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!
In Island County, Washington, the 2023 Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1355 that made changes to property tax reductions for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans. Those who qualify will receive a reduction in the amount of their property taxes due.
You may be eligible for a discount on your property taxes if you are either at least 61 years old, someone with 80% military service-connected disability, or a person who is a social security-deemed disabled or has a letter of disability from a doctor.
Additionally, you must own your residence at the time of your application for property tax deduction. You must have also occupied your residence for more than six months a calendar year.
For your income, it should not exceed $54,000 beginning in 2024.
Here at Property Tax Discount, we’ll help you receive this benefit fast. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Island County’s property taxes will depend on the assessed value and the tax levy rate of your property. As an example, if the assessed value of your property is $100,000 and the levy rate is $15 per thousand dollars of value, you will have an estimated tax of $1,500.00:
$100,000 x .015 ($15 per thousand) = $1,500 estimated tax
But if you take advantage of the the county’s tax relief programs, you might pay less taxes that the normal estimate. Get in touch with our team today.
In February each year, the County Treasurer will mail property tax statements to you. And if you fail to pay such taxes, you will get penalties. To avoid penalties for late payment, you can pay the first half by April 30 and the balance by Oct. 31.
About Island County
Island County, situated in the state of Washington, is characterized by a population of 86,857 according to the 2020 census. In 2010, the county recorded a population of 78,506, with 32,746 households and 22,156 families. The population density at that time was 376.6 inhabitants per square mile, and there were 40,234 housing units at an average density of 193.0 per square mile. This scenic county offers a mix of residential and natural landscapes, contributing to its distinctive character within the state.
Places You Can Visit
Puget Sound
Puget Sound, a prominent feature of the Pacific Northwest, stands as an inlet of the Pacific Ocean and a vital component of the Salish Sea. Nestled along the northwestern coast of Washington state, Puget Sound is a complex estuarine system characterized by a network of interconnected marine waterways and basins.
Its connection to the open Pacific Ocean is facilitated through one major and two minor passages: Admiralty Inlet serves as the primary connection, while Deception Pass and Swinomish Channel act as minor connections. This iconic sound plays a crucial role in the regional geography, offering a unique and dynamic marine environment that contributes to the ecological richness of the Pacific Northwest.
Strait of Juan de Fuca
The Strait of Juan de Fuca, officially designated Juan de Fuca Strait in Canada, is a significant waterway stretching approximately 96 miles (83 nautical miles or 154 km). Serving as the primary outlet of the Salish Sea to the Pacific Ocean, this strait is characterized by its international significance, as the boundary between Canada and the United States runs down its center.
Named in 1787 by Charles William Barkley, a maritime fur trader and captain of the Imperial Eagle, the strait commemorates Juan de Fuca, the Greek navigator. Juan de Fuca purportedly sailed in a Spanish expedition in 1592 in search of the legendary Strait of Anián. Barkley, credited as the first non-indigenous person to discover the strait, bestowed this name unless Juan de Fuca’s account proves to be historically accurate.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca holds historical, geographical, and navigational importance, connecting the inland waters of the Salish Sea to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island, the largest among the islands constituting Island County, Washington, stands as the most extensive island in the state. Located approximately 30 miles north of Seattle, it is positioned between the Olympic Peninsula and the I-5 corridor in western Washington, forming the northern boundary of Puget Sound. Home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the island boasts state parks and natural forests adorned with numerous old-growth trees.
Notably, Whidbey Island hosts Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, the inaugural national historic reserve in the U.S. established by the National Park Service. This reserve aims to preserve the island’s rural history and culture, safeguarding rare and sensitive plants.
The island features several Washington State Parks, including the highly visited Deception Pass State Park, along with Joseph Whidbey State Park, Fort Ebey State Park, Fort Casey State Park, Possession Point State Park, and South Whidbey State Park. County-operated parks, such as Saratoga Woods with its equestrian, biking, and hiking trails, and Double Bluff County Park with beach access and an off-leash dog park, add to the recreational offerings.
Whidbey Island is also home to Earth Sanctuary, a nature reserve, sculpture garden, and retreat center with ponds and a bog fen complex designated as a “habitat of local importance.” Additionally, the recently opened Price Sculpture Forest in Coupeville further enhances the island’s cultural and artistic landscape. With its rich natural and historical attractions, Whidbey Island stands as a multifaceted destination for residents and visitors alike.
Camano Island
Camano Island, situated in Possession Sound within Puget Sound, forms a part of Washington’s Island County. Positioned between Whidbey Island and the mainland (Snohomish County), it is bordered by the Saratoga Passage to the west and Port Susan and Davis Slough to the east. The island is connected to the mainland by State Route 532, which traverses the Camano Gateway Bridge at the northeast end, linking to the city of Stanwood.
Notable for its singular road connection to the mainland, Camano Island boasts scenic surroundings and a strategic location within the Puget Sound region. The state parks system contributes to the island’s recreational appeal with two properties: Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park, both situated on the west side of the island. Camano Island State Park, established in 1949 through a one-day volunteer effort involving 500 local residents, spans 244 acres and features 6,700 feet of shoreline, camping areas, and hiking trails near Elger Bay. This island destination offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike.
Saratoga Passage
Saratoga Passage, nestled in Puget Sound between Whidbey Island and Camano Island, is a picturesque waterway extending approximately 18 miles in a northwesterly direction. The passage connects with Penn Cove and Crescent Harbor at its northern end, leading further east into Skagit Bay. Notably, Saratoga Passage is marked by depths ranging from about 600 feet at its southeastern entrance to approximately 90 feet near Crescent Harbor.
Langley, Washington, stands as the sole city on either island situated along Saratoga Passage, adding a unique charm to the region. The waterfront on both sides is characterized by high banks adorned with forested sand and clay banks. On the Whidbey Island side, there are four low bank communities—Sandy Point, Langley, Bells Beach, and Fox Spit—featuring gravel and sand beaches with a substantial tide range.
The passage is a hub of maritime activity, predominantly hosting recreational and fishing boats, along with occasional tugs traveling to or from Deception Pass or the Swinomish Channel. High-speed passenger ferries between Seattle, Victoria, and Friday Harbor also utilize Saratoga Passage and Deception Pass as an alternative route during adverse weather conditions. This area is widely regarded as a resort destination, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Saratoga Passage’s rich marine ecosystem is home to abundant Dungeness crab, clams, and flatfish, contributing to the area’s appeal for fishing enthusiasts. The passage, with its unique blend of natural beauty and maritime activity, stands as a captivating and vibrant part of the Puget Sound region.
Pacific Northwest Trail
The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a formidable 1,200-mile hiking trail traversing from the Continental Divide in Montana to the Pacific Ocean along Washington’s Olympic Coast. This long-distance trail takes hikers through a diverse and scenic route, crossing three national parks, seven national forests, and intersecting with two other national scenic trails.
In its journey, the PNT challenges adventurers against the grain of several prominent mountain ranges, including the Continental Divide, Whitefish Divide, Purcells, Selkirks, Kettles, Cascades, and the Olympics. Offering a breathtaking journey through varied landscapes, the Pacific Northwest Trail stands as an iconic route for hikers seeking a challenging and rewarding experience from the heart of the continent to the Pacific shoreline.
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is a rural historic district dedicated to preserving and safeguarding the rich historical record of Puget Sound exploration and settlement spanning from the 19th century to the present day. This reserve serves as a valuable testament to the region’s historical significance, offering a glimpse into the past and the evolution of Puget Sound’s exploration and settlement over the years.
