For Immediate Release:
March 8, 2022
Spokane County Property Tax Statements to Arrive in Mailboxes This Week; Tax Roll Grows by $56 million Due in Part to Government Growth & Voted Levy Increases
Spokane County, WA –Spokane County 2022 annual property tax statements will begin arriving in taxpayers’ mailboxes this week. Due in part to government authorized and voter approved tax increases, the County tax roll grew by $56 million, an 8% increase over the prior year to a new total of $769.5 million.
Annual one percent property tax increases authorized by Spokane County, cities, and other taxing districts contributed to the year over year tax roll growth. Voter approved excess levies passed in 2021 also resulted in some taxpayers seeing an increase in their property tax bills. On average, 41% of a tax bill consists of taxes approved by voters through bond and levy ballot measures. Property taxes paid towards public education make up the majority, approximately 58%, of the overall tax roll.
“Taxpayers have a right to transparency when it comes to how their property taxes are determined” said Michael Baumgartner, the Treasurer of Spokane County “Tax bills can vary depending on where a property is located and its taxing districts. Your property tax bill includes information on what local governments set your taxes and how they are distributed.”
The Treasurer’s Office will resume its annual Taxpayer Town Hall which will be held on Tuesday April 5th from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture auditorium. Taxpayer Town Halls are an opportunity for all citizens to visit with office staff while learning more about available taxpayer assistance programs and the local role of the Treasurer’s Office.
Property Tax payments at Spokane Valley City Hall will also return in 2022. Treasurer’s Office staff will be available for check and card payments on Fridays April 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Originally piloted in 2019, Spokane Valley City Hall tax collection provides a second convenient in-person payment option for those unable to travel downtown to the Spokane County Courthouse.
“All citizens are encouraged to attend our upcoming Taxpayer Town Hall to ask questions and share their ideas.” continued Baumgartner “Government works best when it listens directly to the people.”
First half property tax payments are due by April 30th with second half payments due by October 31st. Property tax payments are accepted online at the Treasurer’s Office website, by mail, and in-person either during business hours or at one of three drop boxes located on the Spokane County Courthouse campus.
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