By Cindy Alia 4/15/25
Call your legislator, sign in with your position, or call 1 800 562 6000 to make sure your legislators realize the impact of the extreme property taxation proposed! In my conversations with people around the state, I have found not a single soul supporting this bill. Many have expressed to me the fears of losing their home, and their one most important life time investment. Many have expressed their anger and frustration at the lack of representation, and of simply being ignored by the majority party seen as policy chasing and not caring about the impact to individuals.
This morning the State Senate dropped another property tax bill, this one as a companion the HB 2049. This companion bill, SB 5812, dropped with just 12 days left in session indicates the intent of the majority in the legislature to push through the extreme property tax increases because a companion bill will make it easier for them to pass the bill.
It is hard to phathom the willingness to ignore the will of the people when thousands and thousands have registered their opposition to increased property tax.
The bill, SB 5812 dropped this morning, is scheduled for a public hearing on April 16, tomorrow, and for committee executive session on April 18.
This without presenting a word of text to the people for this bill as of this writing.
Assuming the bill will be a true companion bill and will not provide alternate text, we can analyze the impact of HB 2049 to the property owners of Washington state:
Impact on Property Taxes by Region
Assumptions:
Total millage rate (school, county, city) averages 10/$1,000 across regions, with school levies at $2.50/$1,000.
Home values reflect 2024 medians: Puget Sound ($800,000), Spokane ($400,000), rural ($300,000).
Levy increases apply fully at 1% (current) vs. 3% (proposed).
1. Puget Sound Region (e.g., Seattle, King County)
Median Home Value: $800,000
Current Tax Bill: $800,000 × 10/$1,000 = $8,000/year
Impact:
1% Increase: Levy rises to $8,080 (+$80).
3% Increase: Levy rises to $8,240 (+$240).
10-Year Projection:
1%: $8,000 → ~$8,829 (+10.4%).
3%: $8,000 → ~$10,719 (+34%).
School Levy: For a district with 5,000 students, revenue could grow from $10M to ~$25M by 2031, adding ~$500/home annually at current values.
2. Spokane Region
Median Home Value: $400,000
Current Tax Bill: $400,000 × 10/$1,000 = $4,000/year
Impact:
1% Increase: Levy rises to $4,040 (+$40).
3% Increase: Levy rises to $4,120 (+$120).
10-Year Projection:
1%: $4,000 → ~$4,414 (+10.4%).
3%: $4,000 → ~$5,359 (+34%).
School Levy: Similar per-pupil increases apply, adding ~$250/home by 2031.
3. Rural Regions (e.g., Eastern WA counties)
Median Home Value: $300,000
Current Tax Bill: $300,000 × 10/$1,000 = $3,000/year
Impact:
1% Increase: Levy rises to $3,030 (+$30).
3% Increase: Levy rises to $3,090 (+$90).
10-Year Projection:
1%: $3,000 → ~$3,311 (+10.4%).
3%: $3,000 → ~$4,019 (+34%).
School Levy: Smaller districts see proportional increases, adding ~$200/home by 2031.
Broader Implications
Homeowners: Puget Sound faces the largest dollar increases ($240/year vs. $90 in rural areas), straining affordability in high-cost areas. No new exemptions offset rises.
Local Governments: Schools gain significant revenue (e.g., $15M more for a 5,000-student district by 2031), supporting education and safety but raising reliance on local taxes.
Regional Variation: Puget Sound’s high values amplify tax hikes; rural areas see smaller absolute increases but similar percentage growth.
Sustainability: If CPI falls (e.g., <1%), levy growth may lag costs, forcing voter-approved levies or cuts.
Key Considerations
No Relief: Unlike other states, no homestead exemptions are added, so all owners face higher bills.
School Funding: Increased levies fund special education and enrichment, but taxpayers bear the cost without state surplus offsets.
Local Choice: Districts may not always use the full 3%, but urban areas like Puget Sound are likelier to maximize increases.
April 15, 2025