AppealDesk

Kitsap County Property Tax Appeal, Washington

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Kitsap County is located on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, with Port Orchard serving as the county seat and Bremerton as its largest city. The county has an effective property tax rate of 0.80%, which is below the Washington state average of 0.84% but above the national average of 0.91%. With a median home value of $505,700 and a median annual property tax bill of $4,030, Kitsap County homeowners pay significantly more than the national median of $2,690, making property tax appeals an important avenue for reducing tax burdens. The county is home to major naval installations including Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, making the U.S. Navy the largest employer in the area.

Notable cities: Bremerton, Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo

Median Home

$505,700

Tax Rate

0.80%

Annual Tax

$4,030

Population

286,020

On the typical Kitsap County home, valued near $505,700 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.80%, 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 60 days of the mailing date of your Change of Value Notice, whichever is later

For 2026 taxes, if you received a Change of Value Notice, you have 60 days from the mailing date shown on that notice to file your appeal. If you did not receive a notice, the deadline is July 1, 2026. For example, the 27,172 change of value notices mailed on June 22, 2025 (dated June 23, 2025) had an appeal deadline of Friday, August 22, 2025. Always check your specific notice for the exact mailing date.

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Washington craftsman home among evergreens. Kitsap County appeal guide.

How Kitsap County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Kitsap County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: June

Washington State law requires property to be assessed at 100% of true and fair market value as of January 1 each year. This means your assessed value should equal what your home would sell for on the open market. For example, if your home's market value is $505,700 (the county median), at Washington's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $505,700, resulting in approximately $4,046 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.80%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization is an independent body of six community members (3 board members and 3 alternates) appointed by the County Commissioners. The appeal process is informal and does not require an attorney. You will present your evidence in 5-15 minutes, and the Board will ask questions about your property value. They can adjust your value upward, downward, or leave it unchanged based on the evidence.

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Step 1: Contact the Assessor's Office first for an informal review. Call 360-337-7160 to discuss your concerns with a county appraiser. This is free and may resolve the issue without filing a formal appeal. Toll-free numbers are available from Bainbridge Island (842-2061) and Olalla (851-4147).

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Step 2: If not satisfied after the informal review, file a Taxpayer Petition with the Kitsap County Board of Equalization by the deadline (July 1 or within 60 days of your notice mailing date, whichever is later). Contact the Board Clerk at 360-337-4424 to obtain the petition form.

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Step 3: Gather evidence to support your appeal, including comparable sales from properties similar to yours that sold near January 1 of the assessment year, photos showing property condition issues, repair estimates for defects, and a recent independent appraisal if available. You must provide clear and convincing evidence that the Assessor's valuation is incorrect.

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Step 4: Submit your completed petition with all supporting evidence. Include a copy of your Change of Value Notice or other determination notice. Mail to: Kitsap County Board of Equalization, 614 Division Street MS-4, Port Orchard, WA 98366, ensuring it is postmarked by the deadline.

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Step 5: Attend your Board of Equalization hearing. Hearings are held at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street, 4th floor, Room 442, Port Orchard. You typically have 5-15 minutes to present your case. The process is informal and you do not need an attorney. Organize your evidence clearly and focus on proving the market value as of January 1 was lower than the assessed value.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the Board of Equalization's decision, you can appeal to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days of the Board's decision, or file a petition in Kitsap County Superior Court within 30 days for judicial review.

Required form: Taxpayer Petition to the Kitsap County Board of Equalization for Review of Real Property Valuation

Filing Methods

mail:Kitsap County Board of Equalization, 614 Division Street MS-4, Port Orchard, WA 98366. Petitions must be postmarked by the filing deadline.
phone:Call the Clerk of the Board of Equalization at 360-337-4424 to request an appeal packet or get information.
in-person:Visit the Board of Equalization office at Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street, 4th floor, Room 442, Port Orchard, WA 98366.

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales from properties similar to yours that sold close to January 1 of the assessment yearPhotos documenting property condition issues, defects, or damageRepair estimates or contractor quotes for needed workRecent independent appraisal from a licensed appraiserDocumentation of property characteristic errors in the Assessor's records

Kitsap County Assessor Contact

Kitsap County Assessor's Office

Website: https://www.kitsap.gov/assessor

Online Portal: https://psearch.kitsap.gov/psearch/

Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Kitsap County

Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption

Tiered based on income: 35% exemption at $58,423 income, 50% at lower income tiers, up to 60% for lowest income bracket. Additional $60,000 exemption value for qualifying applicants.

A tiered property tax exemption and assessment freeze for qualifying seniors age 61+, disabled persons, and disabled veterans. The exemption reduces or eliminates regular property taxes and freezes your home's assessed value.

Eligibility: Age 61 or older by December 31 of the assessment year, OR retired due to disability, OR disabled veteran with 80%+ service-connected disability rating. Must meet income limits (approximately $58,423-$67,000 depending on tier for 2026). Must own and occupy the property as primary residence.Deadline: December 31 annually

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

For 100% disability: Up to 60% of assessed value or $60,000, whichever is greater. Lower disability ratings (80-99%) receive scaled exemptions. Income-based tiers determine full or partial exemption.

Property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 80% or higher. Exemption amount varies by disability rating and income tier.

Eligibility: Service-connected disability evaluation of at least 80% or receiving 100% compensation from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Must meet county-specific income requirements and own/occupy property as primary residence.Deadline: December 31 annually

Property Tax Deferral Program

Full deferral of annual property taxes with 5% simple interest

Allows eligible seniors and disabled persons to defer property tax payments. Deferred taxes accrue at 5% simple interest annually and must be repaid when the property is sold or transferred.

Eligibility: Similar age and disability requirements as exemption program but with higher income limits (around $67,000 for 2026). Must have equity in the home and ability to repay deferred taxes plus interest upon sale.Deadline: December 31 annually

Kitsap County Appeal Statistics

Avg Reduction

$650

Kitsap County Appeal Packet — $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Kitsap County for 2026?
The deadline to appeal your 2026 property taxes in Kitsap County is July 1, 2026, or within 60 days of the mailing date shown on your Change of Value Notice, whichever is later. For example, notices mailed in June 2025 had an August 22, 2025 deadline. If you did not receive a Change of Value Notice, you may still have the right to appeal by July 1. It's critical to check the specific mailing date on your notice and mark your calendar immediately, as missing the deadline means waiting another full year and paying higher taxes during that time.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Kitsap County?
To file a property tax appeal in Kitsap County, first contact the Assessor's Office at 360-337-7160 for an informal review with an appraiser. If not satisfied, file a Taxpayer Petition with the Kitsap County Board of Equalization by calling 360-337-4424 to request the form. Complete the petition with supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photos, and repair estimates, then mail it to: Kitsap County Board of Equalization, 614 Division Street MS-4, Port Orchard, WA 98366. Ensure your petition is postmarked by the deadline. The process is free and you do not need an attorney.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax appeal in Kitsap County?
For a successful Kitsap County property tax appeal, you need clear and convincing evidence that your assessed value exceeds market value as of January 1 of the assessment year. The strongest evidence includes comparable sales from similar properties in your area that sold close to January 1, showing lower values than your assessment. Additionally, provide photos documenting any property defects, damage, or condition issues; repair estimates from licensed contractors; documentation of errors in the Assessor's property records; and if available, a recent independent appraisal from a licensed appraiser. The Board gives most weight to actual sales data from comparable properties.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Kitsap County?
At a Kitsap County Board of Equalization hearing, you will present your case to an independent board of six community members appointed by the County Commissioners. The hearing is held at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street, 4th floor, Room 442, in Port Orchard. You typically have 5-15 minutes to present your evidence showing why your property's assessed value should be reduced. The process is informal and you don't need an attorney. Board members will ask questions about your property and review your evidence. After the hearing, the Board can lower your assessment, leave it unchanged, or potentially increase it, though increases are rare. You'll receive a written decision explaining the Board's determination.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Kitsap County?
The potential savings from a Kitsap County property tax appeal depends on how much your assessed value is reduced. With the county's 0.80% effective tax rate, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $80 per year in property taxes. Data shows successful appeals in Kitsap County result in average savings of $650 annually. For a home incorrectly assessed $50,000 too high, you could save approximately $400 per year. These savings continue year after year, making the appeal worthwhile. Given that approximately 25% of homes nationwide are over-assessed, checking your assessment against comparable sales is a prudent financial decision.
Can I appeal my Kitsap County property taxes if I didn't receive a Change of Value Notice?
Yes, you can still appeal your Kitsap County property taxes even if you did not receive a Change of Value Notice. In this situation, your appeal deadline is July 1 of the assessment year. Change of Value Notices are only mailed when your property's assessed value changes from the previous year, so if your value remained the same, you won't receive a notice. However, you still have the right to challenge your assessment if you believe it's incorrect. Contact the Kitsap County Board of Equalization at 360-337-4424 to confirm your eligibility and obtain the appeal petition form. It's advisable to first call the Assessor's Office at 360-337-7160 for an informal review before filing a formal appeal.
What is the senior property tax exemption worth in Kitsap County?
The senior property tax exemption in Kitsap County can provide substantial savings for homeowners age 61 and older who meet income requirements. The exemption is tiered based on income, with qualifying seniors receiving a 35% to 60% exemption on their property taxes plus an additional $60,000 exemption value. For a home assessed at the county median of $505,700, this could result in annual savings of $500 to over $2,000 depending on your income tier. The program also freezes your assessed value at enrollment, protecting you from future assessment increases. Income limits are approximately $58,423 to $67,000 for 2026 depending on the tier. Applications must be filed with the Kitsap County Assessor by December 31 annually.
Should I contact the Assessor before filing a formal appeal in Kitsap County?
Yes, you should absolutely contact the Kitsap County Assessor's Office at 360-337-7160 before filing a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization. This informal review is free, quick, and often resolves valuation concerns without the need for a formal appeal. An appraiser will examine your property's valuation and may initiate corrections if errors are found. Toll-free numbers are available from Bainbridge Island (842-2061) and Olalla (851-4147). Many property value issues stem from simple data errors that the Assessor can correct immediately. Only if you remain unsatisfied after this informal review should you proceed with filing a Taxpayer Petition to the Board of Equalization.

Official Resources

Kitsap County Assessor Website →

Official Assessor website with property search, assessment information, exemption applications, and appeal resources.

Kitsap County Board of Equalization →

Information about filing property tax appeals, hearing procedures, and downloadable petition forms.

Kitsap County Property Search Portal →

Online parcel search tool to look up assessed values, tax history, and property characteristics.

Washington Department of Revenue - Property Tax Exemptions →

State resources for property tax exemptions including senior, disabled, and veteran exemption programs with income thresholds.

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://www.kitsap.gov/assessor/Pages/Appeal.aspx | https://propertytaxrates.org/counties/washington/kitsap-county/ | https://www.appealdesk.com/blog/how-to-appeal-property-taxes-in-washington | https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax/senior-citizens-and-people-disabilities-exemption-and-deferred-income-thresholds | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/washington/kitsap-county

Last verified: 2026-07-22