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Assessor warns new senior exemption will shift taxes, cites rising appeals
Summary
Mason County’s assessor told the commission that Senate Bill 6162, which raises the senior/disabled exemption income threshold to $70,000 for tax year 2027, will shift tax burdens and likely prompt public pushback; the assessor also reported a rise to 175 BOE appeals this year.
Mason County’s Assessor reported that recent state legislation expanding property‑tax exemptions for seniors and disabled residents will cause a shift in the county’s tax burden and may prompt complaints from taxpayers.
The assessor summarized Senate Bill 6162, which the office said takes effect for taxes collected in 2027 and raises the income threshold for the senior/disabled exemption from $55,000 to $70,000 while adding more allowable deductions. “So beginning your ’26 income for ’27 taxes, your income threshold is going from 55,000 to 70,000,” the assessor said, and added that the change and expanded deductions will move many taxpayers into a higher exemption level.
The assessor also reported heavier appeals activity: so far the 2026 board of equalization appeals totalled 175 matters, up from about 120 last year. The office said appeals processing is on track to finish in May but that some late appeals were accepted this cycle.
The assessor warned the changes could increase call volume and taxpayer agitation when first‑half tax bills arrive. The office said it is working to complete appeals, continue field inspections, and bring new staff up to speed on appeal hearings.
No formal action was taken; commissioners discussed the potential budgetary impact and the need to explain changes to residents.
