WA · No general homestead exemption
Washington homestead exemption
Washington has no general homestead exemption for all homeowners.
- Main exemption
- No general exemption
- Filing deadline
- Not in our data
- Own and live there by
- December 31
- Renewal
- Not in our data
- Where to file
- County assessor
Washington has no general homestead exemption for all homeowners. Owners 61+, disabled, or veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 40% can get a property tax exemption if household income is under their county's threshold, for example $60,000, $72,000 or $84,000 tiers in King County for 2024-2026. Apply with your county assessor.
Last verified · Sources
How much the Washington exemption is worth
Washington has no general homestead exemption for all homeowners. The relief that does exist is described below.
Who qualifies
- Own and occupy a primary residence in Washington and have combined disposable income at or below your county's threshold.
- By December 31 of the assessment year: age 61 or older; or age 57+ and the surviving spouse or domestic partner of a prior participant; or unable to work because of a disability; or a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of at least 40%, or paid at the 100% rate.
Deadline and renewal
Apply with your county assessor. The limited-income deferral of the second-half tax installment is due by September 1.
Extra breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled owners
| Who | Program | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seniors | Senior and disabled exemption income tiers (King County) | See details | Income thresholds for tax years 2024-2026 in King County are $60,000, $72,000 and $84,000 for the three benefit tiers; thresholds differ by county. Source |
| Seniors | Deferral for seniors and people with disabilities | Not in our data | Owners 60+ or retired due to disability with income at or below the county deferral threshold can defer property taxes and special assessments at 5% simple interest, repaid when the home is sold or no longer the primary residence. Source |
| Veterans | Disabled veterans | Not in our data | Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 40%, or paid at the 100% rate, qualify for the same exemption under the county income threshold. Source |
| Surviving spouses | Property tax assistance for widows or widowers of veterans | Not in our data | A grant toward property taxes for unremarried widows or widowers 62+ (or retired due to disability) of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or was rated 100% disabled. From 2025 income must be at or below the county's Threshold 3. Source |
| Other | Deferral for homeowners with limited income | See details | Owners of five years with combined disposable income of $57,000 or less can defer the second-half installment due in October. Applications are due by September 1. Source |
Law: RCW 84.36.381
Washington county guides
Local offices, online filing links and local amounts for 3 counties, largest first.
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington have a homestead exemption for everyone?
No. The exemption is for owners 61+, people unable to work due to disability, and veterans with qualifying disability ratings, under a county income limit.
How much income can I have?
It depends on your county. In King County the 2024-2026 thresholds are $60,000, $72,000 and $84,000.
Where do I apply?
With your county assessor.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Washington?
Apply with your county assessor. The limited-income deferral of the second-half tax installment is due by September 1.
Sources
- Property tax exemption for seniors, people retired due to disability, and veterans with disabilities · Washington Department of Revenue
- Property tax exemptions and deferrals · Washington Department of Revenue
- Income thresholds, tax years 2024-2026 · Washington Department of Revenue
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