FAQs • Cowlitz County, WA • CivicEngage

How does interest and penalty accrue?: Once taxes become delinquent, they will accrue a 1% interest on the entire unpaid year at the 1st of each month, until the tax is paid.
Penalty happens the second month and eighth month of delinquency (only in the first year). June 1st is 3% and December is 8%.

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Treasurer

1. Why didn't you send my statement to my lender?: Cowlitz County Treasurer is directed by state law to send a yearly statement to the owner of record. Your escrow account is part of a contract between you and your lender. Lenders have the ability to gather your account information by visiting the Assessor's Parcel Search or request an electronic tax payment file from the county.

2. When are my property taxes due?: The annual due dates are April 30 and October 31. RCW 84.56.020
A timely 1st half payment must have a postmark of April 30. A timely 2nd half payment must have a postmark of October 31. RCW 01.12.070

3. Is there a property tax exemption for senior citizens or persons with disabilities?: If you own a residence, you may be entitled to a property tax exemption. To qualify you must be 61 years old or retired because of a disability, the property must be your main residence, and you must have a limited income. For application forms and further information, please call the Cowlitz County Assessor at (360) 577-3010 or visit the Assessor's Webpage.

4. How do I pay my property taxes?: In Office: We can accept checks or cash in office. During closed or busy office hours, you can use the drop box located outside of the Treasurer's Office doors, drop boxes located at the North and South entrance of the Administration Building and a Drive up drop box in the North Parking Lot of the Administration Building located at 207 4th Ave. N, Kelso. By Mail: Send a check in to: Cowlitz County Treasurer 207 N 4th Ave Kelso, WA 98626 By Credit Card: Please visit http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/index.aspx?NID=1874 or call 1-844-965-0200. Credit/debit card payments are also acceptable in the Treasurer's Office. All checks must be made payable to Cowlitz County Treasurer. If the payment coupon is not included please be sure to include the parcel number or property id. Your payment must be postmarked by the due date to be considered timely, otherwise interest and/or penalty will apply RCW 01.12.070.

5. What happens If I send in a late payment without interest and penalties?: If your payment does not include all penalty and interest that has accrued, the check will be sent back. RCW 84.56.020 does not allow us to accept partial payments. We CAN accept a half year or full year plus the interest and any penalties for the applicable year.

6. Why haven't I received my statement?: Statements are usually mailed out by the end of February . If you have not received yours, you can print off a copy of the statement on the assessor's parcel search. Please verify that the mailing address that appears at the top of the statement is the correct address. If needed, please fill out the address change form under 'FORMS' on the right side of the screen.

7. Can I pay just a portion of the taxes due?: Unless specifically stated under RCW 84.56.020, we cannot accept a portion of taxes.

8. How does interest and penalty accrue?: Once taxes become delinquent, they will accrue a 1% interest on the entire unpaid year at the 1st of each month, until the tax is paid.
Penalty happens the second month and eighth month of delinquency (only in the first year). June 1st is 3% and December is 8%.

9. Why do I owe interest and penalties? I didn't receive my statement.: State tax law presumes that property owners understand the responsibility of property taxes being due and payable every year. Failure to receive your tax statement is not an adequate reason for a waiver of the penalties and interest. RCW 84.56.020 RCW 84.56.025 RCW 84.56.050 *** A copy of your yearly statement is available on the Assessor's Parcel Search ***