Press Release
Assessor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE SENIORS OR DISABLED CITIZENS MAY QUALIFY FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Kittitas County, WA - 08/14/2015 - Senate Bill 5186 has raised the income limit to qualify for both the a property tax exemption program and the property tax deferral program.

Property Tax Exemption
Recently enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5186)  has raised the income limit to qualify for a property tax exemption from $35,000 to $40,000 for property owners 61 years or older, or those retired due to a service or job-related disability.  This change is not retroactive.  Increased income limits in 2015 will apply to exemptions granted for 2016 tax year and thereafter.  The exemption applies to a person’s principal residence and depends upon the combined disposable income of the applicant, spouse, partner and/or co-tenants occupying the same home.
 
This reduction in property taxes does not result in a lien against the property, says Marsha Weyand, Kittitas County Assessor.  In order to qualify the following conditions must be met:
 

• You (or a spouse) must be at least 61 years of age at the time the claim is filed (or by December 31 of the filing year) or are unable to work due to a physical disability (a doctor-signed form from the Assessor’s Office is required)
• You must own and live in the home as your primary residence
• Your combined annual disposable household income is no more than $40,000

 
The Assessor’s Office staff is available to fill out applications and provide assistance for new applicants and for those who are filing their annual reapplication.  Applications will not be accepted without complete income documentation at the time of filing.
 
Property Tax Deferral
The legislation also raised the income limit from $40,000 to $45,000 for the deferral program, which delays property taxes for seniors and the disabled until a later date. Under the deferral program, the Washington State Department of Revenue pays the property taxes and any special assessments on the property owner’s behalf. The deferred amount, plus interest, becomes a lien on the home until the total amount is repaid.
 
To be eligible for the deferral, the homeowner must be either at least 60 years old, unable to work because of a disability, or be at least 57 years old and the surviving spouse or partner of someone who was receiving a deferral at the time of death.  The county administers property taxes on behalf of the state. Interested homeowners should contact their local county assessor’s office to apply.
 
Please visit the Assessor’s Office in the County Courthouse at 205 West Fifth Avenue, Suite 101 in Ellensburg or call (509) 962-7501 if you have any questions regarding these programs.

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Cindy Adams, Administrative Assistant
(509) 962-7547