Pierce County Property Tax Appeal — Washington

Rob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Pierce County property records reveal an average home value of $442,950.00, while the residents typically pay a median rent of $1,574.50. The data also discloses a median household income of $94,242.00 and a median property tax rate of 0.98%. Pierce County includes the county seat of Tacoma, along with major population centers like Puyallup, Lakewood, and University Place. The median property tax in Pierce County, Washington is $2,759 per year for a home worth the median value of $269,300. Pierce County collects, on average, 1.02% of a property's assessed fair market value as property tax. Pierce County has one of the highest median property taxes in the United States, and is ranked 208th of the 3143 counties in order of median property taxes.

Notable cities: Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, University Place, Sumner

Median Home

$465,900

Tax Rate

1.02%

Annual Tax

$4,736

Population

927,380

2026 Appeal Deadline: July 1 of the current assessment year, or within 60 days of the date of mailing of a value change notice or other determination notice, whichever is later

You will need to file by July 1st of the current assessment year, or within 60 days of the date of the mailing of the Value Change Notice, whichever is later (RCW 84.40.038)

Property in Pierce County, Washington — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Pierce County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May

State Law requires all property to be assessed at 100% of its market value. In Pierce County, if your home's market value is $465,900, at Washington's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $465,900, resulting in approximately $4,752 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.02%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization is an independent body organized to hear appeals of various determinations made by the Assessor. It is comprised of five citizen members appointed by the County Executive and ratified by the Pierce County Council.

Step 1: Obtain the fillable appeal forms from the Pierce County website and Instructions for Appealing Your Assessed Value

Step 2: Your original petition, at the time of filing, must contain information supporting your estimate of value

Step 3: Print out and mail or hand deliver the forms along with a copy of the Real Property Value Notice to Pierce County Board of Equalization

Step 4: The Board will not do research to support an appeal. You need to furnish evidence that demonstrates the Assessor's valuation exceeds or diminishes your property's fair market value

Step 5: Attend your Board of Equalization hearing if scheduled

Step 6: If dissatisfied with the Board's decision, you can file a petition to the State Board of Tax Appeals

Required form: Washington State Department of Revenue approved petition forms

Filing Methods

mail:Pierce County Board of Equalization 2401 South 35th St, Room 176 Tacoma, WA 98409

in-person:Pierce County Board of Equalization 2401 South 35th St, Room 176 Tacoma, WA 98409

Evidence to Bring

listing of physical problems to the land or an improvementcomparable sales of other property that sold within the past five yearsstatement of income and expenses for the past two years and copies of leases or rental agreements

Pierce County Assessor Contact

Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer's Office

Phone: (253) 798-6111

Address: 2401 S. 35th St. Room 142 Tacoma, WA 98409

Website: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/91/Assessor---Treasurer

Online Portal: https://atip.piercecountywa.gov/

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tax Exemptions in Pierce County

Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities Exemption

Varies by income: $55,001-$64,000 exempts all excess levies and State Schools part 2; $46,001-$55,000 exempts on first $50,000 or 35% of value (max $70K); $46,000 or less exempts on first $60,000 or 60%

significantly reduces property taxes on your primary residence in Washington State by freezing its value for tax purposes, exempting you from various levies, including excess, special, and potentially regular levies

Eligibility: Your annual household income may not exceed $64,000; must be 61+ or disabledDeadline: Ongoing, renewals required every 6 years

Disabled Veteran Exemption

The amount of the reduction is based on the applicant's income, the value of the residence, and the local levy rates

Property tax exemption for veterans receiving compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Eligibility: Veterans Administration award letter showing an 80% or higher disability rating. For the 2027 property tax year, the required Veterans Administration disability rating will be reduced to 40%Deadline: Contact assessor for specific dates

Limited Income Property Tax Deferral

50% of property taxes deferred

Under this program, the Department of Revenue will pay 50% of your property taxes on your behalf

Eligibility: homeowner with limited incomeDeadline: September 1

Official Resources

Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Official Website →

Access property information, pay taxes online, find forms, and learn about exemptions and appeals.

Pierce County Online Property Search Portal →

Look up property values, tax information, and comparable sales data for any parcel in Pierce County.

Washington State Department of Revenue Property Tax Information →

Find state-level property tax guidance, exemption programs, and appeal procedures.

Pierce County Board of Equalization Appeals Information →

Download appeal forms, review instructions, and learn about the appeal process timeline.

Check Your Pierce County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Pierce County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Pierce County?

The petition must be filed with the board on or before July 1 of the current assessment year, or within 60 days of the date of mailing of a value change notice or other determination notice, whichever is later. This means if you receive your value change notice in May, you would have until late July to file your appeal. The exact deadline date should be printed on the front of your value change notice, so check that document carefully to ensure you don't miss the filing window.

How do I file a property tax appeal with the Pierce County Board of Equalization?

The appeal forms are fillable but will need to be printed out and mailed or hand delivered along with a copy of the Real Property Value Notice to: Pierce County Board of Equalization 2401 South 35th St, Room 176 Tacoma, WA 98409. The Pierce County Board of Equalization accepts only Washington State Department of Revenue approved petition forms. Letters or other forms of appeal will not be accepted. You can download these forms from the county website or pick them up at the assessor's office during business hours.

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

Your original petition, at the time of filing, must contain information supporting your estimate of value. For residential property, this can be a listing of physical problems to the land or an improvement or comparable sales of other property that sold within the past five years. You need to furnish evidence that demonstrates the Assessor's valuation exceeds or diminishes your property's fair market value. The Board will not conduct research on your behalf, so come prepared with documentation like photos, repair estimates, or a list of similar properties with lower sale prices.

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

The Board of Equalization is an independent body organized to hear appeals of various determinations made by the Assessor. It is comprised of five citizen members appointed by the County Executive and ratified by the Pierce County Council. The Board is independent of the Assessor's office. During your hearing, you'll present your evidence to these board members, explain why you believe your assessment is incorrect, and answer any questions they may have. The assessor's office will also present their case for the current valuation.

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

While specific reduction amounts aren't published by the county, potential savings depend on how much your property is overassessed. The median home price in the region is $465,900, and homeowners typically face tax bills ranging from $3,640 at the 25th percentile to $7,459 at the 90th percentile. If your appeal demonstrates that your property is overvalued by 10%, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars annually. Value changes apply only to the year in which the appeal is made and granted.

What is the senior property tax exemption worth in Pierce County?

$55,001 – $64,000: All excess (voter-approved) levies and State Schools part 2. $46,001- $55,000: You are exempt from excess levies and State Schools part 2 on the first $50,000 or 35% of the home's assessed value, whichever is greater, not more than $70K. $46,000 or less: You are exempt from excess levies and State Schools part 2 on the first $60,000 or 60%, whichever is greater. Your annual household income may not exceed $64,000 to qualify for this valuable exemption program that can save thousands in property taxes annually.

Can I appeal my Pierce County property tax assessment online?

Currently, Pierce County does not offer a fully online appeal filing system. The appeal forms are fillable but will need to be printed out and mailed or hand delivered along with a copy of the Real Property Value Notice to: Pierce County Board of Equalization 2401 South 35th St, Room 176 Tacoma, WA 98409. However, you can download the necessary forms from the county website, fill them out electronically, then print and submit them either by mail or in person during business hours.

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 →

More Washington Counties

Clark County (Vancouver)King County (Seattle)Snohomish County (Everett)

← All Washington property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/91/Assessor---Treasurer | https://www.piercecountywa.gov/679/Appeals | https://www.tax-rates.org/washington/pierce_county_property_tax | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/washington/pierce-county | https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax/property-tax-exemptions-and-deferrals

Last verified: 2026-02-15