The Blog
First-hand writing on King County property taxes — how the system actually works, why your assessment jumped, and what I did about mine.
I bought my first house, opened a tax notice that made no sense, and went down a rabbit hole. This is where it started — and why I ended up writing all of this down.
How King County Property Taxes Actually Work
July 4, 2026
King County uses a budget-based property tax system, which is why your bill can rise even when home values fall. Here's how it actually works, in plain English.
Breaking Down Your Tax Bill: Where Your Money Actually Goes
July 2, 2026
A breakdown of a typical King County property tax bill: schools, county, city, Sound Transit, the Port, and everything else.
Assessed Value vs. Market Value: What's the Difference?
June 30, 2026
Assessed value vs. market value in King County — what each means, why they diverge, and why the gap is your opening to appeal.
How to Appeal a King County Property Tax Valuation (Step by Step)
June 28, 2026
The full King County property tax appeal process — deadline, evidence, filing on eAppeals, the 21-day evidence rule, the hearing, and what happens after.
6 Ways to Actually Lower Your King County Property Tax Burden
June 26, 2026
Beyond a single appeal: exemptions, the deferral program, escrow checks, and other ways to manage your King County property tax burden over time.