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1. How is property valued?

State law requires that County Assessors value all taxable property at 100% of it true and fair market value in terms of money, according to the highest and best use of the property. All real and personal property is subject to tax. Recent sales of comparable properties are used to help set values.

2. What is market value?

The amount of money that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing unobligated seller.

3. How often does the county appraise my property?

All taxable property in Grant County is physically inspected at least once every 6 years. The County is on an annual revaluation cycle so all values are subject to change based on the market annually.

4. How do I appeal the assessed value?

File a completed appeal petition with the Grant County Board of Equalization by July 1st of the assessment year or within 30 days of when the change of value notice was mailed. Appeal forms are available from the clerk of the Board of Equalization 509-754-2011, ext. 2931 or at the Assessor's office. To appeal a valuation, you must show with facts where the appraiser for the Assessor's office has erred in the property assessment. A good first step is to contact the appraiser from the assessor's office to discuss your concerns.

5. Do I have to let the county appraiser come into my house or onto my property?

No, in fact, it is generally not necessary for an appraiser to view the interior of every home that has been appraised previously. If access is refused, the appraiser must estimate the value of the property using whatever information he or she has available. Typically it is advantageous to the taxpayer to allow interior inspection. (RCW 84.40.025)

6. If the house next door sells to an out-of-state buyer for much more than it is worth, will it affect my taxes?

Not necessarily, because a single property sale does not establish the market value for surrounding properties.

7. Why do property taxes vary throughout the county?

The differences are due to three factors:

• The amount of voter-approved special levies and bonds
• The size of the budget for each taxing district
• The varying combination of taxing districts in different areas of the county (schools, fire, water districts, etc.)

Grant County has 134 different tax rates and is the 3rd most complex taxing structure in the State of Washington.

8. What is the 101% lid law?

The regular property tax levy of a taxing district is limited to 101% of the highest levy since 1985, plus amounts attributable to new construction within the boundaries of the district or annexations to the district. This limitation was reduced from the 106% limitation with the I-747 initiative in 2001.

9. What is the personal property tax?

Business machinery, equipment and supplies are fully taxable, and are assessed on personal property. Household goods and personal effects are exempt from the property tax. The personal property tax rate is the same as the real property tax rate.