Example of Whatcom County Property Tax Calculation
The calculation of Whatcom County Property Tax is determined by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the assessor's office based on the market value of the property.
For example, if a property in Whatcom County has an assessed value of $200,000 and the tax rate is 1%, the property tax would be calculated by multiplying $200,000 by 0.01, which equals $2,000.
It is important to note that property tax rates vary based on the location and type of property. The exact calculation for each property can be found on the Whatcom County Assessor's website or by contacting the assessor's office directly.
If you want appeal your property tax assessment - contact your local tax assessor.
Who sets property tax rates in Whatcom County ?
In Whatcom County, property tax rates are set by the Board of County Commissioners. This board consists of three elected officials who serve four-year terms. They typically set the tax rates during budget season, which begins in the fall and runs through the end of the year. The specific rates are determined based on a number of factors, including the budget needs of the county, the assessed value of the properties in the county, and any changes in state law that may impact the tax rate. The rates are then applied to the assessed value of each property in the county to determine the amount of property tax owed by the owner.
Whatcom County Property Tax Rates
Here is a formatted table of Whatcom County Property Tax rates:
| Tax | Rate per $100 of Assessed Value |
|---|---|
| County | $0.96 |
| Port of Bellingham | $0.45 |
| City of Bellingham | $1.14 |
| City of Blaine | $1.39 |
| City of Everson | $1.67 |
| City of Ferndale | $1.44 |
| City of Lynden | $1.17 |
| City of Nooksack | $1.39 |
| Fire District 4 | $1.50 |
| Fire District 5 | $1.40 |
| Fire District 7 | $1.50 |
| Fire District 8 | $1.10 |
| Fire District 14 | $1.50 |
These rates are per $100 of assessed value and are subject to change. It is important to consult with a tax professional for specific information related to your property.
When is Whatcom County Property Tax due ?
Whatcom County Property Tax Due Dates and Payment Methods
Property taxes in Whatcom County, Washington are due twice a year: on April 30 and October 31. The tax bills are typically mailed out in mid-February and mid-September, respectively. The payment methods for Whatcom County Property Tax are as follows:
| Payment Method | Deadline for Payment |
|---|---|
| Online payment | Up to 11:59 PM on the due date |
| Must be postmarked by the due date | |
| In-person payment | Must be received by the close of business on the due date |
| Drop box | Must be deposited by 5:00 PM on the due date |
It is important to note that if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due the following business day. Moreover, late payments will be subjected to interest and penalty fees, which are added to the unpaid balance.
In summary, if you own a property in Whatcom County, it is important to mark your calendar for the due dates and choose the payment method that works best for you to avoid any late payment penalties.
If you have more questions - contact your local tax collector.
Homestead exemptions in Whatcom County ?
To provide a comprehensive guide for homeowners in Whatcom County, Washington, the following table lists all county-specific Homestead exemptions and deductions, as well as their exemption eligibility, amount, and notes:
| Exemption | Eligibility | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Veteran | Veteran with a service-connected disability | Up to $120,000 | Must be approved by the Whatcom County Assessor |
| Senior Citizen | Homeowners 61 years of age or older | Up to $60,000 | Must have an annual household income of less than $40,000 |
| Widows and Widowers | Surviving spouse of a deceased homeowner | Up to $60,000 | Must have an annual household income of less than $40,000 |
| Persons with Disabilities | Homeowners with a disability | Up to $60,000 | Must have an annual household income of less than $40,000 |
| Agricultural land | Farmland actively used for agriculture | Varies | Must meet specific land-use requirements |
| Historic Property | Historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places | Varies | Must be approved by the Whatcom County Assessor |
| Renewable Energy | Solar, wind or geothermal energy systems installed on the property | Up to $50,000 | Must meet specific requirements and be approved by the Whatcom County Assessor |
Note that these exemptions and deductions are subject to change and may have specific requirements that must be met. Homeowners in Whatcom County are encouraged to contact the Whatcom County Assessor's office for more information and guidance on how to apply.
How is Whatcom County Property Tax penalty calculated ?
Whatcom County Property Tax Penalty Calculation
When property taxes are not paid on time, the property owner can incur penalties. In Whatcom County, the penalty for late payment of property taxes is calculated based on the date of payment and the amount of taxes owed.
The penalty is calculated as follows:
-
1% penalty: If the taxes are not paid by April 30th, a 1% penalty is added to the amount due.
-
1% additional penalty: If the taxes are still not paid by June 1st, an additional 1% penalty is added to the amount due.
-
1% additional penalty per month: If the taxes are not paid by July 1st, an additional 1% penalty is added to the amount due for each month or portion of a month that the taxes remain unpaid.
For example, if a property owner owes $10,000 in property taxes and does not pay by April 30th, a 1% penalty of $100 will be added. If the taxes are still not paid by June 1st, an additional 1% penalty of $100 will be added. If the taxes are not paid until September 1st, an additional 3% penalty of $300 (1% for June, July, and August) will be added.
It is important to note that interest is also charged on unpaid property taxes at a rate of 1% per month or portion of a month that the taxes remain unpaid.
In summary, property owners in Whatcom County must pay their property taxes on time to avoid penalties and interest charges. It is recommended to pay taxes online or by mail at least a week before the deadline to ensure timely payment.
We recommend contacting the Whatcom County Tax Office or a local tax professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.