Property Assessors Offices - Washington Basics

Invest in real estate with the help of a Washington assessor
By Emmet McMahan Property assessors offices - Washington basics should include an understanding of the essential functions that these offices perform. The primary purpose of a property assessor is to estimate the fair market value of real property. The government usually performs property assessment at the county or city level to determine the property taxes that each property owner should pay. Private companies also perform property appraisals, usually for people seeking to buy or sell a home.

There are many sources of information for people who wish to learn more about the fundamentals of Washington property assessments. These sources generally provide information for the following categories:

1. State-specific information on Washington property taxes. All property assessors in Washington must follow the same state laws and procedures.
2. Local property assessors offices. These offices will have the most current information on a specific property within that city or county. Property owners also appeal property assessments through the local property assessors office in most cases.
3. Commercial property appraisers. Private appraisers attempt to estimate the value of a property for the purpose of obtaining a loan. They frequently specialize in properties within a particular geographic area.
   

Find information that is common to every Washington state property assessor

The Washington State Department of Revenue offers extensive information on property assessment, including a FAQ on property taxes. This may include state laws on property assessment and answers to frequently asked questions.
Try:  The Washington Department of Revenue administrates property taxes in Washington and also offers a FAQ on property assessment in Washington. The Washington State Board of Tax Appeals provides extensive information on appealing a property tax assessment in Washington.

Get information on property assessment from your local Washington county assessors office

The property assessor for your county or city will frequently allow you to perform a Washington property tax search. This office usually calculates the assessment by using a general formula, although they also may perform an on-site assessment on a specific property.
Try:  The Assessor-Treasurer for Pierce County provides answers to basic questions regarding property assessment in that county. The Franklin County Assessor has a FAQ on property appraisals and the property tax appeals process.

Locate basic information on Washington property assessment from a private property appraiser

A mortgage lender will generally require a property appraisal before approving a loan. Private property appraisers frequently provide general information on property appraisals and also may have specific knowledge about a particular area.
Try:  The Appraiser Group of Washington offers a detailed description of the property appraisal process in Washington. Armstrong Appraisals in Wenatchee also has a sample appraisal document.

• Washington property assessors must calculate the amount of each property tax. The assessed value of the property is multiplied by the tax rate for each type of tax to obtain the dollar amount for that tax. Real property may be subject to a variety of property taxes that support essential functions, such as government and education. Each of these taxes has a specific tax rate.