Property taxes are one of the biggest ongoing expenses for homeowners in Whatcom County. As
home values shift and the market changes, your assessed property value and possibly your tax bill can
change too. Therefore, knowing how property taxes work and the options you have if your home feels
overvalued, can help you make confident, informed decisions as a homeowner.
Determining Your Property Value
In Whatcom County, the Assessor’s Office determines the market value of every property for tax
purposes. This is an estimate of what your home would likely sell for on the open market, not
what you paid for it or what you hope it’s worth.
Washington state law requires assessors to use standard appraisal methods to determine assessed property value. These may include reviewing recent comparable sales, estimating replacement costs, or
analyzing income data for certain property types. Assessors periodically review and update property values to reflect current market conditions..
In active areas like Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, and surrounding communities, these updates
can lead to noticeable increases in assessed values from one year to the next.
What Happens After Your Property Is Valued?
Each year, homeowners receive a valuation notice showing the Assessor’s estimated value of
their property. This number is what your property taxes are based on.
A higher assessed value does not automatically mean your tax bill will increase. Property taxes
are influenced by both assessed value and local levy rates set by taxing districts such as schools,
fire departments, and county services. However, tax bills often go up when values rise and levy rates stay relatively steady.
Can You Appeal Your Property Valuation
If you believe your assessed value does not reflect your home’s true market value, you have the
legal right to appeal. An appeal challenges the value assigned to your property, not the tax rate
itself.
Step One: Start With an Informal Review
Many homeowners begin by contacting the Assessor’s Office to review their valuation. In some
cases, the issue is a simple error such as incorrect square footage, missing features, or a
misclassified improvement. Correcting these types of issues can sometimes be done without needing to file a formal appeal.
Step Two: File a Formal Appeal With the Board of Equalization
If an informal review does not resolve the issue, you may file a formal appeal with the Whatcom
County Board of Equalization. You would submit and appeal in writing as phone calls and emails are
not considered official appeals.
The deadline to file is July 1 of the assessment year or within 30 days of the date your valuation
notice was mailed, whichever is later. The Board of Equalization only considers valuation issues.
Tax rates and personal financial circumstances are not part of the appeal process.
Appeal forms are available through Whatcom County or in person at the County Council Office
in downtown Bellingham.
What to Include With Your Appeal
A strong appeal clearly shows that the assessed value does not reflect current market value.
Helpful documentation may include recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood,
photos or records showing condition issues or deferred maintenance, an independent appraisal, or
information the assessor may not be aware of such as zoning restrictions or environmental
limitations.
Under Washington law, the assessor’s valuation is presumed to be correct, which makes clear and
well organized evidence especially important.
What Happens After You File
Once your appeal is accepted and determined to be timely, a hearing will be scheduled where
you can present your information. The Assessor’s Office may also present market data. After
reviewing both sides, the Board issues a decision.
If you disagree with the outcome, you may appeal further to the Washington State Board of Tax
Appeals. That appeal must be filed within 30 days of the Board of Equalization’s decision.
Final Thoughts
Appealing a property valuation can be a valuable option for homeowners who believe their
assessment does not reflect real market conditions. While the process requires preparation and
documentation, it can result in meaningful tax savings over time.
If you are unsure whether your home’s assessed value aligns with today’s market, or if you
would like help reviewing comparable sales in your neighborhood, I am happy to help.
A clear picture of your home’s value can help you make smarter decisions. It’s never been easier to get a local, professional opinion on your home’s current market value with this free tool. Then, contact Lindsay Loreen to understand how your assessment compares to recent sales in your neighborhood.
