assessment on Destroyed Property, or download the Destroyed Property form.
2001 Property Taxes - Tax Increase Less than 2000 Property taxes will show less of an increase than last year, when tax bills are mailed in King County this February. The average property tax bill in 2001 will show a tax increase of 6.3%, according to Assessor Scott Noble. Last year, the overall property tax increase was 7.4%. Countywide, voted property taxes constitute 37.6% of the total property tax in 2001. Non-voted taxes are up 7.0% over last year, while voted taxes increased by 5.4%. Total property taxes for all purposes are expected to be $2.222 billion in 2000, up $132 million over 2000’s $2.090 billion. Key factors in King County’s 2001 property tax picture are:
Assessed value changes resulted in 13.4% growth in King County’s tax base for 2001 tax distribution purposes (compared to 10.6% growth for 2000). Levy rates per thousand dollars of assessed value have dropped throughout the county as a result. Residential taxpayers in the Skykomish school district will see another double-digit tax increase this year (22.4%) as Skykomish voters approved the first school levy in the Skykomish district since 1983, a three-year levy for school maintenance and operations. Smallest tax increases will be experienced in Renton (2.1%), Shoreline (2.3%), Auburn (2.4%) and Enumclaw (2.7%) School Districts. View the attachments:
Released: March 15,
2000
King County Assessor Scott Noble announced his
office will begin mailing the annual 590,000 "Property Value Notices" for
real property to taxpayers within the next few days, and will continue to
mail notices through the summer.
IMPORTANT:These valuation notices are not tax bills nor
do the increases equate to tax increases. Assessed values are the
mechanism to distribute property taxes, which can only be lawfully levied
by taxing districts and voters. The first 40,000 valuation notices will go to owners of residential property in two areas of the county: the Wallingford, Green Lake, Phinney Ridge, Fremont and Greenwood areas of Seattle; and the Kingsgate/Queensgate, Inglewood/Juanita, and Bothell/Kenmore areas of north King County. County appraisers are finding the residential real estate market continues to be active. Value increases range from 9% in Kingsgate/Queensgate to 18% in Wallingford. Appraisers are analyzing sales taking place in 1998 and 1999, to determine a January 1, 2000 value for taxes in the year 2001. Over five years ago, Scott Noble adopted the practice of using at least two years of sales to remove speculative value from the basis for property taxation. He further indicated his administration follows the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and extensively documents for each area how assessments are done and what sales were used. These reports, initiated by Noble in 1994, will be available for all interested citizens to review as Noble added, "the people expect -- and deserve -- professionalism and accountability for fair assessments." The 2000 valuations are the fifth year of King County's annual revaluation cycle and set the value (as of January 1, 2000) on which year 2001 property taxes will be distributed. New construction and remodeled properties are valued as of July 31, 2000. Final property tax rates for next year won't be established until December, after all property tax ballot measures have been decided and taxing districts have set their budget requirements. King County's valuation notices include the property address to assist taxpayers in identifying the subject of the notice. Information concerning valuation assistance, property tax relief and valuation appeals is listed on the back of each notice. When they receive a valuation notice, taxpayers should review their value and determine from neighborhood sales if the property could reasonably sell for the appraised value shown. Taxpayers have until July 1, 2000 or 60 days from the mailing date of the notice, whichever is later, to file an appeal.
2000 Property Taxes - Tax Increase Less than 1999 Property taxes will show less of an increase than last year, when tax bills are mailed in King County this February. The average property tax bill in 2000 will show a tax increase of 7.4%, according to Assessor Scott Noble. This is down from last year's average 11.6% tax increase. Overall, the share of voted property taxes remained at 38% of the total property tax in 2000. Non-voted taxes are up 8.0% over last year, while voted taxes increased by 6.3%. Total property taxes for all purposes are expected to be $2.09 billion in 2000, up 7.4% over 1999's $1.95 billion. The major reasons for tax growth in 2000 are:
View the attachments:
Assessor's Staff Wins Distinguished Jurisdiction Award Assessor's Staff Wins Distinguished Jurisdiction Award The King County Department of Assessments was awarded the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction Award September 30, 1999, at the 65th Annual International Conference on Assessment Administration. The award is "presented to a state/provincial, regional or local assessment agency that has instituted a technical, procedural or administrative program that is an improvement over prior programs, and is generally recognized as a component of a model assessment system and a contributing factor to equity in property taxation." "This award reflects great credit upon all staff for their hard work, professional talent and commitment to the IAAO goals of fairness and equity" stated Scott Noble, King County Assessor. "It is quite an honor for staff to be recognized for outstanding professional achievement by their colleagues throughout North America." The last West Coast winner of the large jurisdiction award was the British Columbia Assessment Authority in 1983. The 1999 small jurisdiction award winner was Jefferson County, Kansas.
State Reports King County Meets IAAO Performance Standards The State of Washington House of Representatives' Office of Program Research has just released its second statewide evaluation of assessment practices in the Washington State property tax system. King County was within all eight International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) performance standards for the second year in a row. King County was among eleven counties meeting all standards for the 1998 assessments and among the six counties meeting all standards last year. The report "Measuring Real Property Appraisal Performance in Washington's Property Tax System 1998" evaluated the results of all 39 counties' 1998 assessments for 1999 property tax distribution purposes. The systems were judged on level of assessment and uniformity of assessments, including both residential and commercial properties. King County's level of assessment was at an overall 93% of market value. Uniformity of assessment refers to how close assessments are to each other. King County was judged to be in the to 10% of counties on specific uniformity measurements, indicating a very high level of uniformity and fair distribution of taxes set by districts and voters. King County Assessor Scott Noble commented, "Reports evaluating our performance help our citizens judge if we are doing a fair job. Our staff works hard to meet performance standards and I am pleased at how well we performed, especially on how close assessments are to each other. Counties meeting all eight performance standards for 1998 assessments were King, Adams, Clallam, Clark, Douglas, Jefferson, Kitsap, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit and Thurston.
Significant Improvements in Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Persons Significant improvements in property tax relief for seniors and disabled persons become law in 1998, according to King County Assessor Scott Noble. New legislation not only expanded the range of allowable income for property tax relief, but also increased the amount of relief provided for lower income levels. "The Washington Association of County Assessors worked hard to ensure the legislature included these additional benefits for Washington taxpayers most in need", Noble further stated. The maximum income allowable for 1999 property taxes is now $30,000, up from $28,000. Increasing benefits are provided for incomes between $18,001 - $24,000, with greatest benefit allowed to incomes of $18,000 or less. Formerly, other income categories providing increased benefits were for incomes between $15,001 and $18,000, and $15,000 or less. All persons granted a senior/disabled exemption for 1999 taxes will still receive exemption from paying property tax on excess levies (such as local school levies, and voted bond levies for special city, county or fire district projects). In addition, persons in the $18,001 - $24,000 category will be excused from paying regular property taxes on 35% of their assessed value (up to a maximum of $60,000 – with a minimum exemption of $34,000). Formerly this benefit was 30% to a maximum of $50,000. Persons receiving $18,000 or less income will not pay regular property taxes on 60% of their assessed valuation (formerly 50%). For individuals already enrolled in the senior/disabled exemption program, adjustments to their benefits will be made automatically for 1999 taxes. Persons who feel they may qualify for exemption but are not currently enrolled in the program should contact the Assessor's office. In addition to meeting income requirements, to qualify persons need to be 61 years of age or over, or retired from employment because of disability. Call the Assessor's Senior Exemption program at (206) 296-3920 for information and forms, or visit the Exemption Program office in Seattle, at 500 Fourth Avenue, Room 709 (seventh floor of the King County Administration Building). You can also get more information and an application form from the Assessor's web site on the Internet: Click here to review the Exemptions Form
Updated: October 15, 2008
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