Save on Washington Property Taxes

For some people they are not even aware of something called the senior property tax exemption program. That is because, it is not widely advertised, but it can be a huge benefit to you or a family member.   Program Benefits: This program allows you to receive a reduction in the amount of property taxes you pay. The amount of the reduction is based on the applicants income, value of the residence and the local levy rates. Program Criteria: To take advantage of this deduction, you must fit one of the following criteria as of December 31 of the year before the taxes are due; Must be at least 61 years old. retired from regular gainful employment due to a disability. Veteran of the armed forces of the United States receiving compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as one of the following : combined service-connected evaluation rating of 80% or higher total disability rating for a service connected disability without regard to evaluation percent. Qualifying Activity: You must own and occupy a primary residence in the State of Washington and have a combined disposable income of Income Threshold 3 or less. Beginning in 2020, Income Threshold 3 will be based on the county median income where the residence is located. Income thresholds for the 7 highest populated counties are listed below. County Income Threshold 1 Income Threshold2 Income Threshold 3 King County $40,447 $49,435 $58,423 Pierce County $31,644 $38,676 $45,708 Snohomish County $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 Thurston County $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 Kitsap County $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 Clark County $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 Spokane County $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 Reporting and Documentations requirements: Completion of the Application for Senior Citizen and Disabled Person Exemption from Real Property Taxes. Disabled person must provide written acknowledgement by Social Security or Veterans Administration or Proof of Disability Affidavit. Renewal is required at least once every six years as determined by the local assessor.  Must report change in status.  Most Asked Questions: Will I have to pay the taxes later? No. This program lowers your property taxes. After you are approved for this program, you no longer owe those higher taxes. You do not have to pay them back. Will there be a lien on my property? No. The property tax exemption lowers your property taxes and there will not be a lien on your property. Will my property taxes still increase with the value of my house? No. When you are approved for the property tax exemption, the value of your property will be “frozen” as of January 1 of the initial application year for property tax purposes. The frozen value of your property (or the market value if it is less) will then be used to determine your property taxes for future years as long as you continue to receive the property tax exemption.  Can I use the property tax exemption for a second home? No. The property tax exemption only applies to your primary residence.  You cannot get a property tax exemption on any property where you don’t live most of the time (like a second home or rental property).  Can I keep the exemption even if I have to move to get long-term care?  After you qualify, you can keep the property tax exemption on your home, even if you have to go into a hospital, nursing facility, assisted living facility.  If you have more questions a great resource is the Washington Law Help. Here is the web address that will take you to the specific webpage.   https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/resource/property-tax-exemptions-for-senior-citizens. 

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