Assessor's Office

Exemption FAQs

Who is eligible for this exemption? ▼
To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
  • Age or Disability: Must be 61 or older, disabled, or a veteran with service disability by December 31 of the previous year
  • Income: Maximum household income of 43,000 or less
  • Residency: Must own your home and reside in the house as your primary residence for a minimum of 6 months of the prior calendar year
What kind of exemption is available?▼
Eligible applicants receive a reduction in taxes. This program does not eliminate all property taxes.
  • Freezing property value on your primary residence the year you are eligible
  • $37,001 – $43,000: Exemption from all excess voter-approved levies and State School part 2
  • $31,001 – $37,000: Exemption from excess levies and State Schools part 2 on the first $50,000 or 35% of the home’s assessed value, whichever is greater, not more than $70K
  • $31,000 or less: Exemption from excess levies and State Schools part 2 on the first $60,000 or 60%, whichever is greater
How do I apply?▼
Apply in person, by email, or send paper applications to the Kittitas Assessor’s Office:

Attn: Senior Exemption Program Specialist
205 W 5th Ste 101
Ellensburg WA 98926
Phone: (509) 962-7635
Email: assessoradmin@co.kittitas.wa.us
What counts as income?▼
  • Social Security income
  • Pension/retirement income
  • Wages (if applicable)
  • Investment income including capital gains, dividends, or interest
  • Business, rental, or farming income

Applicants must complete the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet which provides more guidance on income sources. A complete list of income can be found RCW.84.26.383.
When is the deadline to apply?▼
Participants must apply annually by October 1st.

If it is your first time applying and you feel you qualified in the past, you may be eligible to apply with backdated benefits.
Is the exemption permanent?▼
No, there is an annual application and renewal process that requires you to update your income, ownership, or living situation changes.

We send in the mail your renewal application when it’s time for you to reapply.
What if I move or sell my home?▼
The exemption does not transfer automatically. We monitor sales records and will remove the exemption as of the sale date.

You can contact the Assessor’s office if you purchase another home in the county to see if your exemption can transfer. If your new home is located outside the county but in Washington State, you can contact the new county to see if your exemption is transferable.
What documentation will I need?▼
  • Proof of Identity such as driver’s license, passport, or military ID
  • Disability certification (if applicable)
  • Trust documents (if applicable)
  • Income documents
  • Expense deductions

For a complete list of Items to bring with you, click here.
What is an ADU on the application?▼
Accessory dwelling unit means a separate, autonomous residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation (RCW 84.36.383(1))

Beginning in 2025, accessory dwelling units may be eligible for certain property tax assistance programs available to individuals.
What is a Status Change?▼
You must notify the Assessor’s Office if:

  • You sold or purchased property
  • You no longer live in your home
  • Your spouse/co-owner/partner passed or retired
  • You are no longer disabled or have entered into gainful employment
  • Your marital status has changed
  • You did not live in your home for more than 6 months in the qualifying year
  • You put your property into a trust