Applying for Property Tax Relief or Deferral Programs

What Is Property Tax Relief or Deferral?

Property tax relief typically takes one of two forms:

• Exemption: A reduction in the amount of tax owed, often for seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities who meet income thresholds.

• Deferral: A delay in paying the property tax. The tax is still owed, but payment is postponed-sometimes until the home is sold or the owner passes away.

In both cases, the program is designed to keep homeowners in their homes during times of economic stress by reducing or postponing one of the more burdensome fixed costs.

Why This Matters

For many households already struggling with reduced income, losing control of housing costs can quickly spiral into larger problems: falling behind on mortgage payments, delaying critical home repairs, or worse, facing the risk of foreclosure. Property tax relief offers a small but powerful window of breathing room, allowing families to reallocate funds to more urgent needs like food, medical care, or transportation.

Advantages of Applying for Tax Relief or Deferral

• Immediate reduction or pause in tax burden Approved households may see a lower bill-or no bill-for the current year, depending on eligibility.

• Keeps you in your home By easing one major housing cost, this solution helps delay or prevent drastic moves or emergency sales.

• Preserves long-term stability When combined with other decisions, it can help a household stay on track while recovering from hardship.

• Simple requirements Most programs require proof of income, age, or disability status-and are often available to people who are unaware they qualify.

Disadvantages and What to Watch For

• Deferred taxes still accumulate Deferral is not forgiveness. Eventually, the taxes must be paid-often when the home is sold or inherited. This may reduce the equity passed on or available later.

• Programs vary by location Availability and rules change by county and city. What applies in one area may not in another. It's important to check local details carefully.

• Deadlines matter Relief or deferral applications are usually tied to a strict filing window. Missing it could mean waiting another full year to apply.

• Eligibility is not automatic You have to apply. No agency will apply on your behalf. Many homeowners miss out simply because they never submit the paperwork.

When It Might Be Worth Considering

If your household has experienced a significant drop in income, or you're managing additional stress from a life-changing event-divorce, medical treatment, caregiving, or job loss-this could be one of the fastest ways to lighten your financial load without giving up your home.

It's especially useful if:

• Your mortgage is current, but you're starting to fall behind on other housing costs

• You're trying to stay in your home during a transition period

• You are already eligible based on age or disability, but haven't applied before

Next Steps

To check whether property tax relief or deferral is available to you, visit your county assessor's website and search for "property tax exemption" or "property tax deferral" under homeowner resources. Eligibility, forms, and instructions are often available online. If you don't understand the terms used, many counties also offer PDFs in plain language.

While KING COUNTY REAL ESTATE HELP does not provide legal or personalized assistance, we encourage eligible homeowners to explore these public resources and-when necessary-consult qualified professionals who offer services to those in financial hardship.

Relief won't fix everything. But it might give you just enough room to breathe-and that's often where better decisions begin.

Explore the full list of practical tools and decision-making guides available in our [Resource Center].

KING COUNTY REAL ESTATE HELP Helping homeowners stay stable-by making better decisions, one step at a time.