Chelan County Property Tax Appeal, Washington

Travis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Chelan County is located in north-central Washington with Wenatchee as the county seat and largest city. With a 2026 population of approximately 82,500, the county includes notable cities such as Wenatchee, Chelan, and Leavenworth. The county's effective property tax rate of 0.71% is lower than both the Washington state average of 0.84% and the national average of 0.91%, making it an attractive location for homeowners despite higher median home values. Property tax appeals matter here because even with the favorable rate, the median home value of $454,900 results in a median annual tax bill of $3,235, and assessment errors can cost homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.

Notable cities: Wenatchee, Chelan, Leavenworth, East Wenatchee

Median Home

$454,900

Tax Rate

0.71%

Annual Tax

$3,235

Population

82,500

On the typical Chelan County home, valued near $454,900 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.71%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: July 1, 2026, or within 30 days of the mailing date printed on your Notice of Value, whichever is later

The petition must be filed or postmarked by July 1, 2026, or within 30 days of the mailing date printed on your Notice of Value, whichever date is later. Missing this deadline means waiting until the next assessment year.

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How Chelan County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Chelan County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: late June

Washington State law requires all property to be assessed at 100% of fair market value. Chelan County now annually updates all properties according to market sales and continues to do physical inspections on a 4-year cycle. For example, if your home's market value is $454,900 (the county median), at Washington's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $454,900, resulting in approximately $3,230 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.71%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization provides an impartial hearing environment with three citizens appointed by County Commissioners to protect due process rights and ensure fair decisions. The board will review your evidence and the Assessor's valuation to determine if your property is assessed at fair market value.

Contact the Assessor's Office first at (509) 667-6365 or assessor@co.chelan.wa.us to discuss your concerns and verify assessment records are accurate. Many issues can be resolved informally without a formal hearing.

If not resolved informally, obtain and complete the Property Tax Appeal Petition from the Board of Equalization. Each parcel requires its own petition, and you must include a copy of your Notice of Value letter.

Gather supporting documentation including comparable sales data, photographs of property condition issues, repair estimates, independent appraisals, or evidence proving the properties you believe comparable are actually comparable (address and size alone are not adequate).

File your completed petition with the Chelan County Board of Equalization by July 1, 2026, or within 30 days of your Notice of Value mailing date, whichever is later. You must also provide a separate copy to the Assessor's Office.

Attend your hearing before the Board of Equalization, which is an independent three-member citizen board appointed by County Commissioners. Present clear data and evidence showing your assessed value exceeds market value.

Receive the Board's decision. If you disagree with the Board of Equalization decision, you may appeal to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days of the decision.

As a final option, you can appeal the State Board of Tax Appeals decision to Chelan County Superior Court within 30 days if you remain dissatisfied with the outcome.

Required form: Property Tax Appeal Petition (available from Board of Equalization)

Filing Methods

online:Electronic filing available through the Board of Equalization (by submitting electronically, you consent to receive future communications via email)

mail:Chelan County Board of Equalization, 400 Douglas Street, Suite 201, Wenatchee, WA 98801

email:BOE@CO.CHELAN.WA.US

in-person:400 Douglas Street, Suite 201, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales of similar properties that sold for less than your assessed valuePhotographs documenting property condition issues or defectsContractor repair estimates or independent appraisalsDocumentation of assessment errors such as incorrect square footage, features, or lot sizeMarket analysis showing declining property values in your area

Chelan County Assessor Contact

Chelan County Assessor's Office

Website: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/assessor

Online Portal: https://pacs.co.chelan.wa.us/PropertyAccess/PropertySearch.aspx

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Chelan County

Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption

Varies by income tier; full exemption from regular property taxes available at lowest income tier

Freezes assessed value for property tax purposes and exempts qualified homeowners from excess and special levies, and potentially regular levies depending on income level

Eligibility: Age 61 or older by December 31, OR retired from regular gainful employment due to disability, OR disabled veteran with 80%+ service-connected rating. Must meet income thresholds that vary by county (based on county median household income), own and occupy home as primary residence.Deadline: December 31 of the assessment year

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

10-29% disability: up to $5,000; 30-49%: up to $7,500; 50-69%: up to $10,000; 70-100%: up to $12,000; 100% P&T or individual unemployability may receive complete exemption

Provides property tax exemptions based on disability rating percentage for veterans with service-connected disabilities

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 10% or higher by the VA. Must own and occupy property as primary residence. Amounts adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 2026.Deadline: Contact Assessor's Office for application deadlines

Current Use Exemption

Varies based on land use and acreage

Provides property tax relief for open space, commercial agricultural, and forest lands by basing taxable assessed value on current use rather than fair market value

Eligibility: Land must meet specific use requirements for open space, agriculture, or forestryDeadline: Contact Assessor's Office for specific deadlines

Chelan County Appeal Statistics

Avg Reduction

$650

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Chelan County for 2026?

The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Chelan County is July 1, 2026, or within 30 days of the mailing date printed on your Notice of Value, whichever date is later. Chelan County typically mails assessment notices in late June. Your petition must be filed with the Board of Equalization or postmarked by the deadline. Missing this deadline means you must wait until the next assessment year to appeal, potentially costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the meantime.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Chelan County online?

You can file a property tax appeal electronically with the Chelan County Board of Equalization by downloading the Property Tax Appeal Petition from their website and submitting it via email to BOE@CO.CHELAN.WA.US. By choosing to submit your appeal electronically, you are consenting to receive any future communication via the email you provide on the petition. Each parcel needs its own petition, and you must include a copy of your Notice of Value letter along with supporting documentation such as comparable sales, photos, or repair estimates.

What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Chelan County?

The Chelan County Board of Equalization hearing provides an impartial forum where you present evidence that your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value. The board consists of three citizens appointed by the County Commissioners to ensure due process and fair decisions. You will present your evidence, which may include comparable sales, photographs, or independent appraisals, while the Assessor's Office defends their valuation. The board reviews all evidence and issues a decision. After the appeal period passes, any approved changes are entered by the Assessor's Office and the Treasurer's Office notifies you of tax adjustments.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Chelan County?

Based on available data, a successful property tax appeal in Chelan County results in average savings of approximately $650 per year. With Chelan County's effective tax rate of 0.71%, a reduction of $100,000 in assessed value would save you approximately $710 annually. For a property assessed at the county median of $454,900, even a 10% reduction in assessed value would lower your annual tax bill by about $323. These savings compound year after year as long as you own the property, making appeals potentially worth thousands of dollars over time.

What evidence do I need for a Chelan County property tax appeal?

To succeed in your Chelan County property tax appeal, you need compelling evidence that your assessed value exceeds fair market value. The most effective evidence includes 3-5 comparable sales of similar properties that sold for less than your assessed value, with detailed information proving they are truly comparable (address and size alone are insufficient). Other valuable evidence includes photographs documenting property condition issues, contractor repair estimates, documentation of assessment errors like incorrect square footage or features, independent appraisals, or market analysis showing declining values in your area. The Board of Equalization wants hard data, not opinions.

Should I contact the Assessor's Office before filing an appeal in Chelan County?

Yes, property owners are strongly encouraged to contact the Chelan County Assessor's Office before filing a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization. Call (509) 667-6365, visit at 350 Orondo Avenue Suite 206 in Wenatchee, or email assessor@co.chelan.wa.us to discuss your concerns. A county appraiser will review your property details and verify that assessment records are accurate. Manifest errors may be corrected without a formal hearing, saving you time and effort. Many assessment issues are resolved through this informal review process, and the Assessor's staff can also explain exemption programs you may qualify for.

Can my assessment increase if I file a property tax appeal in Chelan County?

In almost all Washington counties, including Chelan County, your assessment will never increase simply because you filed an appeal. While it is technically allowed in some jurisdictions, it is extremely rare, less than 0.1% of appeals result in an increase. The Chelan County Board of Equalization focuses on whether your current assessed value exceeds fair market value based on the evidence you present. If you provide compelling evidence that your property is overvalued, the board may reduce your assessment. If your evidence is insufficient, the board will simply uphold the current assessment without increasing it.

What property tax exemptions are available in Chelan County for seniors?

Chelan County offers the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption for residents age 61 or older who meet income requirements based on county median household income. This valuable exemption freezes your property's assessed value for tax purposes and exempts you from excess and special levies, with potential exemption from regular levies depending on your income tier. At the lowest income tier, qualifying seniors receive full exemption from regular property taxes. The exemption is available for your primary residence and up to one acre of land. Applications must be filed by December 31 of the assessment year, and once granted, the exemption continues as long as you meet eligibility requirements.

Official Resources

Chelan County Assessor's Office →

Official website for property assessments, exemption applications, and assessment information in Chelan County.

Chelan County Board of Equalization →

File property tax appeals, download appeal forms, and learn about the hearing process.

Chelan County Property Search →

Search for property records, assessed values, tax history, and ownership information online.

Washington Department of Revenue - Property Tax →

State-level property tax information, exemption details, and property tax laws and regulations.

For state-wide appeal information including Washington's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Washington Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

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← All Washington property tax appeal info

Sources: https://chelancountywa.gov/board-of-commissioners/pages/board-of-equalization | https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/assessor | https://propertytaxrates.org/counties/washington/chelan-county/ | https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/washington/chelan-county

Last verified: 2026-07-22