Property Tax Appeals in Washington State Harley H. Hoppe & Associates, Inc. Property Tax Appeal Specialist Amy Hoppe Property Tax Appeals in Washington State 12321 NE 10th Place, #102 Bellevue, WA 98005 206-275-1100 or 425-429-6778 Amyh@harleyhoppe.com

Presentation Introduction:Founder, Harley H. Hoppe Business Began in 1984 Residential, Commercial, Personal Property Appeals Current Focus

Assessed Value 100% of Market Value January 1st of Each Year New Construction July 31st Partial Completion

Property Tax Appeal Facts Assessor's original valuation is deemed to be correct. Property owner has the burden of proof by providing clear, cogent and convincing evidence. County Board can raise the assessed value if deemed below market and/or Assessor request the value be increased via an appeal. State Board may not raise the value above the original assessed value or the County Board value. County Board members are elected by the County Executive State Board members are elected by the Governor. County Board will reduce approximately half of the appeals heard. State Board will reduce less than 20% of the appeals heard. Other avenues of appeal: file suit with the County Property Tax Appeal Facts

Misconceptions of Appealing Filing an appeal because your neighbor's taxes are less than yours. Not filing an appeal because you believe a higher assessed value will increase the value of your property Having a successful appeal will carry forward to the next revalue Your property taxes have increased more than the 1% limit

Appeal Evidence Comparable Sales Recent Purchase Deferred Maintenance Appraisal Negative Features

Property Tax Appeal Process County Board       Larger Counties vs. Smaller Counties     One year from filing date     Need to provide documentation 21 business days before the hearing date.        Difference With Larger Counties: documentation      Manifest Error (difference between Counties)      Constructive Fraud: value 100% of market value      Sale Price $800,000 vs. Assessment $1,600,000 State Board      Informal Vs. Formal      Up to 3 years after filing      Exception Property Tax Appeal Process

Market Value of a Property Assessed Value Appraisal January 1st of each year 100% of Market Value Generally Assessor appraiser has not visited the home Only adjust comparable sales for time Mass appraisal, *unless appealed Flexible 100% of Market Value Most always have visited the home Make adjustment for differences Individual appraisal

Unique Property Situations Normandy Park Waterfront home Madison Park Waterfront home with adjacent public park 520 Bridge Addition vs. Viaduct Petrified Wood Waterfront Property without a view Chicken Farm

Other Tax Relief Options Senior Citizen/Disabled Exemption Senior Citizen/Disabled Property Tax Deferral Home Improvement Exemption Historic Property Exemption Manifest Error / Refund