Frequently Asked Questions
Our Frequently Asked Questions are divided into five sections: General Information; Your Tax Statement; Your Property; Paying Your Taxes and Personal Property. These sections are designed to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Treasurer's Office and your taxes.
If you have any suggestions or comments regarding this page, please do not hesitate to
contact us.
General Information
Your Tax Statement
Your Property
Paying Your Taxes
Personal Property
What are the Treasurer's Office hours?
Where is the Treasurer's Office located?
The Treasurer's Office is located on the second floor of the Spokane County Courthouse at 1116 West Broadway Avenue.
Where should I mail my tax payments?
Spokane County Treasurer
PO Box 199
Spokane, WA 99210-0199
Is there a drop box?
Yes. Drop boxes are located within the Courthouse at 1116 West Broadway. They are open the week before each due date.
Please remember to include your original tax stub or parcel number(s) with your payment. Only payments by check are accepted in the drop boxes.
Can anyone see my tax account records?
Yes. Property tax records are public records.
Why haven't I received my statement yet?
The Treasurer's Office may have an incorrect mailing address, a mortgage company may be paying your taxes, or we may be holding the statement for an adjustment that needs to be made prior to mailing (i.e. senior or disability exemptions).
If you have not received a statement by
March 31st, please contact the
Treasurer's Office or call (509) 477-4713.
Where can I get copies of my tax statement?
You can also request a statement online or download the request form. For more information, go to the
Request Forms section.
How do I change my name or address?
A name or address change can be taken by phone, mail, or in person. You can also change your name/address online or download the request form.
Click here for more information.
You may only request a taxpayer change through the Treasurer's Office.
Any request for
owner name/address change must be done through the
Assessor's Office. A legal document such as a deed, real estate contract, divorce decree, death certificate, or a court document must be provided.
Please remember to include your parcel number(s) for any of these requests.
I just sold my property. What should I do with the statement?
The tax statement should be forwarded to the purchaser or returned to the
Treasurer's Office. If you choose to return the statement, please note the purchaser's name and address so we can contact the new owner.
What should I do when the situs or location address of my property is printed incorrectly on the statement?
Why did I receive a statement when my taxes are paid by a mortgage company?
If you or your agent have informed us that your taxes will be paid by a mortgage company, we will send you an Information Only statement. This courtesy information is provided to you so that you have a record of the taxes billed to your mortgage company.
If a mortgage company is no longer paying your taxes (the loan has been paid off; the loan has been sold to another company that does not require impounds, etc.), you are responsible for making your payments in a timely manner. Please
contact our office or call (509) 477-4713 to update your records for this change and to obtain a tax statement.
Why is the value of my property high?
Are there any special requirements to sell real or personal property?
A Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit form must be filed with the Treasurer's Office prior to a deed being recorded in the
Auditor's Office. Payment must be made at the time the affidavit is filed. Mobile homes, current, delinquent, and advanced property taxes may also be payable at this time.
I am gifting my property. What should I do?
There is a Real Estate Excise Tax Supplement statement form that must be completed and signed by both parties. This must accompany a completed Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit form. These documents are filed in the Treasurer's Office. There is a $10.00 fee if no taxes are due.
Where can I get a copy of the Real Estate Excise Affidavit and other related forms?
How long do I have to process my property transfer and pay excise tax?
You have 30 days from the date of sale to avoid interest and penalty on the excise taxes due.
When are property taxes due?
First half property taxes are due by
April 30th. Second half taxes are due by
October 31st. If either of these due dates fall on a weekend or a holiday, payments are due the next business day. Go to
Holiday Schedule for more information.
Can I make partial payments?
No. Partial payments cannot be accepted.
Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?
Yes. Taxes can be paid by credit card by calling 1-800-2PAY-TAX (1-800-272-9829) or paying online at
www.officialpayments.com. Please use jurisdiction number
5606. A fee, set by the vendor, is charged for processing credit card payments.
Do I have to pay in person on the day taxes are due?
You may make your payment in person or by mail. An official U.S. Postal Service postmark determines the payment date for all mailed payments.
How do I know if my mortgage company is paying my taxes?
If the statement you receive states "COURTESY/INFORMATION ONLY" at the top, our records show that you or your agent has instructed us to bill a mortgage company for the taxes on this parcel. If this is incorrect, you need to pay the taxes prior to the due date to avoid delinquent charges.
My mortgage company no longer pays my taxes. What should I do?
Contact the
Treasurer's Office immediately with the correct taxpayer's address.
Under Washington Law, it is the taxpayer's responsibility to insure taxes are paid on their property.
If the mortgage company has not forwarded the statement to you, you will need to request a duplicate statement from our office.
How long before the county forecloses my property?
Real property foreclosure will start if any one tax is three full years delinquent.
Example #1: If the 2004 full tax that was due on April 30, 2004 was $100.00 and nothing has been paid, foreclosure would not start until April 30, 2007.
Example #2: If the 2004 full tax was $100.00 and $50.00 was paid on or before October 31, 2004, that tax would not go to sale until 2008.
How can I obtain Tax Foreclosure information?
When is the Tax Foreclosure Auction?
Contact the
Treasurer's Office or call (509) 477-6446 for real estate or (509) 477-5746 for personal property and mobile homes. You can also use our
contact form for more information.
What do I need to know when paying taxes under protest?
Payments under protest must be in writing and comply with the provisions of the state law. These laws can be found in the Revised Code of Washington, 84.60.020.
How are my taxes calculated?
Are there exemptions for seniors and disabled persons?
Yes. If you are 62 years old or older or disabled, own the house you live in, and have an annual income of $35,000 or less, you may be entitled to a property tax reduction.
For application and further information, call the
Assessor's Office at (509) 477-5754.
What is personal property?
Who administers the personal property tax?
The tax is administered at the county in which the business is physically located. The location of the business owner's residence is not relevant unless that is also the location of the business.
The Spokane County Assessor's Office determines the assessed value of taxable personal and real property in Spokane County (RCW 84.40.040). The Assessor's Office also calculates levy rates based on information provided by its various taxing jurisdictions.
The Spokane County Treasurer bills and collects taxes on personal and real property in Spokane County (RCW 87.03.440). In counties with low business activity, the Assessor may be responsible for both the valuation and collection functions.
If I have any other questions about personal property, who should I contact?