Trying to decode your Clyde Hill property tax bill or plan cash flow around closing? You are not alone. Property taxes in King County follow a set rhythm, but small details can affect your budget, proration at closing, and even your next year’s bill if you appeal the value. In this guide, you will learn the key deadlines, how to pay, what happens if you miss a date, how to challenge an assessed value, and which exemptions or deferrals might reduce your costs. Let’s dive in.

Clyde Hill tax schedule and bill basics

For Clyde Hill properties, the King County Assessor determines your assessed value and the King County Treasurer issues tax statements and collects payment. You can find assessment records and guidance on the King County Assessor site and payment information on the King County Treasurer site.

Here is the county’s typical annual cycle:

• Assessment notices: The Assessor mails or posts annual value notices in late winter. Review yours right away.
• Tax statements: The Treasurer typically mails statements in February. Check the Treasurer’s site for the current year’s schedule.
• Due dates: Washington counties commonly split payments into two installments. The first half (or full year) is due April 30. The second half is due October 31.

Your assessed value and your tax rate are related but separate. The assessment reflects market value. Levy rates are set later by local taxing districts and appear on your bill.

How to pay and what to expect if late

King County offers several payment options. Always confirm current methods and any convenience fees with the Treasurer.

• Online: Pay through the Treasurer’s portal via bank e‑check or credit/debit card. Card payments usually include a convenience fee. Start at the King County Treasurer page.
• Mail: Send a check or money order to the address shown on your bill.
• In person: Pay at the Treasurer’s office or authorized locations. Check the site for current hours and locations.
• Phone payments: Often available through a third‑party processor.
• Automatic payments: Recurring debit options may be available, especially if you use escrow.

If you pay the full year by the April deadline, you avoid the second installment transaction. If you prefer, you can use the two‑installment schedule.

If you miss a deadline, penalties and interest can apply under Washington law and county policy. Long‑term nonpayment can lead to tax foreclosure. Because penalty rates and timelines can change, verify current rules on the Treasurer’s site before making decisions.

Buyers, sellers, and escrow prorations

Most lenders collect monthly into an escrow account to cover annual property taxes. At closing, taxes are usually prorated between buyer and seller based on the date of possession and the county schedule.

• For sellers: Confirm whether the current year’s taxes are fully paid through closing or whether escrow will prorate and credit the buyer. If you plan to use sale proceeds to pay, plan liquidity around April 30 and October 31 to avoid penalties.
• For buyers: When you model carry costs, include the two installment dates and confirm how escrow will handle the next payment. Ask for the most recent tax statement and payment status.

Unpaid taxes at closing are typically resolved by contract and the closing statement. Sellers may provide a tax clearance or a prorated credit to the buyer. Always review your contract and settlement statement for accuracy.

How to appeal your assessed value

If you believe your assessed value is too high, start early. The assessment affects your bill, but the appeal process has deadlines.

1. Review your notice and property data

• Look up your property on the King County Assessor site. Verify facts such as square footage, lot size, bedroom count, year built, and any improvements.

2. Request an informal review

• Contact the Assessor for an informal review or conversation. Many issues, such as clerical errors, are resolved here.

3. File a formal appeal if needed

• If you still disagree, file a formal appeal with the King County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed within a statutory window after the notice is mailed. Confirm the exact deadline and filing instructions on the county site by searching for “Board of Equalization.”

4. Consider further appeals

• If the Board of Equalization decision is unfavorable, you may appeal to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals and, in some cases, to Superior Court. Each step has specific rules and deadlines.

Effective evidence includes:

• Comparable sales of similar properties in the neighborhood.
• Proof of condition issues or errors in the assessor’s records.
• Independent appraisals, when appropriate.
• Photos and documentation of deferred maintenance or unique property factors.

A successful appeal lowers the assessed value and typically reduces future tax bills. It does not change levy rates.

Exemptions and deferrals that may help

Several state and county programs can reduce or defer property taxes for eligible Clyde Hill owners. Rules, income thresholds, and deadlines can change, so review current guidance on the Washington State Department of Revenue property tax page and the King County Assessor site.

• Senior and disabled person relief: Washington offers exemptions for qualifying seniors and people with permanent disabilities who meet income limits and other criteria. Separate deferral programs may allow you to delay payment until sale or transfer. Deferrals accrue and create a lien.
• Disabled veteran exemptions: Eligible disabled veterans, or surviving spouses, may receive property tax relief if they meet program requirements. See the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs for details and verification steps.
• Nonprofit and charitable exemptions: Properties used for qualifying nonprofit purposes may be fully or partially exempt. This rarely applies to typical residences.
• Historic preservation incentives: Some local programs may exist, but they generally require formal designation and strict compliance.

Key takeaway: Most relief is not automatic. If you believe you qualify, submit applications with documentation well before tax deadlines.

Practical checklist for Clyde Hill buyers and sellers

For sellers

• Verify current‑year tax payments and any outstanding balances with the Treasurer.
• Confirm prorations on the purchase agreement and closing statement match your closing date.
• If relying on sale proceeds, plan for April 30 and October 31 so you do not trigger penalties.
• If you disagree with the assessment, start the informal review as soon as your notice arrives.
• If you qualify for exemptions, confirm your application status. Coordinate any credits or prorations with the buyer at closing.

For buyers

• Request the latest tax statement and written confirmation of payment status.
• Model carry costs using the two installment dates and confirm who pays the next installment after closing.
• Decide whether to escrow taxes through your lender or pay directly.
• If you plan to apply for an exemption after purchase, note the required documents and deadlines.

For both parties considering an appeal

• Obtain the assessment notice and the property record card.
• Gather comparable sales, condition documentation, and photos.
• Start with the Assessor’s informal review. If needed, file a formal appeal within the county’s filing window.

Timing tips

• Review your assessment as soon as it arrives in late winter.
• Allow 30 to 90 days for informal review and longer for formal appeals. Appeals rarely resolve immediately, especially near closing.

Official resources and contacts

• King County Assessor: Assessment notices, property records, informal review guidance. Visit the Assessor homepage.
• King County Treasurer: Tax statements, payment options, late payment and foreclosure information, and the online payment portal. Start at the Treasurer homepage.
• Board of Equalization: For filing appeals and procedures, search the county site for “Board of Equalization.”
• Washington State Department of Revenue: Statewide property tax rules and definitions. See the DOR property tax page.
• Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs: Program information for veteran property tax relief. Visit the WDVA site.

If you want help modeling tax timelines with your sale or purchase, or you need a second set of eyes on prorations and appeal strategy, our team is here to help. Request a Confidential Consultation through Unknown Company and we will coordinate the details with discretion and care.

FAQs

What are the property tax due dates in Clyde Hill?

• In King County, the first half or full payment is typically due April 30 and the second half is due October 31.

How do I pay my King County property taxes?

• You can pay online, by mail, in person, or sometimes by phone; start at the King County Treasurer site to see current options and fees.

What happens if I miss a property tax deadline?

• Penalties and interest can apply, and long‑term nonpayment can lead to foreclosure, so check the Treasurer’s site for current penalty schedules.

How do I appeal my assessed value in King County?

• Review your notice and property data, request an informal review with the Assessor, then file a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization within the filing window if needed.

Are there property tax exemptions for seniors or disabled veterans?

• Yes, Washington offers senior and disabled person programs and disabled veteran relief, with eligibility and documentation requirements set by the state and county.