Lewis County Assessor Ross Nielson stated more residents within the county could become eligible for property tax exemptions due to recent changes in Washington state law, according to a news release.
Seniors and those living with disabilities could benefit from new low-income property tax exemptions.
“Median income for the county appears to be increasing, and tax reduction exemption thresholds are being increased, which will likely mean more people will be eligible to take part in this exemption, and those that already qualify may receive a greater reduction in taxes,” Nielson said. “We are waiting on the official calculations from the Washington state Department of Revenue, and it appears that it
will be beneficial to many eligible homeowners in our county.”
To qualify for the new exemptions, a resident must:
• Be at least 61 by Dec. 31 of the prior year to the benefit tax year, meaning for 2023, one must have turned 61 by Dec. 31, 2022.
• Be on disability or a veteran with at least an 80% Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating.
• Own a residence as of Dec. 31 of the prior year to the benefit tax year, meaning for 2023, one must have purchased the residence by Dec. 31, 2022.
• Occupy said residence as a primary residence.
Once qualified, a property owner will continue to benefit from the exemption; however, any change in financial status or income must be reported.
“The new tax exemption calculations should definitely help those who need the tax reduction the most. We will likely find more people that are eligible,” Nielson said.
To apply, a resident needs to fill out an application and income form, and also must have:
• A valid state-issued ID with the property address being applied for.
• Documentation for any disposable income listed on the income form.
• The Social Security letter showing the date a resident became disabled if they are under 61.
• A VA disability award letter showing the date and disability rating if on disability.
• A pension letter if an applicant receives a Washington state Department of Labor & Industries pension.
The household income limit is $40,000, with varying degrees of exemption depending on what the exact income is.
For more information and both the application and income forms, visit https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/assessor/senior-disabled-persons-exemption/.
Completed applications and income forms must be submitted in person at the Lewis County Assessor’s Office in the Lewis County Courthouse located at 351 NW North St. in Chehalis.
For any other questions about the exemptions, call the assessor’s office at 360-740-1392.
