If your property is damaged or destroyed, you may be eligible for a reduced assessed value for taxes payable in the following year. Destroyed Property forms are available from the Department of Property Assessments.
If you have agricultural, open space, or timberland, you may apply for classification under the Current Use/ Open Space program. A current use assessment generally - means a reduced assessed value on land value for the duration of the classification. Please be advised, there are additional tax, penalties, and interest charges for removal from this classification. Contact the Assessor's Office for information and application forms. The application must be made by December 31 for classification in the following assessment year.
If you improve your single-family residence by remodeling or adding new rooms, you may apply for a 3-year exemption from taxes on the value of the physical improvements. Physical improvements do not include normal maintenance items. An application for the exemption must be filed with the Assessor prior to completion of the project.
Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons Exemption Program
If you are a senior citizen or disabled person you may qualify for property tax relief. To be eligible for the Property Tax Exemption program, you must:
- Turn 61 before December 31st in the year the income was earned for an exemption in the following year, be the surviving spouse of a previous exemption holder and 57 or older, or be disabled in such a way that you cannot pursue gainful employment.
- You gross household income must be lower than $45,000. Please note: Gross Household Income is not the same as Adjusted Gross Income from your income tax return.
- It must be your primary residence that you will live in for at least 6 calendar months of every year.
- You are not receiving an exemption of this type on any other property anywhere else.
If you meet all 4 requirements you are eligible to apply for an exemption at the Yakima County Assessor's Office.
Property Tax Deferral Program
If you are a senior citizen at least 60 years of age, or a person retired because of disabilities and have qualified for a senior/disabled exemption and your income is below $40,000, you may defer property taxes and special assessments to a total amount equal to 80% of the equity in your home. Unlike the senior citizens and disabled persons exemption program, deferred taxes are a lien on the property. This lien becomes payable, together with interest, upon sale or transfer of the property.
Other Exemptions
Your family automobile, household goods, personal effects, and home furnishings are not subject to property tax. However, personal property tax may be due if these items are used in a business. Churches, government units, and many nonprofit agencies do not pay property tax when the property is used for a tax-exempt purpose. The Department of Revenue determines which properties are entitled to the exemption based on laws enacted by the Legislature.