Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Jane Hague and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara will host two town halls in Bellevue and Kirkland. These public meetings will be an opportunity for East King County residents to learn more about how property values are established, how property taxes are calculated, and where the money goes.
The one in Kirkland will be held at Kirkland City Hall at 7 p.m. on April 22, while the one in Bellevue will be held at the Bellevue Community Center at 7 p.m. on April 8.
“It is important that our residents understand this process, especially in this economy of ever-changing real estate values and property taxes,” Hague said. “I am also glad that a member of the Board of Appeals will be available for questions on the appeal process.”
Hara and staff will be present to answer questions on the property valuation process, appeals and property tax exemption programs.
“Continuing the 2014 trend, property values are increasing across King County as we emerge from the Great Recession,” Hara said. “Last year, we saw a valuation increase in 85 of the 86 residential areas and we expect to see continued growth in residential values in 2015.”
Hara would like to remind all property owners to carefully review the information contained in the valuation notice or visit our website.
In addition, the King County Assessor’s Office recently launched LocalScape, a new dynamic property data portal designed to unleash the power of community data and redefine civic engagement.
Some low-income seniors, disabled veterans, or disabled persons retired because of a disability might be eligible for a property tax deferral or exemption. The King County Assessor’s Office encourages you or those you know to contact our office to determine eligibility.
The Clerk of the King County Board of Equalization (BOE) Neal Cooke will provide information on property valuation appeals. The BOE is independent from the Assessor’s Office and is comprised of seven citizen members appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the King County Council. King County property owners have 60 days from the postmark date on their valuation notice to file an appeal.
