Tax Benefits Every Homeowner Should Know About

More than 26,000 low-income seniors and disabled people in King County who qualify for a tax exemption haven’t claimed it…are you or your family member one of them?

If you are homeowner, make $58k or less per year, and are either age 61+ or retired due to disability, there is a good chance you qualify. You can even retroactively apply for the exemption for the prior 3 years!

Scroll down for details on this exemption plus 4 other property tax relief programs that King County offers.

In another county? Here is the full list of income thresholds for every county in Washington State, and here is another link to view the programs each county offers.

Senior/Disabled Property Tax Exemption

What Is It?

A reduction in King County property tax for seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans.

Who Qualifies?

• Seniors age 61+

or

• Those who cannot work due to a disability

or

• Veterans with service-related disabilities

You Must…

• Own your home
• Have occupied it as a primary residence at least 6 months out of the year

Income Limit

• $58,423 maximum annual household income in the previous year

Ways to Apply

• Click here to apply online
• Call (206) 296-3920
• Ask your local senior center if they help with applications

Senior/Disabled Property Tax Deferral

What Is It?

The ability for seniors & disabled people to defer unpaid property tax/special assessments, including back taxes for as long as you’ve owned the home. Deferred taxes + any accumulated interest then become a lien on the property until it’s repaid.

Who Qualifies?

• Seniors age 60+

or

• Those who cannot work due to a physical disability

You Must…

• Own your home and have lived in it for more than 9 months in a calendar year
• Meet an equity requirement

Income Limit

• $67,411 maximum annual household disposable income

How to Apply

• Call (206) 263-2338

More Tax Relief Programs…

Limited Income Deferral

What Is It?

The ability to defer the second installment of your property taxes/special assessments (normally due October 31st) if you are a low-income homeowner. The deferred taxes plus interest become a lien on the property until they’re repaid.

You Must…

• Have owned your property for 5 years
• Be living in the home as of January 1st of the application year AND more than 9 months during that year
• Meet an equity retirement
• Have already paid the first half of your taxes (due April 30th)

Income Limit

• $57,000 maximum annual household income in the previous year

How to Apply

• Call (206) 263-2338

Homeowner Improvement Exemption

What Is It?

Relief from tax increases caused by major additions or remodels.

You Must…

• Own a detached single family dwelling (including mobile homes)
• File your claim for exemption with the assessor BEFORE construction is complete

How to Apply

• Call (206) 263-2338

Flood & Storm Damage Property Tax Reduction

What Is It?

Tax relief for property damaged by something beyond the owner’s control. Eligible properties receive a reduction of assessed value resulting in lower property taxes. In addition, taxpayers can receive an exemption to keep taxes lower for the 3 years after they rebuild.

You Must…

• Have your property on the assessment roll as of January 1st in the year it was damaged
• Have property that was destroyed, OR was in a declared disaster area and reduced in value by more than 20% as a result of the disaster

How to Apply

• Complete a Destroyed Property Claim Form and file it with King County Dept of Assessments within 3 years of the damaging event
• Call (206) 263-2332 with questions

For more information on any of these programs, visit the King County Assessor’s tax relief page. You can also find info for other counties on the WA Dept of Revenue website.