Senior and Disabled Exemption Changes 2020

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE SENIOR EXEMPTION PROGRAM FOR TAXES DUE STARTING IN 2020​


New legislation has passed changing the income threshold for Kitsap County to $48,574 beginning in 2020

The Washington State Legislature has made major changes to the property tax exemption program beginning in 2020.  The income limits will now be indexed at 65% of the median household income for Kitsap County.  The new income threshold will be $48,574.  The exemption category breakdown is as follows:

Category2019 Income Threshold2020 Income Threshold
A0 – 30,0000 – 33,628
B30,001 – 35,00033,629 – 41,101
C35,001 – 40,00041,102 – 48,574


If you are already on the exemption program and the threshold changes now place you into a new income category, we will make the change for you.  As always, if you anticipate a change in your income that could result in a category change, please contact our office.

Other important changes that could impact your eligibility:

  1. Occupancy of Primary Residence: You must now occupy your primary residence for more than SIX months of the calendar year to continue your exemption. 
     
  2. Living with a Relative for the Purpose of Long-Term Care: Applicants can now reside with a relative, for the purpose of long-term care, and still retain the exemption on their primary residence.
     
  3. Veteran's Service-Connected Disability:  The disability rating required for disabled veterans is being reduced from 100% to 80%.


Understanding ESSB5160 - Senior Citizen & Disabled Persons Exemption & Deferral Program Changes

2019 Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5160 which implements many changes to the existing Senior Citizen & Disabled Persons Exemption & Deferral Programs.  In this tutorial, we will identify the changes that will impact Kitsap County Homeowners beginning in 2020.

 


Bremerton-Kitsap Access Television - Senior Citizen & Disabled Person Exemption Program Changes

Please enjoy this short video produced by BKAT regarding the upcoming changes to our Senior Citizen & Disabled Persons Exemption Program.

Senior Citizen & Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption Changes (time 1:32)


 Helpful links

To request a current tax year application be mailed to you click HERE

To view the legislation bill click HERE

To view new 2020 income thresholds for all Counties click HERE

More seniors, disabled may qualify for property tax exemptions - courtesy of the Kitsap Sun