RCW 84.36.381 grants property tax exemptions based on qualification in three categories: age or disability, home ownership, and total household income. You may be eligible for this exemption if you meet the following criteria:
- You are at least 61 years old, OR
- You are unable to work because of a disability, OR
- You are a veteran with a 100% service-related disability.
OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- You own the home (either in total, as a contract purchaser, or as a life estate), AND
- The home is your principal residence at the time of filing, AND
- You occupy the residence at least nine (9) months of each year.
- Your total annual household income must be $40,000 or less. This includes all disposable income (not just what is taxable), including Social Security benefits, pensions, retirement distributions, annuities, interest income, and capital gains. Proof of income is required at time of application.
We have received many questions about what impact, if any, the federal stimulus payments will have on the property tax exemption program. The guidance we have received from the Washington State Department of Revenue indicates that, unless the federal government changes their definition of these funds, no, the stimulus payments will NOT be considered income when calculating eligibility for the exemption program. It will not be included in the federal definition of "adjusted gross income" nor is it included in the add-on categories listed in RCW 84.36.383(5), therefore it will not be considered disposable income for purposes of the property tax exemption program.
| Income in 2020 | Exemption Provisions |
| $ 30,000 or less | Exempt from regular property taxes on up to $60,000 or 60% of valuation, whichever is greater, plus 100% of voter-approved excess levies. |
| $ 30,001 - 35,000 | Exempt from regular property taxes on up to $50,000 or 35% of valuation, whichever is greater, not to exceed $70,000, plus 100% of all voter-approved excess levies. |
| $ 35,001 - 40,000 | Exempt from 100% of all voter-approved excess levies. |
The exemption is allowed on your home and up to 5.00 acres of land, depending on the minimum lot size required for a building permit. Outbuildings and any non-qualifying land will be billed at 100% on a separate tax statement. This program does NOT exempt property from special assessments such as mosquito, diking and stormwater, or forest patrol assessments.
Once your application is approved, you must renew the exemption every four years unless you have a change in circumstance. If your eligibility status changes (i.e. your income increases over the allowed maximum), you must notify the Assessor’s Office within 30 days after the change occurs. The exemption ceases immediately upon the death of the qualified person (unless survived by an eligible spouse), OR upon the date the claimant moves out, OR upon the date the residence is sold, whichever occurs first.
You may also apply for an exemption of prior years’ property taxes if you would have qualified but were unaware of the program. However, by law, the county Treasurer cannot refund taxes that were due and paid more than three (3) years prior to date of application for exemption (RCW 84.69.030).Click here for the Department of Revenue (DOR) brochure: Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons
Click here for more DOR forms and other information related to property tax exemptions for Seniors and Disabled Persons.
WA STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
Washington State Veteran Benefits
The State of Washington provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
Washington State Veterans Home
The State of Washington runs 4 State veterans’ homes, they are located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane and Walla Walla.
There is a cost for care, you must have an honorable discharge, spouses, surviving spouses, and gold star parents are eligible for admission.
Washington Veterans Financial Benefits
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability and an income of less than $40,000 (not including VA disability payment) may be exempt from paying property tax on their home. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Free License Plates for Disabled Veterans
Veterans who have been receiving 100% VA disability for at least one year can receive a free disabled veteran vehicle license plate.
Washington Veteran Employment Benefits
State Employment
Honorably discharged combat veterans or those with a campaign ribbon, and their surviving spouses, get preference for State jobs.
For State jobs that require an examination, 5% will be added to the score of a non-combat veteran, 10% will be added to the score of a combat veteran, and 5% will be added to the score of a mobilized guard or reserve member.
If a veteran receives military retirement, they will get 5% added no matter what. An Honorable discharge is required.
Military Service Credit
Washington State Department of Retirement Systems offers military service credit to qualified public employees.
Translating Military Training or Experience to WA State Licensure or Credentials
People with military training and experience may count it towards certain civilian healthcare profession credentialing requirements if the state determines it is substantially equivalent to standards.
Military Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test Waiver
Veterans seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may get a waiver of the skills test if they are currently licensed and operated a CDL in the last 90 days as a part of their military duties.
The written test can't be waived.
Washington State Conservation Corps
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs in partnerships with local counties, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and federal agencies operates several internship and paid programs. These programs work to restore and protect Washington State's natural resources.
Washington Veteran Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Discounted hunting and fishing licenses are available to 30% and greater disabled veterans’ resident or non-resident. These licenses are also available to those over 65 with any disability.
Active-Duty Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Active-duty members stationed in Washington State can buy hunting & fishing licenses at the resident rate.
State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass
Disabled veterans with at least 30% disability can get a free lifetime pass which offers free camping, moorage, campsite reservations, watercraft launching, trailer dump, and day use at all state parks.
Washington State Veterans Cemetery
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery is in Medical Lake.
In general, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial. There is no residency requirement.
There is no charge for veteran interments, and a one-time fee of $300 fee for eligible dependents. All other funeral expenses are borne by the family
Visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
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