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!
Spokane County, Washington offers tax relief programs for senior citizens and disabled persons by giving them a discount on their property taxes. This reduction applies to the primary residence and land on which it sits, up to one acre. Five acres are also allowed if zoning permits it.
So, you may be eligible for a property tax reduction if you are at least 61 years of age, own the house you live in, and beginning in 2024, have a combined family income of $50,000 or less. If disabled, you must be unable to work due to physical disability.
If you believe you qualify for a discount, schedule an appointment with us and we will help you get this benefit.
Spokane County’s property tax system is budget-based. What does that mean?
Let’s say that a little city has four homes, each exactly the same, and each appraised by the Assessor at $100,000. Let’s also say that the annual city budget for our imaginary city is $1000. So, to raise the amount of the budget, each homeowner must pay $250. Four homes each paying $250 raises $1000.
This is what a budget-based tax system is.
Every year, first half of the property taxes are reguarly due by April 30. The second half taxes are due by October 31.
If you pay on the due date, you may make your payment in person, by mail, or through Spokane County’s website. An official U.S. Postal Service postmark determines the payment date for all mailed payments.
But before the due date falls, take advantage of the property tax relief programs for you. Schedule an appointment with us today and we will help you get a discount on your property taxes.
About Spokane County
Spokane County, situated in the state of Washington, has a population of 539,339, according to the 2020 census, making it the fourth-most populous county in the state1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spokane_County,_Washington. Named after the Spokane tribe, the county encompasses a diverse community with 209,640 households.
The population density is approximately 305.7 people per square mile, and households average 2.46 persons each. With a total of 227,877 housing units, the county offers a varied residential landscape, featuring an average housing density of 128 units per square mile.
Places You Can Visit
Bear Lake Regional Park
Bear Lake Regional Park, spanning 166 acres and situated 15 miles north of Spokane, offers a tranquil escape in a rural setting. Adjacent to SR-2 (Newport Highway), the park serves both metropolitan areas and nearby communities, including Chattaroy, Colbert, Elk, and the City of Deer Park. The park features a scenic spring-fed lake covering around 35 acres, complemented by wetlands and upland forest, providing a diverse natural environment for visitors to enjoy.
Dishman Hills Natural Area
Dishman Hills Natural Area, situated adjacent to Camp Caro Community Park, encompasses 530 acres of stunning rocky hills, ponds, and diverse landscapes, including grassy areas, mixed pine and fir forests, aspen groves, and scenic viewpoints. Preserved for over 30 years, this natural area serves as vital wildlife habitat and a passive recreational haven with numerous designated trails. Notably recognized by Washington State DNR as a Natural Resource Conservation Area, Dishman Hills boasts a rich geologic history and is home to unique species, making it a distinctive and cherished destination for nature enthusiasts.
Liberty Lake Regional Park
Liberty Lake Regional Park spans 3,591 acres, featuring a diverse landscape of wetlands, lake shores, montane forests, irrigated lawns, and an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Park. The park offers a seasonal campground, extensive day-use picnicking areas, a designated swimming beach, playground, and a spacious picnic shelter. Nature enthusiasts can explore miles of backcountry trails, including the popular 8.3-mile Liberty Lake Loop Trail, providing a scenic and recreational haven for visitors of all interests.
Pine River Community Park
Pine River Community Park, situated along the Little Spokane River and north of Wandermere Golf Course, spans 14 acres of natural beauty. The park features a mix of native vegetation, landscaped areas, and open turf, complemented by the presence of cottonwoods and willows. With a scenic 300-foot shoreline, the park offers a natural sandy beach, providing a delightful swimming area for visitors to enjoy the serenity of the Little Spokane River.
Spokane Aquatics Facility
Spokane River
The Spokane River, spanning approximately 111 miles, is a significant tributary of the Columbia River. Flowing through northern Idaho and eastern Washington, this river traverses a low mountainous region, including the Spokane Valley and the city of Spokane, Washington, before joining the Columbia River. The river’s course offers scenic beauty and plays a crucial role in the local geography and ecosystems of the region.
Liberty Lake
Liberty Lake, situated in Spokane County, Washington, is a picturesque body of water located approximately 800 feet south of the city that shares its name. This lake is renowned as a favored fishing destination and is integral to the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. With a small, unnamed stream as its sole outflow, Liberty Lake contributes to the local ecosystem, and its serene surroundings make it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Mount Spokane
Mount Spokane, standing at an elevation of 5,887 feet (1,794 m), is a prominent mountain in the northwest United States, situated northeast of Spokane, Washington. Formerly known as Mount Baldy, the mountain underwent a name change in 1912. It boasts the highest summit in Spokane County and is among the tallest peaks in the Inland Northwest region. Encompassed by Mount Spokane State Park, which spans an expansive 13,919 acres (56.3 km2), the mountain is characterized by a distinctive bald spot on its west and south faces.
Notably, Mount Spokane is flanked by Mount Kit Carson, the second-highest peak in Spokane County, located a mere 1.02 miles (1.64 km) to the east. Despite its proximity, Mount Kit Carson has a relatively modest topographic prominence of 322 feet (98 m) and is sometimes considered a satellite peak of Mount Spokane.
Adding to its allure, Mount Spokane features the Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, a non-profit facility operating on the southwest slopes of the mountain, providing outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for winter recreation.
Mica Peak
Mica Peak, situated in Spokane County, Washington, stands as the lower of two peaks, reaching an elevation of 5,209 feet (1,588 m). Positioned as the southernmost peak in the Selkirk range, Mica Peak is recognized for its commanding presence, especially when viewed from the city of Spokane Valley to the east and southeast. Notably, the mountain is home to the decommissioned Mica Peak Air Force Station, and its northern slopes are drained by Saltese Creek. Mica Peak contributes to the scenic landscape of the region and holds historical significance through its association with the former military installation.
Riverside State Park
Riverside State Park, located 9 miles northwest of Spokane in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, spans 11,162 acres of pristine Okanagan dry forest along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers, making it the second-largest state park in the state. A popular recreational destination, the park offers a diverse range of activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, ATV riding, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
Campground options within the park include the Bowl and Pitcher, the Equestrian Area, and Lake Spokane. The Bowl and Pitcher campground provides various campsites, including standard, partial-hookup, and full-hookup sites, along with cabins. The campground offers amenities such as a dump station and restrooms with showers. The Equestrian Campground features campsites equipped with corrals and equestrian facilities, and Lake Spokane Campground provides standard campsites with a companion site and restroom facilities with showers.
Boat launches are available at the Nine Mile Recreation areas and the Lake Spokane campground, catering to water-based activities. With its diverse natural landscapes and extensive amenities, Riverside State Park serves as a cherished retreat for both local residents and visitors seeking outdoor adventures.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park, situated in downtown Spokane, Washington, is a sprawling 100-acre urban oasis along the picturesque Spokane River. Owned and operated by the Spokane Parks & Recreation Department, the park is renowned for hosting the second-largest urban waterfall in the United States, the Upper Spokane Falls.
Embracing the Spokane River, the park’s walking paths and lawns extend to the river’s edge, offering park-goers proximity to the water. While the south channel provides a calm and accessible riverside experience, the north channel, home to the falls, features limited access due to faster and rougher waters. Notable viewing points, including pedestrian suspension bridges on snxw meneɂ (Salmon People Island), offer close-up views of the falls.
Riverfront Park boasts open grassy meadows such as the Lilac Bowl, a natural amphitheater, and the Clock Tower Meadow near the iconic Great Northern clock tower. The park integrates native flora, creating a natural environment. The Riverfront Park Conservation Area, located on reclaimed land near the falls, features a stream and offers a glimpse into the site’s history.
The park serves as the backdrop for various Spokane events, including the annual Lilac Bloomsday Run, Spokane Hoopfest, Fourth of July festivities, the Royal Fireworks Concert, Gathering at the Falls Powwow, Unity in the Community, and Pig Out in the Park—a lively food and music festival during Labor Day weekend. Riverfront Park stands as a vibrant hub for recreation, cultural celebrations, and community events, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature in an urban setting.
Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
Manito Park and Botanical Gardens, spanning 90 acres in Spokane, Washington, is a cherished public space featuring an arboretum, botanical gardens, and a conservatory. Originally known as Montrose Park, its name was changed to Manito in 1903, derived from the Algonquian word “manitou.” The park is open daily and admission is free.
In addition to its exquisite gardens, Manito Park offers various recreational amenities. Two play structures, one in the upper area and another by the duck pond in the lower section, provide family-friendly spaces. The northwest corner houses a scenic duck pond, attracting numerous ducks and geese. The Park Bench Cafe, situated at Manito Place and Tekoa St., serves refreshments and snacks during the summer months.
Beyond manicured gardens, sections of Manito Park maintain a natural, wild character, showcasing exposed basalt formations. Winter transforms the grassy hills of lower Manito into a popular destination for sledding enthusiasts. The park accommodates diverse activities, including baseball, tennis, bird watching, and alternative pursuits like frolf (frisbee golf) and parkour.
Manito Park stands as a vibrant and accessible haven for residents and visitors, inviting them to explore the beauty of botanical landscapes, engage in recreational activities, and find solace in the park’s natural and cultivated spaces.
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, situated six miles south of Cheney, Washington, on the eastern fringe of the Columbia Basin in Spokane County, spans over 18,000 acres within the Channeled Scablands. This refuge stands out in the National Wildlife Refuge System due to its unique ecosystem, combining basalt outcrops, channeled canyons, and ponderosa pine forests with over 130 marshes, wetlands, and lakes. The result is a landscape of exceptional aesthetic beauty and high-quality wildlife habitat.
Named after Cyrus Turnbull, an 1880s resident, the refuge serves as a haven for diverse wildlife. Accessible via the Columbia Plateau Trail, Turnbull NWR boasts the Pine Lake Loop Trail—a National Recreation Trail since 2006—offering 1.25 miles of wheelchair-accessible hiking around Pine Lake and Winslow Pool. This refuge provides not only a picturesque environment but also an important conservation area that showcases the distinctive features of the Channeled Scablands ecosystem.
