This program is the result of ESHB 1332, which provides for a deferral of property taxes from 2021 through a payment agreement
VANCOUVER – Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper announced today that she is accepting property tax deferral requests from property owners financially affected by COVID-19 in 2020. This program is the result of ESHB 1332, which provides for a postponement of property taxes from 2021 through a payment agreement.
Governor Jay Inslee signed the bill on Friday morning. The law contains an emergency clause and comes into force immediately.
Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper
“I have been closely following the property tax laws that will affect property owners in Clark County, and ESHB 1332 is one of those bills,” Topper said. “I encourage property companies that believe they qualify to submit their payment extension request by April 30, 2021.”
Due to the limited application period, the treasurer’s team has dedicated resources to ensure that all applications are reviewed in a timely manner.
Currently, all Washington real estate and personal effects are subject to property tax unless the law provides a specific exemption. Real estate includes any land, building, structure or permanent enhancement to land, permanent fixtures and fittings on land, standing timber, or water rights.
Legislative changes
According to ESHB 1332, the district treasurers must grant a deferral of the unpaid, not defaulted property taxes from 2021, which are due for qualified companies by setting up a payment plan. To qualify a company must:
- Show a loss of at least 25% of sales for calendar year 2020 compared to calendar year 2019.
- A deferral must be requested from the district treasurer on forms developed by the Ministry of Finance.
- Penalties and interest do not apply to taxes due under the deferred payment plan while the terms of the payment plan are fully met.
- A real estate owner who receives a deferment must pass the entire benefit on to a tenant or sub-tenant if the tenant or sub-tenant is required to pay the owner’s property tax expense under the lease or other contract.
- An application for deferment must be filed by April 30, 2021, and applicants must, under penalty of perjury, certify that the information in an application is true and accurate.
For more information or to inquire about postponement, contact the Treasury at [email protected] or call (564) 397-6038 or visit www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.