SEATTLE — About 17,000 low-income seniors are currently registered in King County for property tax exemption and deferral programs, when the assessor believes double that number qualify.
“I was frankly shocked to find out that over the last four years that it’s actually declined each of those four years,” said John Wilson, the new assessor in King County.
The exemption and deferral programs apply to all low-income seniors, retired disabled citizens and veterans in Washington state.
If you are a senior citizen or disabled, you qualify for an exemption if:
- You have a total annual income of $40,000 or less
- Own and occupy a house, mobile home, condo or co-op as principle residence as of December 31 of the year prior to the year of application
- You are 61 years of age of older or
- You are retired because of physical disability or
- You are a widow or widower at least 57 years of age whose spouse had an exemption at the time of death.
This exemption means one would not have to pay taxes on up to 60 percent of the value of the home.
To apply, use this form: http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/Common-Questions/~/media/depts/assessor/documents/Forms/ExemptionForms/Senior/SrCitDisApp.ashx.
If you are a senior citizen or disabled, you qualify for a deferral if:
- You have a combined disposable income of $45,000 or less
- Own and occupy a house, mobile home, condo or co-op as principle residence as of December 31 of the year prior to the year of application
- You are at least 60 years old when you file or
- You are retired because of a disability.
This deferral means that the taxes would have to be paid later.
To apply, use this form: http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/Common-Questions/~/media/depts/assessor/documents/Forms/ExemptionForms/disability.ashx?la=en
“It’s a right taxpayers have that they have that they’ve earned,” Wilson said, “We’re not going to tax you out of your home, just because you’re older or in a low-income situation.”
Trinidad Martinez said she and her husband got a second mortgage in order to pay for projects to improve the house they’ve lived in for 40 years. She is now handling the bills for the first time since her husband died last year.
“It’s new for me, and I would like my property taxes to go down, because I did them and I thought it was a lot of money,” Martinez said.
Duane Smart said he would also like to look into whether he qualifies.
“I’m done with mortgage payments. I do look at the escalating property taxes, you know when you’re basically a fixed income, it becomes a concern,” Smart said.
He said that at his age, anything could happen, including suddenly needing to move to an expensive facility. So any bit of savings helps.
The new assessor, John Wilson, said he will also propose a new program to state lawmakers, so that landlords renting units at more affordable rates can earn a similar tax exemption.
KIRO
