Property taxes for first half of 2013 now due

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

King County property owners have until Tuesday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2013 property taxes. After April 30, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

Tax payments can be made:

• By mail if postmarked no later than April 30, 2013. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.
• Online using King County’s convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account called an “eCheck.”
• In person at the King County Administration Building, Suite 600 - Treasury Operations, 500 Fourth Ave in Seattle. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Tuesday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.
• At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. The only service center close to Shoreline / Lake Forest Park is in Bothell:
• Northshore Community Service Center, 10808 NE 145th St., Bothell, WA 98011, 206-296-9840

The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. Pay online or view property tax information.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations through its website or by calling 206-296-0923.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor’s Office by calling 206-296-3920. Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a property tax deferral or exemption.

Senior Citizens/Disabled Exemption Qualifications include:

• Annual household income of $35,000 or less
• Own and occupy a house, mobile home, condo or co-op,
• 61 years of age by December 31 of the previous year, or
• Retired because of disability or
• Veteran with a 100% service-connected disability
• You are a widow, or widower, or state registered domestic partner at least 57 years of age whose spouse or state registered domestic partner had an exemption at the time of death

Once qualified, you continue to benefit from the exemption but any change in circumstances must be reported to the assessor to avoid penalties. For information, call 206-296-3920.