Changes to county's levy exemption program will mean higher taxes for some seniors, lower for others

The change means that some seniors will have a higher percentage of their property value be exempt from levies; others will have a lower percentage.

Johnson said these changes began when her office discovered a parcel that was enrolled in the SEP had not received the proper exemption percentage and began to examine others. Eventually, the Assessor's Office readjusted over 350 parcels in the county. There are approximately 700 people currently enrolled in the SEP.

Over 200 parcels will receive more of an exemption while 150 parcels will receive less of an exemption. Exemptions that increased did so on average by 9.69 percent per parcel. Of parcels that decreased, exemptions went down by an average of 5.46 percent.

"Most of the decreases were for additional improvements that don't qualify as part of a typical primary residence -- extra barns, out buildings, etc.," Johnson said. "In one case, we had two homes on the parcel."

According to Johnson's press release, a single-family dwelling qualifies for the exemption program. In Klickitat County a typical single-family dwelling is "is one dwelling, one carport or garage, and one out building."

Johnson said the previous administration was not valuing many of these parcels correctly and that the new methodology gives "a higher weight on the primary resident homesite based on market value rather than lot size."

In addition to the SEP, the Assessor's Office also recently reassessed Klickitat County wind turbines based on fair market value and Johnson said she will be examining the Current Use Open Space Program. According to the Washington State Department of Revenue, this allows owners of "open space, farm, agricultural and timber lands valued at their current use rather than at their highest and best use."

Johnson said homeowners who are 61 years of age or older and those who are disabled could qualify for the SEP, but must live in their residence six months out of the year and cannot have an annual disposable income over $35,000. The exemption is for all special and excess levies and can also include regular levies.

Johnson said that the 700 people enrolled in the SEP wasn't very much and wants taxpayers to know it's available.

"I am sure that there are many senior citizens, disabled citizens and veterans on limited incomes that could qualify for the program that just don't know about the program," she said.

Contact Information:

The Klickitat County Assessor's Office can be reached in Goldendale at 773-3715 or in White Salmon at 493-6028.