Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

We all know that the lack of affordable housing in Washington is putting a strain on homeowners, but not everyone is aware of the new laws and programs that can help. Last session, we passed HB 1355 to expand our property tax relief program to better help seniors, disabled individuals, and disabled veterans. Homeowners can save up to 60% on state property taxes, offering a critical lifeline to those facing rising property taxes and a higher cost of living. 

This is incredible news, especially for those of us concerned about senior homelessness. While working on the recently passed co-living housing bill, I was saddened to hear the AARP testify senior homelessness is rising at a worrying rate. I am committed to ensuring Washington’s seniors can continue living in the communities they love and aren’t aging into an unaffordable housing market. 

In 2020, we updated the property tax relief program to account for communities’ differing housing costs and property taxes. Increasing property values may be good for those looking to sell their home, but for many, it causes an unaffordable property tax increase. We want seniors and veterans to have the option to age in place. This program exempts eligible residents from certain levies and ensures their tax burden doesn’t increase even if their homes appreciate in value. 

Now, we’ve further enhanced the program to protect seniors and veterans from the effects of inflation. Starting this year, Snohomish County residents are eligible if their household income is $75,000 or less. In King County, households making less than $85,000 are eligible. 

2024 was a landmark year for affordable housing. We passed a suite of bills to speed up the development of affordable housing. As developers work to get those new homes to market, it is more important than ever that Washingtonians have access to the resources they need to afford housing.  

Our seniors and veterans are an incredible source of strength in our communities. We owe it to them to ensure they do not fall through the cracks. If you or someone you know is 61 or older, unable to work due to a disability, or a qualifying veteran, I urge you to look over this year’s application materials. 

With recent changes, we expect more applications than ever before. The sooner you apply, the faster you can receive assistance. Right now, we strongly recommend residents apply online through the Property Exemption Portal. 

To Apply for a Tax Exemption: 

King County: Apply online here. For help, call 206-296-3920 or email Exemptions.Assessments@kingcounty.gov 

Snohomish County: Find application materials here. For help, call 425-388-3540 or email assessor@snoco.org.  

Stay involved! 

This is just one way we continue our work to expand affordable housing in Washington state. Remember, your voice is integral to the lawmaking process and helps guide us to shape better policy. 

I’d love to continue hearing from you and look forward to learning more about your priorities as we work toward the 2025 session. Send me an email at Jesse.Salomon@leg.wa.gov or give me a call at 360-786-7662. 

Sincerely yours,