Assessor
New Income Thresholds for Senior & Disabled Exemptions
The State Legislature has increased the income thresholds for the senior and disabled citizen property tax exemption program. To qualify for this exemption, the maximum total household income is 70% of the county median household income. For Cowlitz County, this means total household income must be $54,000 or less. The new thresholds are effective with the income earned in 2023 and will be applied to the 2024 tax year.
| 2022 and Prior | Income in 2023 | Exemption Provisions | |
| Level 1 | $30,000 or less | $39,000 or less | Exempt from regular property taxes on up to $60,000 or 60% of valuation (whichever is greater) AND exempt from 100% of voter-approved excess levies |
| Level 2 | $30,001 - 35,000 | $39,001 - 46,000 | Exempt from regular property taxes on up to $50,000 or 35% of valuation (whichever is greater) up to $70,000 AND exempt from 100% of voter-approved excess levies. |
| Level 3 | $35,001 - 40,000 | $46,001 - 54,000 | Exempt from 100% of voter-approved excess levies |
For more information about this and other exemption programs, select Property Tax Relief.
MISSION STATEMENT
The role of the Assessor is to estimate (appraise or assess) the value of all taxable property. It is our mission to serve the citizens of Cowlitz County by achieving accuracy, equity, and fairness in the estimation of value.
It is our responsibility to: 1) Neither underestimate nor overestimate the value of property; 2) See that all properties are assessed in a similar manner; 3) Ensure that each owner’s share of the total property tax is the same as his or her share of the total value of property.
GOALS
- Based on adherence to professional standards and in accordance with Washington State Law, we are committed to creating a quality product.
- We will provide courteous, efficient, and outstanding service to all customers.
- We will provide training and technology that will enable employees to achieve excellence.