Published April 14, 2025
📉 How to Appeal Your Property Tax Valuation in King or Snohomish County: 2025 Homeowner’s Guide
Has your property tax bill gone up again this year? You’re not alone — and in many cases, you can appeal your valuation and reduce your taxes.
Whether you live in King County or Snohomish County, Washington homeowners have the legal right to challenge overinflated property assessments. This guide will walk you through the appeal process, key deadlines, evidence strategies, and how much you could save.
📅 Property Tax Valuation Appeals: Key 2025 Deadlines
| County | Valuation Date | Assessment Notices Mailed | Appeal Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| King | Jan 1, 2025 | Spring/Summer 2025 | 60 days from notice date (varies) |
| Snohomish | Jan 1, 2025 | Mid-June 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
🧾 Important: You must appeal your valuation, not your actual tax bill. The valuation is based on what your home was worth as of January 1, 2025, even if the appeal is filed later.
🧠 Should You Appeal Your Property Valuation?
Use this rule of thumb:
| Assessed Value vs. Market Value | Should You Appeal? |
|---|---|
| Within 5% | Probably not worth it |
| 5–10% high | Maybe |
| 10–20% high | Very likely |
| 20%+ over market | Appeal immediately |
For example, if your home’s real market value is $900,000 and it’s assessed at $1,050,000 — you could be overpaying hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
🛠️ How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment (Step-by-Step)
1. Gather Evidence
Your appeal is only as strong as your data. You'll need:
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3–5 recent comparable sales (closed close to Jan 1, 2025)
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Photos & MLS sheets showing your home's actual condition
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Documentation of any discrepancies in public records (square footage, bed/bath count, remodel status, etc.)
🔍 Look for similar homes within:
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±20% of your square footage
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±3 months of the Jan 1 valuation date
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Similar style (e.g. rambler vs. split-level vs. townhome)
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Similar condition and amenities
2. Download and Complete the Appeal Form
Make sure to include:
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Full legal description of your property
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Your basis for the appeal
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Supporting evidence
3. Submit Before the Deadline
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King County: 60 days from the date on your assessment notice
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Snohomish County: August 20, 2025
Late appeals will not be considered.
4. Prepare for a Hearing
If your case moves forward:
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You’ll attend a hearing (can be remote)
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You’ll present your case to the Board of Equalization
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The assessor’s representative will present their case
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A ruling is made based on the evidence
Most cases are decided within 60–90 days of the hearing.
💸 How Much Could You Save?
| % Overvaluation | Annual Savings (Est. on $900K Home @ $7.00 Rate) |
|---|---|
| 5% | $315 |
| 10% | $630 |
| 15% | $945 |
| 20% | $1,260 |
🧾 Appeals can sometimes result in retroactive tax refunds, especially if the valuation was inflated for multiple years.
👩💼 Need Help? We Offer Free Valuation Reports
Navigating this process can be complex. That’s why we offer:
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Free Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) reports
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Assessment record reviews
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Guidance on whether appealing is worth your time
Let our local expertise work in your favor — we’ve helped dozens of homeowners in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Shoreline, and beyond successfully appeal.
📍 Helpful Links
💬 Questions About Your Home’s Valuation?
Whether you’re planning to appeal or just want to know if your assessment is accurate, we can help.
📞 Call/Text: 206 489 4920
📩 Email: Team@ReeceHomes.com
📊 Request Free Home Value Report
🏡 Let’s make sure you’re not overpaying for your home.
Appealing your property valuation could save you hundreds — if not thousands — each year.
