Property Tax Relief Form is available online if the owner suffered significant windstorm damage.
In response to the “bomb cyclone” storm that ripped through the region recently, the King County Office of Emergency Management is asking residents to report damage they suffered. Over 1800 people have responded thus far. Emergency Management may use this data to request state or federal damage assistance. To report damage, click here
The King County Assessor’s office is now contacting those on this list that reported significant damage to their property and might be eligible for property tax relief.
State law allows taxpayers to apply for property tax relief if their property was damaged or destroyed by recent windstorms. Eligible property includes structures assigned a value by the Assessor - homes, commercial buildings, accessory dwelling units, etc. Damage to fences or landscaping would not be eligible.
So far, 23 claims have been filed with the Department of Assessments.
Information on the criteria for a claim and how to file online If you own property in King County can be found here: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/TaxRelief/DamagedProperty.aspx or you can download a King County Destroyed Property Form (.PDF)
Damaged Property Relief Program Details:
Any real or business personal property that has been destroyed, in whole or in part, may apply.
The amount of tax abatement shall be determined by calculating the taxes on the amount deducted from the assessed value for the number of days that remained in the calendar year after the date of destruction or reduction in the value of the property. If taxes abated have already been paid, the amount paid shall be refunded.
An application must be filed within three years of the date of destruction or reduction in value.
If the taxpayer disagrees with the determination made by the County Assessor regarding the destroyed property exemption, he/she may appeal the amount of reduction to the County Board of Equalization within sixty (60) days of notification from the Assessor
In cases where a fire, natural disaster or vandalism has occurred, supporting documentation is required which identifies the property and the date of occurrence, such as fire department reports and insurance adjuster estimates.
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