Common Questions The following commonly-asked questions and their answers provide an overview of the Assessor's responsibilities and the basis for them. One very important fact should be kept in mind. The Assessor performs the function of an appraiser in placing a dollar value on your home or other property. The Assessor does not establish the dollar amount of taxes required nor does the Assessor bill or collect taxes. Taxpayers, state limitations and assessed value determine the tax rate for each district. The County Treasury Operations bills and collects the required tax. I received the valuation notice for my property and the land value went up and the building value went down. Why? Although a separate valuation is made of land and improvements for assessment purposes according to state statute and appraisal standards, the total value should represent the market value of the entire property. The term "market value" embodies the concept of highest and best use, the reasonable probable and legal use of property that results in the highest value in the appropriate marketplace. As land values in an area increase due to market factors the contribution of improvements to the total value may diminish. With higher land values the improvement values are decreased to ensure the total assessment does not exceed market value. In the appraisal process for assessment purposes the land is valued as if vacant based upon comparable land sales. Next the total value of the property (land and improvements) is determined based upon comparable sales of similarly improved properties. The difference between the total value and the land value is the contribution, or value, of the improvements. What kinds of property are taxable? Under Washington state law, two types of property can be assessed and taxed: Real property (real estate) which is land, improvements attached to the land (buildings, etc.) and improvements to the land (driveways, bulkheads, etc.) Personal property means assets used in the operation of a business such as: machinery, equipment, signs, furniture, fixtures and supplies consumed in the operation of a commercial, industrial or agricultural enterprise. Privately owned vehicles, household goods, furniture and personal effects typically are not subject to property tax. Floating homes also are valued as personal property. Mobile homes are valued as personal property when they are located on leased land. Otherwise, they are valued as real property. How is the value of real property determined? In Washington State, assessment for tax purposes means establishing the full market value of your land and its improvements. Three approaches may be used to determine real property value. They are: market, cost and income. How is the value of personal property determined? Most personal property assessments are based on information provided by the taxpayer on personal property affidavit forms furnished by the Assessor. The Assessor uses information provided by the taxpayer to determine value; taking into consideration the age, cost and type of property. How am I notified of my property's value? A Value Change Notice is mailed each time your property is revalued for tax purposes. It shows both the previous and the new values. Is property assessed at its full value? Yes. The state constitution requires property to be assessed at 100% of its true and fair value. What determines the amount of property tax? The costs of state and local government determine how much property tax will be levied. How are property tax levies established? The state constitution, statutory levy limits set by the legislature and excess levies approved by the voters are used to calculate the total property tax levy. What are the legal limitations on property taxes? These limitations include: The 1% constitutional limit Statutory maximum rates for districts The 101% limit Excess levies Where can I read more about how the 1% property tax limit works? http://dor.wa.gov/Content/GetAFormOrPublication/PublicationBySubject/TaxTopics/PropertyTax/OnePercentQnA.aspx What happens if levy limits are exceeded? If the statutory or 101% limits are exceeded by an individual district, then their levy is reduced to a lawful amount. How do I find out the amount of property taxes I must pay? Each February, you or your mortgage company (if you have an escrow account) will be mailed a tax bill for each property you own. It will show the amount of taxes due for that year. You can also go to http://webapp.metrokc.gov/KCTaxinfo/ and type in your account number (also known as the parcel number) and view the amount of taxes you owe. How do I qualify for property tax exemptions or deferral? If you are a senior citizen or disabled person you qualify for an exemption if you: have a total annual income of $35,000 or less and, are 61 years of age of older or, are retired because of physical disability or, are a widow or widower at least 57 years of age whose spouse had an exemption at the time of his or her death. If you are a senior citizen or disabled person you qualify for a deferral if you: have a combined disposable income of $40,000 or less are at least 60 years old when you file or, retired because of a disability. What other types of exemptions are available? Other exemptions include: destroyed property current use assessment of farm and agricultural land, timber land and other open space home improvement historical property timber land. What other kinds of property are exempt? Other types of property which may be exempt include: publicly-owned property church-owned property used for church purposes properties used for a variety of character building, benevolent, protective or rehabilitative social services. If I move, where do I send my address change? Please send mailing address changes to: King County Treasury Operations 500 Fourth Avenue - #600 Seattle, WA 98104 Please include your property tax account number with your request. How do I question or appeal the value placed on my property? First, contact us. If it appears an error may have been made, the department can conduct an assessment review and, if indicated, adjust the assessed value of your property. You also can appeal to the King County Board of Equalization. Assistance may be obtained from the King County Property Tax Advisor. How do I obtain other information and assistance? Call us or come in to the office for information about the assessment process. Or, e-mail us(Including your name and phone number will help us contact you if we have difficulty e-mailing you.) Property information is also available at the King County Community Service Centers in Cottage Lake, Covington, BlackRiver, Northshore, the Regional Justice Center in Kent, Sammamish and at Vashon. Updated: May 2, 2008 Department of Assessments King County | Department of Assessments | News Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details.