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