Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Chelan County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Chelan County

Property taxes in Chelan County are based on the assessed value of your property and the combined millage (tax) rates set by local taxing districts. Here's how the process works:

• Assessment: The Chelan County Assessor's Office determines your property's market value as of January 1 each year. This value is used to calculate taxes for the following year.
• Tax Rates: Rates are expressed in "mills" (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). Rates vary by location and include levies for schools, fire districts, libraries, and other local services.
• Calculation: Your annual tax = (Assessed Value / 1,000) x Total Millage Rate. For example, a $400,000 home with a 10-mill rate would owe $4,000 annually.

Available Exemptions

Washington State and Chelan County offer several exemptions to reduce property tax burdens:

• Senior Citizen/Disabled Exemption: Low-income seniors (61+) or disabled persons may qualify for a reduction in assessed value or a deferral program.
• Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability or their surviving spouses may qualify for full or partial exemptions.
• Homestead Exemption: While Washington doesn't offer a traditional homestead exemption, the state limits annual property tax increases to 1% unless new construction or voter-approved levies apply.

Applications for exemptions must be filed with the Chelan County Assessor's Office by March 31.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Chelan County property taxes are due in two installments:

• First Half: Due by April 30 (or next business day if weekends/holidays apply).
• Second Half: Due by October 31.

Consequences for late payments include:

• A 3% penalty for payments received after the due date.
• Additional 8% interest if unpaid by June 1 (first half) or December 1 (second half).
• Risk of foreclosure if taxes remain unpaid for three consecutive years.

Payment options include online, mail, in-person, or through your mortgage escrow account.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property's assessed value is incorrect, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Contact the Chelan County Assessor's Office (due by July 1) to discuss discrepancies informally.
• Step 2: File a formal appeal with the Chelan County Board of Equalization (BOE) by July 1 or within 30 days of the assessment notice.
• Step 3: Prepare evidence (e.g., recent appraisals, comparable sales, or photos of property defects) to support your claim.
• Step 4: Attend the BOE hearing to present your case. If unsatisfied, you may appeal further to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals.

Note: Appeals must be based on the property's assessed value, not the tax amount or rate.