Assessor

Starting July 1st

The Assessor's Office will be open for walk-in requests, 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. Property damaged by flooding may qualify for a reduction in assessed value

    Property damaged by flooding may qualify for a reduction in assessed value. The completed Destroyed Property Claim form should be returned to the Assessor’s office. Read on...

  2. 2021 Change of Value Notices

    The 2021 Change of Value Notices were mailed October 8, 2021. State law requires County Assessors to appraise every property annually, with an effective assessment date of January 1st for most properties, and July 31st for new construction. Read on...

  3. 2021 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...
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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