Frequently Asked Questions - Appeals

What are the duties of the Thurston County Assessor?

Thurston County is on an annual valuation cycle, meaning that all real property is physically inspected at least once every six years, but is statistically updated every year. Taxable personal property must be listed and assessed each year.

The County Assessor does not levy taxes, but determines current market value of taxable property in Thurston County for the purposes of property taxation. Fair market value is the amount a willing buyer would pay a willing seller when neither is under undue pressure. The Thurston County Assessor's Office uses valid recent sales data of similar properties and the replacement cost of buildings (based on the cost of current labor and material, less depreciation), to arrive at fair market value.

Where do I go to question the value placed on my property by the Assessor?

Telephone the Assessor's Office at (360) 867-2200, or come into our office in the Courthouse Complex, Building 1, at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502. We will review all of our processes and the steps taken to come up with your value.

If you want to see current and past values or find out information about your property, go to the Assessor's Parcel Look-Up System (A+ Parcel Search).

How long is the appeal period in 2011?

This year, we have expanded the appeal period from 30 to 60 days from the date that value notifications were mailed. This means, if you are unable to resolve your concern with our office during the 60 days, you must file your appeal on or before November 15, 2011.

How do I file an appeal?

If you believe that your assessment is above market value, you may file a petition with the County Board of Equalization, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502. Questions for the Board of Equalization should be directed to Ruth Elder, Clerk at (360) 786-5135 or by email at elderr@co.thurston.wa.us. Appeal forms may be downloaded from the website, acquired from the Thurston County Assessor's Office, or requested in writing from the Thurston County Board of Equalization.

Click here to download an appeal form

How can I effectively present my case?

You must present proof to the Board of Equalization that the appraiser has erred in the appraisal of your property. The information that you present to the Board of Equalization should show the valid sales of comparable properties in your area. You should also submit other information that explains the difference between the Assessor's value, and what you feel is the market value of your property.

Merely protesting "high taxes" cannot be the subject of an appeal. The amount of your taxes is determined by the State Constitution, State Legislature, and Voter Approved Special Levies. These laws do not pertain to the analysis of "true and fair property values." You do not need an attorney to talk to someone from the Assessor’s Office, appeal to the Thurston County Board of Equalization or appeal to the State Board of Tax Appeals.

For questions regarding property tax law, call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000.

For Appeals Information, contact:
Thurston County Board of Equalization
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
Olympia, WA 98502
Ruth Elder, Clerk
(360) 786-5135
elderr@co.thurston.wa.us