Assessor

Lobby Open to Walk-In Requests Starting 2/22/2022

The Assessor's Office is open for walk-in requests starting Tuesday 2/22/2022, with limited lobby capacity.

Appointments are encouraged to reduce wait time. Appointments may be made by calling 360-778-5050 or emailing assessor@co.whatcom.wa.us.

Remote options are available for completing most transactions. Many questions and services can be answered online, by phone, by email, or by mail. In addition, a drop box is available outside our lobby doors for document submittal. COVID-19 is still a concern and the health and safety of our community and employees is our top priority.

  1. Business Personal Property Listings Due Date Extended to Monday May 2

    Everyone who uses personal property in a business must complete a personal property listing every year and submit to the Assessor’s Office by April 30. Since April 30 is on a Saturday this year the Assessor’s Office has extended the due date to May 2 Read on...

  2. 2022 Property Tax Information

    The Whatcom County Assessor’s Office is responsible for annually updating assessed values for all real and taxable personal property in Whatcom County, and calculating levy rates for all taxing districts for property tax purposes. Read on...

  3. Appraisers from the Assessor’s Office are beginning field inspections

    The current annual inspection area for revaluation in 2022, is Cycle Area 1. The 2022 inspection area is west of Olson Rd/ Custer School Rd, north of Slater Rd; including Blaine, Birch Bay, Point Whitehorn, Cherry Point, and Point Roberts. Read on...
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Mission

Equitably establish taxable value for all real and taxable personal property in the County, maintain accurate and accessible property records, and provide prompt and professional customer service. Operate under the rules, regulations, and supervision contained in the Constitution of the State of Washington, set in Washington State Law (RCW), and directed by the Washington State Department of Revenue Administrative Code (WAC).

Services

Established by state constitution and laws, directed by the Department of Revenue, the Assessor's Office:

  • Appraises and revalues all real property, and physically inspects 1/6th of all real property, every year. Responds to building permit activity to include new construction additions
  • Maintains inventory, description, ownership, sales and mapping for all property
  • Publishes an annual tax booklet, which includes the statement of assessed valuations, tax rates and taxes levied within the various taxing districts of Whatcom County
  • Provides information, education and assistance
  • Provides public computer access to assessment data, also now available on the Internet through the Real Property Search
  • Allocates value to taxing districts, calculates levy rates and certifies tax roll to Treasurer
  • Administers and provides information for tax exemptions
  • Prepares defenses of valuations for Board of Equalization, State Board of Tax Appeals and courts