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Board of Equalization
Members
The Board of Equalization is appointed by the Jefferson County Commissioners and consists of not less than 3 or more than 7 members for 3-year terms. Currently the board has 3 seated members.
Process
A process allowed by State Statute for real and personal property owners to challenge the Assessor's valuation. Appeal forms may be obtained by viewing the Taxpayer Petition to the County Board of Equalization for Review of Real Property Valuation or by contacting the Jefferson County Administrator's Office at 360-385-9100 or the Jefferson County Assessor's Office at 360-385-9105. Forms can be submitted in the following forms:
Mailed or Delivered in Person:
Jefferson County Board of Equalization, Attn: Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board
c/o Jefferson County Courthouse, Commissioners Office
1820 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Emailed: carolyn@co.jefferson.wa.us mailto:jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us
Faxed: 360-385-9382
Appeal forms must be filed or postmarked by July 1 of the current assessment year or 30 days after the date of mailing of the change of value or other determination notice. Created by RCW 84.48. If filing after July 1, a copy of the Assessor's determination notice (postcard) must be attached to the petition form.
To successfully appeal the assessed value of the property, you must show by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence the value established by the Assessor, as of the assessment date, is incorrect. The following are examples of the types of evidence that can be submitted: Recent Sales of Comparable Properties, Photos showing damage or areas of concern, Bank Appraisal of Property, or other documents showing restrictions to the property. You must list specific reasons for the appeal. In the Hearing before the Board of Equalization, the weight is on the Appellant, to prove the Assessment by the Assessors Office is incorrect. By law, the following CANNOT be considered by the Board of Equalization: the amount of tax, the assessed value of other properties, the percentage by which the assessment increased, personal hardship, and other matters unrelated to the market value.
For more information follow this pathway: www.co.jefferson.wa.us - Services - LaserFische Web Portal - (Username and Password is: public) - Board of Commissioners - Boards & Committees - Board of Equalization - Form and Information - Information on Appealing Property Assessment
Prior to filing an appeal form it is suggested that you contact the Jefferson County Assessor's Office at 360-385-9105. They are available to talk with you and listen to your concerns. They may be able to address your problem/concern without filing an appeal.