Example of Lewis County Property Tax Calculation
Calculating Lewis County Property Tax can be a bit complicated, but it's important to understand how it works. Here's an example to help simplify things:
Suppose there is a home in Lewis County with a total assessed value of $150,000. The county's property tax rate is $10 per $1,000 of assessed value, so the property tax would be calculated as follows:
- Divide the assessed value by 1,000: $150,000 รท 1,000 = $150
- Multiply the result by the tax rate: $150 x $10 = $1,500
Therefore, the property owner would owe $1,500 in property taxes for the year.
It's important to note that property tax rates can vary by location and can be influenced by factors such as school districts, fire departments, and other local government services. Property owners should always consult with their county tax office for the current property tax rates and assessment procedures.
If you want appeal your property tax assessment - contact your local tax assessor.
Lewis County Property Tax Rates
The table below lists the property tax rates in Lewis County, with the rates shown per $100 of assessed value.
| Tax | Rate per $100 Assessed Value |
|---|---|
| County | $2.64 |
| City | $1.49 |
| School | $2.48 |
| Fire | $1.21 |
| Water | $0.75 |
These tax rates are subject to change, and it is recommended that taxpayers consult with a tax professional for the most up-to-date information on property taxes in Lewis County.
Who sets property tax rates in Lewis County ?
Who Sets Property Tax Rates in Lewis County?
In Lewis County, property tax rates are set by the Board of County Commissioners. This is a group of elected officials who are responsible for overseeing county government and setting policies that impact residents.
The Board typically sets property tax rates during budget season, which takes place annually. During this time, they review the county's finances and determine how much money is needed to fund various services and programs.
Once the Board has determined the amount of revenue needed, they will set the property tax rate accordingly. This rate is then applied to the assessed value of each property in Lewis County, with the total amount owed varying based on the value of the property.
It's important to note that property tax rates are not set in stone and can change from year to year based on a variety of factors, including changes in state law, shifts in the local economy, or changes in county spending priorities.
Overall, understanding how property tax rates are set in Lewis County can help residents make informed decisions about their finances and better plan for their future financial obligations.
| Who sets property tax rates? | Board of County Commissioners |
|---|---|
| How often are rates set? | Annually during budget season |
| What factors influence rates? | Changes in state law, shifts in the local economy, or changes in county spending priorities |
Homestead exemptions in Lewis County ?
To help Lewis County residents navigate the complexities of Homestead exemptions and deductions, below is a table of all the county-specific information. The table includes four columns: exemption, eligibility, amount, and notes.
| Exemption | Eligibility | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic STAR | All | Up to $30,000 | N/A |
| Enhanced STAR | Age 65+ OR disabled OR income < $88,050 AND resident for 1+ year | Up to $68,700 | Must apply annually |
| Cold War | Age 65+ AND served in military during Cold War OR disabled AND receiving compensation from military for Cold War service | Up to $12,000 | Must apply by March 1st |
| Alternative Veterans | Served during specific time period AND received honorable discharge AND owned property for 6+ months | Up to $40,000 | N/A |
| Volunteer Firefighter | Active volunteer firefighter OR EMT | Up to $500 | Must have served for 5+ years |
| Volunteer Ambulance | Active volunteer ambulance worker OR EMT | Up to $500 | Must have served for 5+ years |
| Clergy | Clergy member OR religious order member | Up to $1,500 | Must provide letter from religious organization |
| Agricultural | Property used for agricultural purposes AND owner actively engages in farming | Varies by acreage and income | N/A |
It's important to note that these exemptions and deductions may change over time, so residents should always consult with the Lewis County Assessor's office for the most up-to-date information.
When is Lewis County Property Tax due ?
Lewis County Property Tax is typically due on April 30th of each year. There are several payment methods available for taxpayers to choose from. These include:
| Payment Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Online | Taxpayers can pay their property tax online using a credit card or e-check. This method is available 24/7 and can be accessed through the Lewis County Treasurer's website. |
| Taxpayers can mail in their payment to the Lewis County Treasurer's office. The address is listed on the tax statement. | |
| In-person | Taxpayers can pay their property tax in-person at the Lewis County Treasurer's office. The office is located at: 345 W Main St, Chehalis, WA 98532. |
| Drop Box | Taxpayers can drop off their payment in the drop box located outside of the Lewis County Treasurer's office. |
It's important to note that payments must be postmarked by April 30th to be considered on-time. Additionally, late payments will incur interest and penalties. Taxpayers who are unable to make their payment in full by the due date should contact the Lewis County Treasurer's office to discuss payment arrangements.
If you have more questions - contact your local tax collector.
How is Lewis County Property Tax penalty calculated ?
Lewis County Property Tax Penalty Calculation
The Lewis County property tax penalty is calculated based on the amount of unpaid taxes and the number of days past the due date. Here is an example to help illustrate how the penalty is calculated:
Assume that Jane owns a property in Lewis County and owes $10,000 in property taxes due on January 31st. If Jane fails to pay the taxes before or on the due date, she will be subject to a penalty that accrues daily at a rate of 1% of the unpaid taxes.
If Jane pays the taxes on February 15th, she will be 15 days past the due date, and her penalty will be 1.5% of the unpaid taxes or $150. The penalty is calculated as follows:
- Penalty Rate: 1% per day
- Number of Days Past Due Date: 15 days
- Unpaid Taxes: $10,000
- Penalty Amount: 1.5% of $10,000 = $150
It is important to note that the penalty for unpaid property taxes in Lewis County can add up quickly, so it is advisable to pay the taxes on time to avoid penalty fees.
In conclusion, Lewis County property tax penalty is calculated based on the unpaid taxes and the number of days past the due date. The penalty rate is 1% per day, and it accrues daily until the taxes are paid in full. Property owners who fail to pay their taxes on time may face hefty penalty fees that can add up quickly.
We recommend contacting the Lewis County Tax Office or a local tax professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.