Kitsap County Assessor's Newsletter January 2024

What is the one percent property tax levy limit?

The one percent property tax limit has been in place for over 20 years but can be misunderstood.  This limit does not mean that the assessed value on your property may only increase by 1%. The Assessor must assess taxable property at 100% of market value by law.

The one percent levy limit applies to tax districts and how much they may levy for property taxes.  The limit allows individual tax districts a 1% increase to their property taxes each year without voter approval.  For example, a district that levied $100,000 last year, may levy $100,000, plus 1% ($1,000) and any tax revenues generated by new construction and state assessed value increases. 

Does this mean that my property taxes will not increase more than 1% a year?  No, not necessarily.  Individual tax bills are based on several factors, such as how much your property changes in value compared to other properties within a tax district or if voters approve tax increases exceeding the 1% levy limit.

The Washington State Department of Revenue provides a publication Property tax - How the one percent property tax levy limit works which includes additional information on the 1% levy limit.  Examples are included to illustrate how changes to the assessed value on a property compared to another property impacts the property tax amount.  General property tax levy information is included as well.

Do you know which tax districts your home is in?

We are often asked what taxing districts a property is in?  The easiest way to look up your property is on Parcel Search, the county’s mapping tool.  Once you are on the map, you may look up your property by the parcel number, physical address or even by the mailing address.  Once the property has been pulled up, click on the “choose a theme” dropdown tab on the left side of the page in the “Manage Layers” section.  From the dropdown, you will see an option for “Districts”.  If you click on that, you will then have the option to pick whichever district type you are looking for, whether it’s a School district, Fire District, County Commissioners District etc.

Physical Inspections

Has an appraiser from the office ever left a postcard at your property?  Have you ever wondered why?   The postcard serves a couple of purposes, first, it is a tool to inform residents of who has been to their home.  With the increased use of security cameras and other technologies, appraisers want to reduce your concerns about who and why someone was at your home.  It also serves as a tool to communicate with a property owner.  If an appraiser from the office notices something about the property that appears to be different than what is on record, then they will leave the card asking the property owner to contact them in order to answer any questions the appraiser may have.  This helps to ensure that data on record is kept current and accurate.  Afterall, if your home has had damage or has deteriorated in recent years, then that information should be updated to ensure accurate assessed values.

Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption Changes in 2024

In the December newsletter, we shared information regarding the changes to qualification requirements for the program in 2024.  As a reminder, qualifying income limits for 2024 have increased from $48,574 to $65,000.  The 2024 online application is now available for those interested in applying, however it is important to remember that you will need to provide all of your 2023 income documentation when you submit your application.  Look for additional information regarding the changes to this program on our website.