Property taxes in Kent jumped 12.96% this year compared to 2021, the fifth highest increase among King County cities.
Tukwila has the highest property tax increase over last year at 15.14 percent followed by Covington at 14.55%, Sammamish at 13.69% and Black Diamond at 13.11%, according to King County Assessor John Wilson. Renton’s increase is just behind Kent at 12.55%.
“Residential property values have continued to rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, partly driven by a lack of housing inventory,” said Wilson in a Feb. 22 news release. “Still, it is important to remember that voter approved levies, and not the value of your property, is the primary cause of increased property taxes.
“Local governments may only increase property tax collections by 1% per year without a vote of the people. Voter approved levies are not subject to that restriction.”
The median value of a Kent home is $467,000 in 2022 for a property tax bill of $5,292 compared to a median value of $395,000 in 2021 and a tax bill of $4,685. The levy rate is $11.33 per $1,000 assessed value this year compared to $11.86 in 2021. The median value means half of the homes are higher than that price and half are lower.
Most of the property taxes in Kent go to schools with about 32% to local school measures and 26% to the state school levy. About 11% goes to the city, 10% to the county and 8% to fire. The remaining 13% includes hospital, library, Medic One/emergency medical services, county flood district, Port of Seattle and Sound Transit.
School property tax measures that Kent voters approved and impact 2021 and 2022 taxes include the 2020 educational program and operations levy, the 2018 technology and capital levy and the 2016 bond measure, which included funding for a new Covington Elementary School and the new River Ridge Elementary School, according to the Kent School District.
In Kent’s neighboring cities, property tax bills for 2022 increased 11% in Federal Way, 10.76% in SeaTac, 8.96% in Des Moines, 8.36% in Maple Valley and 7.81% in Auburn.
King County Treasury has begun sending out tax bills. King County collects property taxes on behalf of the state, the county, cities and taxing districts (such as school and fire districts) and distributes the revenue to these local governments.
By state law, values are set as of Jan. 1 each year. Taxes collected this year are based on the value of the property on Jan. 1, 2021.
Kent had just a 3.15% hike in 2021 compared to 2020, according to the King County Assessor.
While property tax increases jumped in Kent and other cities, most hikes were modest in King County for the 2022 tax year — about 3% – despite the fact that property values rose by about 9%. Wilson said this is because voter approved levies, and not rising property values, are the main drivers of property tax increases.
Overall, countywide property tax collections for the 2022 tax year are $6.79 billion, an increase of $190 million over last year’s total of $6.6 billion. Total county property values, however, increased from $659.5 billion to $722.5 billion.
Property taxes vary depending upon location, the assessed value of the property, and the number of jurisdictions levying taxes (such as state, city, county, school district, port, fire district, etc.).
For seniors and the disabled, Wilson said it is important to be aware of our state’s property tax relief programs. King County taxpayers who are 61 years or older, or disabled, own their home, and have an annual income of $58,423 or less after certain medical or long-term care expenses, may be eligible for tax relief.
Taxpayers should go to the website kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/TaxRelief.aspx for more information and to apply online.
Property owners can find tax levy rates and more property related information by visiting the eReal Property Search on the King County Assessor’s website or by calling 206-296-7300.
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.