Most Property Taxes Bills Higher This Year In King County

KING COUNTY, WA — The first property tax bills of 2021 will begin arriving in mailboxes soon, and most King County taxpayers should prepare themselves for higher rates, according to the county assessor's office.

The Seattle Times reports the amount due in 2021 is based on property values assessed in January 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Washington and across the nation. This year's increase is due, in part, to voter-approved levies passed on the local and regional level, and the county expects to collect roughly $256 million more in revenue compared to 2020, according to the newspaper.

In some communities, the increase will hit double digits, while a select few cities will pay a little bit less than last year.

Here are a few of the biggest jumps in King County:

• Algona: +18.27%
• Maple Valley: +15.12%
• Pacific: +12.7%
• Enumclaw: +11.26%
• Auburn: +8.75%

Here are a few more rate changes near your Patch:

• Bellevue: +4.32%
• Issaquah: +1.31%
• Kirkland: +3.57%
• Mercer Island: +1.48%
• Redmond: +1.78%
• Renton: +2.45%
• Sammamish: +0.9%
• Seattle: -1.45%
• Shoreline: +3.99%
• Woodinville: +0.35%
• Unincorporated: +2.41%

This year's tax bills will not be deferred, and the first installment is due April 30, followed by the second half on Nov. 1. State law allows for deferrals or property tax exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities up to a certain income threshold. Property owners who cannot afford the full amount may also qualify for monthly payment plans, rather than paying a lump sum.

Learn more about this year's property taxes on the King County website.