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1. When are my property taxes due?

First half property taxes are due by April 30 and second half property taxes are due by October 31.

2. How do I pay my property taxes?

All checks must be made payable to Pierce County and may be mailed with the property tax remittance stub to the address listed below. If the stub is not included please be sure to include the parcel number.

• Pierce County Finance
  P.O. Box 11621
  Tacoma, WA 98411-6621
• Or brought with the property tax remittance stub to:
  Pierce County Assessor - Treasurer's Office
  2401 South 35th Street, Rm 142
  Tacoma, WA 98409
  Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

To pay your property taxes with your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or by E-Check, simply visit the Assessor-Treasurer's online parcel search or call our automated telephone system at (253) 798-3333 and have your parcel number ready. Enter your parcel number and follow the instructions for credit card or E-Check payments.

Note:

• Credit card and E-Check payments are processed by an outside vendor.
• The vendor collects a separate fee of 2.35% of the tax amount being paid on credit card payments and $.50 for each E-Check payment up to $10,000 and $10 for E-Check payments over $10,000.
• The fee will be added to your total and show as a separate line item from your taxes on your credit card statement.
• Credit cards and E-Check payments can only be used to pay on parcels with no delinquent taxes.
• Payments for delinquent accounts must be via the mail or in person.

3. Why does my property value change each year?

The law requires the Assessor-Treasurer's Office to value property at 100% of the true and fair market value. True and fair market value is defined as the price a willing buyer will pay a willing seller. Assessed values are affected by the local real estate market and the real estate market is directly influenced by supply and demand. This affects the cost of materials, labor, and other incidentals required to build, market, and sell a home. We are required to conduct an annual statistical update of assessed values based on real estate transactions. Even if you have not made any improvements to your home, your value continues to follow the market activity in your neighborhood.

4. What can I do if I disagree with my assessed value?

If the taxpayer does not think that their property value is fair market value, they have the right to appeal to the Board of Equalization on or before July 1st of the current assessment year, or 60 days of the date of mailing of a value change notice or other determination notice, whichever is later. The taxpayer must provide specific reasons why he/she believes the Assessor's value does not reflect the true and fair market value (RCW 84.40.0301). The percentage of assessment increase, personal hardship, the amount of tax, and other matters unrelated to the market value cannot be considered.

To obtain an appeal form, contact the Pierce County Board of Equalization at (253) 798-7415.

5. Why haven't I received my tax statement yet?

If a mortgage company pays your taxes, the statement is forwarded to them at their request. If the mortgage company does not request your tax statement you will receive one by default as the tax payer of record. If a mortgage company does not pay your taxes and you have not received a statement by March 31, a copy may be obtained by calling the Assessor-Treasurer's Office at (253) 798-6111 or Toll Free within Washington State at 1-800-992-2456 . It is also advisable to confirm your mailing address in the event you find it necessary to request a statement.

6. How often does the Assessor-Treasurer's Office inspect my property?

Property is inspected once every six years, according to the Assessor-Treasurer's revaluation plan as approved by the Washington State Department of Revenue. If property is inspected more often it could be the result of one or a combination of the following:
• New Construction
• Board of Equalization or State Board of Tax Appeal
• Appraisal Review
• Sales Verification
• Segregation of Property

7. What gives the Assessor the right to photograph or enter my property uninvited?

The laws of the State of Washington require the Assessor-Treasurer or his authorized employees to periodically inspect all real property in Pierce County to determine its true and fair market value. (RCW 84.40.025) Although you may refuse private access to your property, you may not deny access to the Assessor-Treasurer or his employees. You may confirm the credentials of any employee seeking access to your property by calling the Assessor-Treasurer's Office at (253) 798-6111.

8. What will happen if I don't pay my first half tax in April?

Beginning May 1, interest at 1% per month will be charged against the full year tax owing. In addition to the interest, on June 1, a 3% penalty will be charged against the full year tax owing and on December 1, another 8% penalty will be charged against the full year tax. Although interest continues to accrue as long as the tax remains delinquent, the penalty will not rise above a total of 11% (3% after June 1 and an additional 8% after December 1). (RCW 84.56.020) These interest and penalty amounts apply to both Real and Personal Property, however the full year Personal Property amounts plus interest and/or penalties and collection costs must be paid if the first-half payment is not paid by April 30. You may still pay the first half payment of a Real Property tax plus interest and penalties up through the October 31, second-half tax payment deadline. Exact amounts due may be obtained by calling the Assessor-Treasurer's Office at (253) 798-6111.

9. My mortgage company should pay my taxes but they haven't. What should I do?

It is always the responsibility of the taxpayer to ensure that taxes are paid in a timely manner. You may call our automated telephone system at (253) 798-3333 or visit our online parcel search to be sure the taxes are current. If you have made arrangements with a mortgage company to pay taxes for you and if the mortgage company requests your tax statement, the Assessor-Treasurer's office will send it to them as a courtesy, but the responsibility for payment is always yours.