OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation providing property tax relief into law Monday.
Senate Bill 6162, sponsored by Sen. Deb Krishnadasan (D-Gig Harbor), will expand the Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Program to an additional 30,000 households.
“The most common thing I hear from our neighbors is that we need to make life more affordable, especially for those living on low and fixed incomes,” Krishnadasan said. “We have a responsibility to make sure our seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans can continue living in the homes they worked so hard to establish. This bill expands the property tax exemption program, extending this relief to an estimated 5,000 more households in the 26th District, while also increasing the exemption for those who already qualify. That means more grandparents, veterans and people with disabilities can remain in their homes with dignity, stability, and financial security. I’m so proud to bring this much-needed relief to those who need it most.”
In addition to lowering the qualification standard for the program, it simplifies the application process by replacing itemized deductions with a standard $7,500 deduction per person and $6,000 in rental income. The program includes those with disabilities and disabled veterans.
“Seniors built the communities we live in today, and they deserve a property tax relief program that keeps up with the rising cost of living,” said Rep. Sharon Wylie (D-Vancouver), who sponsored companion legislation in the House. “This measure modernizes our property tax structure, expands the program so more seniors and people with disabilities can stay in their homes, and improves transparency. Allowing seniors the rental income without it counting against their eligibility for property tax relief is a practical step that can make a real difference for people living on fixed incomes. I am glad we’re getting it across the finish line.”
The law goes into effect June 10, 2026.
###
