Clark County assessor’s office presents property tax-exemption options for seniors and disabled homeowners

Holly Hill, program outreach coordinator for the Clark County Assessor's Office, told the La Center City Council on May 14 that Washington'state'administered property tax exemptions can reduce or freeze property taxes for seniors and people with disabilities and outlined eligibility, income rules and application options.

Hill said the program freezes assessed value and land value in the year a household qualifies, exempts certain voted levies and state school taxes, and can reduce taxable value based on income. "There is no obligation for repayment once you're on the program. It does not put a lien on your property, and applications are renewed, at a maximum every 6 years," Hill said.

The presentation explained eligibility is determined as of Dec. 31 of the year prior to the tax year (so applicants for 2025 relief generally needed to meet qualifications by Dec. 31, 2024). Applicants must own and occupy the home as their primary residence (at least six months during the qualifying year) and qualify by age (61 or older) or by disability verification from the VA, Social Security, or a physician. Hill said the current county income threshold used for eligibility is $62,000 and that the legislature revised the income test in recent years to align with 70% of county median income.

Hill reviewed what the assessor's office counts as income (social security, wages, pensions, annuities and other common tax-reportable income) and noted certain items are not counted but still require documentation (VA disability, some DSHS payments, federal stimulus payments, IRA rollovers and reverse mortgages). She described allowable deductions that can reduce household income for the program'including out-of-pocket health insurance costs, Medicare premiums and documented care costs for nursing or adult family homes. "We deduct all Medicare premiums," Hill said.

On documentation, Hill said applicants who file taxes should provide full tax returns and schedules; nonfilers should provide 1099s or other income forms and bank statements if necessary. She also noted trusts and some ownership transfers can qualify but the assessor's office asks to review the full trust document or divorce decree when applicable.

Hill said the assessor's office offers multiple application methods: an online portal created early in the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person service at the Public Service Center (appointments or walk-ins), drop box, email or mail. The office plans an outreach event at La Center City Hall on Friday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Hill encouraged residents to call the assessor's office for guidance.

Asked whether the income limit applies to an individual or household, Hill said the test is household-based and clarified that owners added to title who do not live at the home can affect the exemption. Hill estimated about 8,900 to 9,000 households in Clark County currently use the program and that about 16,000 could qualify.

Council members said they would help publicize the May 30 outreach and praised the ease of the program for some residents.

The presentation included contact and outreach plans: press releases, social media, attendance at city events and community partnerships. Hill said word-of-mouth remains a key route for eligible residents to learn about the program.

For residents seeking help, Hill advised contacting the Clark County Assessor's Office for the full deduction list and application instructions.