Beginning in January 2020, Clark County residents will see major changes to the Property Tax Exemption Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. The Clark County Assessor’s Office administers the program which is designed to provide tax relief to qualifying homeowners.
It is estimated an additional 16,000 people may qualify based on data received by the 2017 U.S. Census Bureau-American Community Survey. The Washington State Legislature approved these changes when it passed Senate Bill 5160 during the last session.
Starting with 2020 taxes, the core qualifying program requirements are:
*Be at least 61 years old or deemed permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration or have an 80 percent service-connected rating by the Veteran’s Administration.
*Have an annual household income (taxable and non-taxable) of $50,348 or less for the exemption and $58,094 for the deferral.
*Own the home as a primary residence.
“I am so pleased to now get to deliver relief to our most vulnerable tax payers through the increase in income requirements,” said Assessor Peter Van Nortwick. “We have fought for years to align income levels to the median incomes of our counties to better reflect our local economic environment.”
To ensure the changes reach as many qualifying people as possible, Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper is partnering with the Assessor’s Office to get the word out. “Collaboration and partnership between elected offices is the best way to have a positive impact on the people we serve. I’m committed to speak to as many seniors and disabled Vets as possible to ensure they have an opportunity to apply,” said Treasurer Topper.
The Assessor encourages anyone interested in learning more about the exemption program or the changes that go into effect January 2020 to contact his office by:
Visiting the second-floor Joint Lobby in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.; calling 564.397.2391; emailing [email protected]; or visiting the website https://www.clark.wa.gov/assessor.
“Our offices are committed to ensuring every qualified senior has an opportunity to learn about and apply for the program,” said Assessor Van Nortwick.
To learn more, view Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5160 as passed by the legislature online.
