You Might Be Eligible for a Property Tax Reduction!

There’s some good news regarding property taxes. Washington state has a program to help older people remain in the homes they love by lowering their property taxes. Even better, the Legislature updated that program by raising the income limit to keep up with inflation, which will provide tax savings for tens of thousands more King County residents.

This exemption can reduce your property tax by 30 to 90 percent, depending on your income level, property value, and taxing district.

The annual income limit to qualify for this program is now $84,000. If your annual household income falls below that threshold, and you meet the following criteria, you should apply for this exemption.

Age/Disability

• At least age 61 by Dec. 31 of the preceding year; or
• Are disabled and unable to work; or
• You are a veteran of the U.S. armed forces with a service-connected evaluation of 80 percent or entitled to and receiving compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the 100 percent rate because you are unemployable due to your service-connected disability. (Note: service-connected disability income does not count toward the income limit of $84,000.)

Ownership/Occupancy

• Own the residence as of Dec. 31 of the preceding year; and
• Occupy as a primary residence at least six months of the preceding year.

Income (earned in 2023)

• Annual household income under the threshold of $84,000, including Social Security and other sources (RCW 84.36.383(5)).

You can apply for this property tax exemption online at senior-exemption.kingcounty.gov.

Raising the income limit and expanding eligibility for this exemption has led to a surge in the number of applications, but King County Assessor John Wilson, who administers the program, has worked to reduce the time it takes to process applications.

To get more information or assistance with your online application, email exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-3920.

The King County Assessor’s Office contributed to this article. For more information, visit kingcounty.gov/en/dept/assessor.