Revaluation Notices Reveal New Property Values for 2010 Tax Year

The Lewis County real estate market has shown a decline in the last year, however, an overall increase will be shown in the reval notices being mailed to those living in the White Pass, Eatonville, Morton and Castle Rock (formerly Vader) School Districts. White Pass, Eatonville and Morton School Districts had a 25% overall increase in assessed value and Castle Rock School District has shown a 15% overall increase. Values have not changed in those areas since it was last reappraised four years ago other than those with new construction.

The increases will be reflected in revaluation notices being mailed to Lewis County property owners on Thursday, July 23, 2009. Most notably, land prices in Lewis County have increased by the largest percentage over residential and commercial property.

The notices will identify new value assessments for taxes payable in 2010. The assessed value of real property countywide is $7.4 billion as of January 1, 2009. The White Pass, Eatonville, Morton and Castle Rock school districts were revalued as part of the current four year revaluation cycle. The Washington State Constitution requires Lewis County to be valued at 100% market value at least every four years.

The rumor is if your value changes by a certain percentage, so will your taxes. Not so, since the State of Washington has a 1% cap on budgets through Referendum 47. Taxes that require a vote of the people are exempt from the 1% levy limitation. White Pass School District passed a bond measure that will be reflected on the 2010 tax bill. Approximately 65 taxing districts in Lewis County submit budgets to determine the
amount of tax you will pay in 2010.

Property owners can find assessment information online at www.lewiscountywa.gov. By selecting PATS, they can research data on property and land values, building Characteristics and sales. If you need more information on how to search the site, please call the Assessor’s Office at (360) 740-1392.

Property appeals must be filed with the Board of Equalization by August 26, 2009. Information regarding the appeal process can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board at (360) 740-1120. Taxpayers are encouraged to speak with an Appraiser prior to filing Board of Equalization petitions.