Do you qualify for a Pierce County property tax exemption? Applications open soon
Property values went up 6.2% last year in Pierce County, which means you might be paying more for your property taxes this year depending on where you live.
The News Tribune has received a number of inquiries recently asking about property-tax exemptions and how they work.
Here’s what we’ve found out:
Homeowners who are seniors, or those who have disabilities with limited income, might qualify for a property-tax exemption from Pierce County. Online applications open Feb. 1.
As the former Assessor-Treasurer Mike Lonergan told The News Tribune last year, “Your property tax in 2025 will be the new 2024 value multiplied by the combined tax rates of your school district, city, fire district and other local districts, plus the statewide school levy that everyone pays.”
In Pierce County, the first half of property taxes are due by April 30 and the second half of property taxes are due by Oct. 31.
The county has a number of ways residents can apply for property-tax exemptions or deferrals. An exemption program for seniors and those with disabilities reduces property taxes on a primary residence by freezing its value, “exempting you from various levies, including excess, special, and potentially regular levies,” according to the Assessor-Treasurer’s website.
To be eligible you must be 61 years of older, or disabled and unable to work, as of the beginning of 2025. The maximum household income cannot exceed $64,000, and you must own your home and reside in it as your primary residence for at least six months of the year. Vacation-home property isn’t eligible.
Exemptions must be renewed at minimum once every six years, according to the county. A renewal application is mailed to you the year you must renew.
Depending on your total combined household income, you might qualify for certain tax exemptions from levies. A full breakdown of the income ranges and those deductions is available on the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s website.
Residents can apply for exemptions online, by mail or in person. Forms are available online.
For assistance you can reach the Senior Citizen and People with Disabilities Exemption Department hot line at 253-798-2169 or by email at pcatrexm@piercecountywa.gov.
