Property taxes due for first half of 2014

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

Property owners in King County have until Wednesday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2014 property taxes. After April 30, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill.

Owners with mortgages normally have their taxes and insurance paid by their mortgage company, but if you choose to pay separately or if your primary mortgage is paid off, you need to pay your own tax bill once or twice a year.

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:

1. By mail if postmarked no later than April 30, 2014. 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.
2. 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. For taxpayers concerned about the Heartbleed bug, King County has reviewed security on its payment processing system and determined that the bug does not pose a threat to the system or to taxpayers' personal information.
3. In person at Treasury Operations, suite 600 of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Wednesday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.
4. At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Taxpayers can find the address, phone number, and operating hours of the center in their area by visiting this website 

The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit this website.

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

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor's Office at 206-296-3920.