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1. When are property tax statements sent to taxpayers?

The annual property tax statements are generally mailed during the month of February. If you have not received your property tax statement by the end of March, please notify our office at 509-574-2800.

2. When are property taxes due?

The first-half property taxes are due on or before April 30. The second-half property taxes are due on or before October 31.

Further information is available on the back of your tax statement or on our webpage under Tax Information.

3. Why did I receive my property tax and assessment statement when my mortgage company pays them?

Our office does not track whether or not you have an escrow account. You are legally the taxpayer and we work directly with you. You have a contractual relationship with your mortgage company that does not involve our office. Most mortgage companies request that information electronically. You may wish to verify with your mortgage company as to whether or not they want you to forward your tax statement to them.

It is always your responsibility to ensure taxes are paid in a timely manner. You can check online to see your paid taxes and print receipts.

4. Do you accept postmark as the date of payment?

We are able to accept the “federal” postmark from the United States Post Office. Personal/business postage meters do not provide a valid postmark in this instance.

5. What happens if I don’t make my payment on time?

Property taxes become delinquent May 1st for first-half and November 1st for second-half.  

• Interest accrues at 0.75% per month on the current year taxes for residential real property with four or fewer units per taxable parcel on the full year amount of taxes and/or assessments owing.  Prior years taxes and all other parcels will accrue interest at 1% per month.
• Penalty of 3% will be assessed on June 1st and an 8% penalty will be assessed on December 1st for all residential real property with greater than four units per taxable parcel and all personal property parcels.
• All real and personal property taxes where the current year's taxes are more than $50 may be paid in half with any applicable interest only through October 30th; on October 31st, those taxes are due in full.  All other property taxes where current year's taxes are than $50, must have 1st half paid by April 30th to avoid costs

Real property foreclosure begins May 1st for real property taxes/assessments delinquent 3 or more years.  Collection fees will be assessed during this process.

Personal property distraint begins May 1st for first-half and November 1st for second-half.  Collection fees are assessed starting on those dates.

6. Is there a drop box for property tax payments?

There is a secure drop box located outside the entrance of the Courthouse and a secure drive-up drop box located across from the Courthouse on the north side of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, both available 24/7. There is also a drop box located along the West Wall outside of our office.

7. Can I pay my taxes with a credit or debit card?

Yes. There are three payment options when using either a credit or debit card.

8. How are my property taxes calculated?

Your property taxes are calculated by multiplying the taxable value by the levy rate for the area that the property is located divided by $1,000.

Example:
Taxable Value = $250,500
Levy Rate = 12.49655
$250,000 X 12.49655 = $3,130,385.78 divided by $1,000 = $3,130.39

The other item that is taken into consideration when your property taxes are calculated is whether or not you have some type of exemption.

9. How do I make a taxpayer name or address change?

You may do this via our website at  Name and Address Change Request, on the back of your payment coupon or by sending us a signed note requesting the change. Be sure to include your parcel number(s) on all correspondence with our office.

To make a change to the mailing address for the owner record, you will need to contact the Yakima County Assessor's Office at 509-574-1100.

Note: Changing the taxpayer name or address is solely for the purpose of receiving a property tax and assessment statement. It does not change the ownership or vesting. To change the ownership or vesting on a parcel, please seek legal guidance.

10. Why haven’t I received my property tax statement?

Our office may not have your most current mailing address. However, you do not need the property tax statement to make your payment. You can find your tax and assessment information under the heading of Pay Property Taxes. Just include your parcel number with your payment to avoid any complications in having your payment applied.

Please remember, even if you have not received your property tax statement, it is your responsibility to pay the taxes in a timely manner to avoid delinquent charges.

11. What happens if both my mortgage company and I pay my taxes for my property?

You will need to work with your mortgage company on this issue. We do not refund payments when this occurs but consider the property taxes paid in full for the year.

12. What can I do if the “situs/location” address is incorrect on my tax statement?

You will need to contact the Yakima County Assessor's Office at 509-574-1100 to request a correction to this address. We obtain the situs/location information that is printed on your tax statement directly from that office.

13. How do I protest my taxes?

This information is located under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 458-18-215 and may be accessed in the Paying Property Taxes Under Protest (PDF). You must follow the directions provided explicitly in order to maintain your right to an appeal.

14. What are personal property taxes?

Personal property taxes are due on the following types of personal property.

15. I am delinquent on my personal property taxes. Why are they treated differently than my real property taxes?

According to state law, RCW 84.56.070, certain personal property taxes become delinquent on May 1 and November 1, respectively. They fall into the collection process called distraint and become immediately due in full with interest and administrative costs associated to the collection process.