In response to Wednesday s earthquake, King County Assessor Scott Noble reviewed possible property tax relief programs available when taxpayers properties are destroyed or damaged. We are here to provide service and assistance to property owners whose property has been damaged or destroyed by the recent earthquake. Under current law property owners can receive relief on their 2001 property taxes if they suffered property damage.
Taxpayers have three years to apply for an adjustment due to damage or destruction.
It is best to file your claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs so the appraiser can inspect the damaged property soon after destruction. If you make the claim after the destruction has been repaired, it may be difficult to demonstrate what damage had occurred. Taking photographs of the property at the time of damage will assist you in later proving your claim. Property owners who report damage to the King County Office of Emergency Management will receive a Taxpayer s Claim for Reduction of Assessment on Destroyed Property form in the mail by the end of the month. Levy rates per thousand dollars of assessed value have dropped throughout the county as a result.