Property Taxes

2022 Property Taxes

Overall, countywide property tax collections for the 2022 tax year stand at $6.79 billion, an increase of $190 million --3% -- over last year’s total of $6.6 billion. Total County property values, however, increased by more than 9%, from $659.5 billion to $722.5 billion.

Residential property prices have remained high during the COVID-19 pandemic, partially driven by a lack of housing inventory.

Still - it is essential to remember that voter-approved taxes are probably the primary reason for increased property taxes, not the monetary value of the property itself.

Local governments are permitted to hike property tax collections by not more than 1% per year without consulting the general public via a vote.

Property taxes fluctuate depending on location, the assessed value of the property, and the number of jurisdictions levying taxes (such as state, city, county, school district, port, fire district, etc.).

Tax Transparency Tool: Estimate the impact of proposed taxes on your property

King County Treasury will send out the annual property tax bills on February 15. King County collects property taxes on behalf of the state, the county, cities, and taxing districts (such as school and fire districts) and distributes the revenue to these local governments.

About 57 percent of property tax revenues collected in King County in 2022 pay for schools. Property taxes fund voter-approved measures for veterans and seniors, fire protection, and parks. King County receives about 17 percent of your property tax payment for roads, police, criminal justice, public health, elections, and parks, among other services.

Seniors and the disabled must be aware of our state’s property tax relief programs. King County taxpayers who are 61 years or older, or disabled, own their home, and have an annual income of $58,423 or less after certain medical or long-term care expenses, may be eligible for tax relief.

Property Tax Exemptions

Taxpayers should visit the King County website for more information and apply online as required.