How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Spokane County

By Chelsea McFarlandCo-Founder, McFarland Prey Real Estate · Broker, Prime Real Estate Group

How Assessments Work in Washington

Washington requires property to be assessed at 100% of its true and fair market value. The county assessor estimates that value, and when it changes, you receive a Change of Value Notice.

An appeal is about your home's value, not about whether taxes feel too high. Your tax bill also depends on levy rates set by schools, the county and other districts, which an appeal doesn't change.

The Appeal Steps

1. Read your Change of Value Notice. It shows the new value and your appeal deadline.
2. Call the assessor's office. Many questions get resolved here. Ask how they arrived at your value and which sales they used.
3. File a petition with the Board of Equalization if you still disagree. Your appeal deadline is printed on your Change of Value Notice, so go by that date.
4. Prepare your evidence and attend your hearing, or submit your case in writing if allowed.
5. Further appeals can go to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals if needed.

What Evidence Helps

• Recent comparable sales of similar homes nearby, ideally close to the assessment date
• Condition issues the assessor may not know about, like a failing roof or foundation problems, with photos and repair estimates
• Errors in your property record, such as wrong square footage, bedroom count or lot size
• A recent appraisal or purchase price, if you bought the home recently

I've been through this myself. I negotiated down the county's assessed value on my own home to lower my taxes. I've also helped a senior client lower the property taxes on their home through Washington's Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons property tax exemption. As a Realtor, I can often help pull comparable sales so you can see whether an appeal is worth pursuing.

For seniors and people with disabilities: Washington's Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons property tax exemption can lower property taxes for qualifying homeowners who own and live in their home. A new state law (Senate Bill 6162) expands the program starting with the 2027 tax year. Check with the Spokane County Assessor's office to see if you qualify.

"If I had a question I could reach out and she would promptly return my call or answer my text."

Tamra D., Zillow review

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to appeal in Spokane County?

Check your Change of Value Notice. The deadline is printed there, and the assessor's office can confirm it.

Will appealing lower my property taxes?

If your assessed value is reduced, your share of the tax may go down. Levy rates are set separately and aren't part of the appeal.

Do I need a lawyer to appeal?

No. Many homeowners file on their own with comparable sales and photos.

Sources

• Washington property tax appeal deadline rules (RCW 84.40.038)
• Senior/Disabled Person Tax Exemption (Spokane County)
• County Assessor and Treasurer announce benefits of new property tax law (Spokane County)

Wondering If Your Assessment Is Fair?

I'm happy to look at recent sales near you and help you decide whether an appeal makes sense.

Call or text Chelsea: 509.565.1581
Email: chelsea@mcfarlandprey.com
Office: 1402 S Grand Blvd, Suite 201, Spokane, WA 99203

Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws, rules and programs change, so please confirm the details for your situation with the right professional, such as a real estate attorney, tax advisor, lender or the county. Chelsea McFarland is a licensed real estate broker with Prime Real Estate Group.