Every year it seems for as long as I can remember property taxes have increased.
Did you know that doesn’t have to be the case?
In this article you’ll learn if you qualify to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars EVERY YEAR!!
For the rest of your life!
San Juan County, Washington offers tax relief programs for seniors and disabled persons that allow them to remain in their homes in spite of rising property taxes. Those qualified receive a reduction in the amount of property taxes due. The amount of the reduction is based on the income, the value of the residence, and the local levy rates.
You may qualify for a reduction on your property taxes if on December 31 of the year before the taxes are due, you are either at least 61 years of age or older, unable to work due to a disability, or a veteran of the armed forces of the United States receiving compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs with a combined service-connected evaluation rating of 80% or higher or a total disability rating for a service-connected disability without regard to evaluation percent.
You must own your home in San Juan County by December 31 of the assessment year. This means that in order for you to receive an exemption in 2024, you must own your home by December 31, 2023.
You must also occupy your home for more than six months in the assessment year. You may continue to qualify even if you spend time in a hospital, nursing home, boarding home, adult family home, or home of a relative. However, a residence used as a vacation home is not eligible.
Finally, your annual household disposable income may not exceed $49,000 beginning in 2024.
So, if you believe you qualify for a reduction on your property taxes in San Juan County, schedule a quick meeting with us and we will help you get this benefit.
Property taxes in the county are payable on or after February 15 of each year. The full tax is due by April 30. If the amount payable is over $50, one-half may be paid on or before April 30 with the second half due on or before October 31.
Take advantage of San Juan County’s tax relief programs for you. You can start working on your qualifications today so that on due date, you would only have to pay reduced property taxes. Schedule an appointment with us.
About San Juan County
San Juan County, situated in the Salish Sea in the far northwestern corner of Washington state, embodies a serene and picturesque region. As of the 2020 census, the county is home to a population of 17,788 residents. Established on October 31, 1873, it was carved out of Whatcom County and is named after the San Juan Islands, themselves named in honor of Juan Vicente de Güemes, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo, the Viceroy of New Spain.
According to the 2010 census, San Juan County has a population of 15,769 people, residing in 7,613 households and forming 4,438 families. With a population density of 90.7 people per square mile, the county maintains a harmonious balance between its residents and the stunning natural landscapes that define this island enclave. The county’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant communities contribute to its unique character within the Salish Sea region.
Places You Could Visit
Orcas Island
Orcas Island, a gem within the San Juan archipelago, invites exploration through its charming hamlets of Deer Harbor, Westsound, Orcas, and Olga. Serving as the commercial hub, Eastsound Village on the north end of the island is a focal point where hand-crafted art, local restaurants, and espresso stands featuring island-roasted coffee showcase the community’s vibrant spirit.
As the largest and hilliest among the islands, Orcas has a rich history dating back to the Lummi Indians who utilized its shores for summer shellfishing. In the 1800s, the island transitioned to become a center for farming, fishing, and logging, shaping its economic landscape. Today, while some residents still engage in these traditional trades, Orcas Island has evolved into a haven for artisans and a community of approximately 4,900 people. With an expansive area of 56.9 square miles, Orcas Island captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, artistic offerings, and a small-town atmosphere that preserves its historical roots.
Lopez Island
Lopez Island, steeped in agricultural history, exudes a tranquil and pastoral charm. With its relatively flat and open landscapes, this island offers a serene atmosphere enhanced by seven County day parks and one County camping park. A hallmark of Lopez Island is the enduring tradition of friendly waves exchanged between locals, each driver having their distinct wave style, from the subtle “index-finger move up” to the more enthusiastic handful.
Covering an area of 29.5 square miles, Lopez Island preserves its rural character, inviting residents and visitors alike to appreciate its unspoiled beauty. The island, with a population of about 2,400, stands as a testament to the enduring sense of community, where the rich agricultural heritage intertwines with a laid-back lifestyle, making it a distinctive and cherished part of the San Juan archipelago.
Shaw Island
Shaw Island, a serene enclave in the San Juan archipelago, unveils a unique character shaped by its history and idyllic landscapes. For over 27 years, a local order of nuns diligently operated the ferry landing, creating a welcoming presence for travelers. With their departure, new faces now extend greetings to ferry passengers.
This island’s charm lies in its narrow, quiet roads, maintaining an Arcadian beauty that captivates visitors. Beyond the ferry landing, Shaw Island boasts minimal commercial amenities, with a small grocery store being a notable exception. The island’s simplicity is further highlighted by Shaw County Park, offering a single park and campground amidst sandy shores.
Encompassing an area of 7.7 square miles, Shaw Island preserves a sense of tranquility and seclusion. The population of 165 residents contributes to the island’s close-knit community, creating a haven where simplicity, natural beauty, and a rich history converge to define the unique essence of Shaw Island.
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands, situated in the Pacific Northwest, create a captivating archipelago nestled between the U.S. state of Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. As an integral part of Washington state, these islands form the heart of San Juan County. This stunning cluster of islands is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich maritime culture, making the San Juan Islands a cherished destination that seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the region with its unique cultural heritage.
Strait of Juan de Fuca
The Strait of Juan de Fuca, a significant waterway stretching approximately 96 miles, serves as the primary outlet from the Salish Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Marking the international boundary between Canada and the United States, this strait plays a crucial role in maritime navigation and trade.
Named in 1787 by Charles William Barkley, captain of the Imperial Eagle, the strait commemorates Juan de Fuca, the Greek navigator who embarked on a Spanish expedition in 1592 in search of the mythical Strait of Anián. The Strait of Juan de Fuca stands as a historical and geographical landmark, linking the inland waters of the Salish Sea to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
San Juan Island National Historical Park
San Juan Island National Historical Park, also known as American and English Camps, is a U.S. National Historical Park situated on San Juan Island, Washington, and operated by the National Park Service. The park holds historical significance as it encompasses the sites of British and U.S. Army camps during the Pig War, a boundary dispute over the ownership of the island.
Covering 2,146 acres, the park is divided between two main sites: American Camp on the south end and English Camp on the northwest side of San Juan Island. Both areas are open to the public without entry fees and feature visitor centers. American Camp offers three mapped hiking trails, including one leading to the summit of Mount Finlayson, while English Camp includes trails such as the Bell Point Trail, Young Hill Trail, and the Mitchell Hill Trail Network.
Noteworthy natural attractions within the park include South Beach at American Camp, offering views of the Olympic Mountains, and 4 July Beach on Griffin Bay. Both camps provide kayak launches, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding waters. The San Juan Island National Historical Park serves as a testament to the historical events that unfolded during the Pig War and offers a blend of cultural and natural experiences for visitors.
San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge
The San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1976, is located in the San Juan Islands of the Salish Sea, north of Puget Sound, Washington. Spanning 454 acres, it comprises 83 small, uninhabited islands, with 353 acres designated as wilderness area within the San Juan Wilderness. With strict visitor prohibitions to protect wildlife, the refuge features diverse habitats ranging from small rocks to larger grassy or forested islands, including high cliffs providing nesting sites for marine birds.
Boaters must maintain a 200-yard distance from the shore to minimize disturbances. While most islands are off-limits, exceptions include Matia Island, accessible by a cove with a dock, featuring a 5-acre campground and a 1-mile trail for wildlife watching.
Overall, the refuge is dedicated to conservation, limiting recreation to observing wildlife from a distance and preserving the natural beauty of the islands.
San Juan Islands National Monument
The San Juan Islands National Monument, located in the Salish Sea in Washington, is a U.S. National Monument dedicated to preserving archaeological sites of the Coast Salish peoples, lighthouses, remnants of early European American settlers, and the biodiversity of the island ecosystem. Encompassing around 1,000 acres across more than 450 islands, rocks, and pinnacles in Puget Sound, this monument is managed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management.
The landscape, characterized by a unique juxtaposition of forests, rocky terrain, and snow-capped peaks against sandy beaches, attracts visitors worldwide. Serving as a repository of scientific and historic treasures, the San Juan Islands National Monument also functions as a wildlife refuge and an educational resource for generations of Americans.
