Wonder where your property taxes go? King County assessor launches new website

King County has launched a new website that makes it easier for taxpayers to see where their property tax dollars are going and where they may have to pay more in the future.

The user simply puts in their address to find out what they owe for the year.

It also shows what measures are currently being considered and any proposed tax changes.

For instance, a search using the Space Needle’s address, which is private property, provides a link to Proposition 1, replacement AFIS property tax.

Clicking on the link goes takes the user to the ballot measure on the King County Elections website, which explains that the proposition is to replace an expiring levy to fund the continuing operation of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System -- a tool that helps identify criminals.

The proposition will be voted on in the August Primary.

The Tax Transparency Tool shows how much less or more the taxpayer will pay if the proposition passes.

The site also shows a bar chart that breaks down where each chunk of the property owner’s tax dollars go and how much – for items such as emergency medical services, Sound Transit and schools.

The King County assessor said his office created the website to keep taxpayers up to speed about rising property taxes.

You can use the new Tax Transparency Tool at this link.

Cox Media Group