Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Thurston County

Property taxes in Thurston 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 Thurston County Assessor's Office determines your property's fair market value as of January 1 each year. This value is used to calculate your tax bill.
• Tax Rates: Tax rates (millage rates) are set by local entities like schools, cities, and emergency services. These rates are applied per $1,000 of assessed value.
• Calculation: Your tax bill = (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

Thurston County offers several exemptions to reduce property tax burdens for eligible residents:

• Senior Citizen/Disabled Exemption: Low-income seniors (61+) or disabled individuals may qualify for a reduction in property taxes or deferral programs.
• Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability or their surviving spouses may receive full or partial exemptions.
• Homestead Exemption: While Washington doesn't have a traditional homestead exemption, the state limits annual property tax increases to 1% for primary residences under certain conditions.

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

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Thurston 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.

Late payments incur penalties:

• 1% penalty if paid within 30 days of the deadline.
• Additional 1% per month (up to 12%) for payments over 30 days late.

Payment options include online (credit/debit/eCheck), mail, or in-person at the Thurston County Treasurer's Office.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property's assessed value is incorrect, you can appeal:

• Step 1: Contact the Thurston County Assessor's Office to discuss discrepancies before filing a formal appeal.
• Step 2: File an appeal with the Thurston County Board of Equalization (BOE) by July 1 or within 60 days of your assessment notice (whichever is later).
• Step 3: Provide evidence (e.g., recent comparable sales, appraisal reports) to support your claim during the BOE hearing.

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