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1. When are taxes due?

First-half taxes are due April 30. Second-half taxes are due October 31. If the due date falls on a weekend, then payments will be accepted the next business day. For additional information about your tax statement, please see Tax Statement Information.

2. Is a postmark acceptable, or do I have to pay in person on the due date?

An official Post Office postmark or cancellation (not a postage machine date) determines the payment date for all mailed payments. Be advised that if you mail your payment on the due date, you might not receive that day's postmark. You may want to have it hand canceled at your local Post Office to assure that you receive that day's postmark. If you send a tax payment by commercial courier service, the Treasurer's Office will verify a sent date with the carrier in the event that it is necessary.

3. Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?

Yes. Property taxes may be paid online, or by phone, with several different credit cards. For additional information on this payment option, please see our Payment Center.

4. How do I sign up for Auto-Pay of taxes from my bank account?

Information and Forms are available on our Auto-Pay web page.

5. Can my delinquent taxes have the interest and penalty waived?

There are only 2 exceptions allowed under state law. For more information, please see Tax Information.

6. My taxes are delinquent. Can I pay the delinquent taxes and not pay the current year?

Yes, you may pay any delinquent year in full, with interest and penalty, without paying the current year.

7. Does having delinquent taxes affect my credit?

The Treasurer's Office does not provide information directly to credit reporting agencies; however, credit reporting agencies may acquire information from secondary sources with whom you have relationships (banks, mortgage companies, etc.).

8. My taxes are delinquent. How long before the County will foreclose on my property?

Real property foreclosure will occur when the tax becomes 3 years delinquent. The foreclosure process will begin the first of the year following the third year. Personal property has different foreclosure laws and becomes subject to distraint and sale after 30 days of delinquency.

9. When is the Tax Foreclosure Auction?

The Treasurer holds a tax foreclosure auction each year in November. For additional information, please contact the Foreclosure Deputy in the Treasurer's Office or go to our Auctions Page.

10. Is there an exemption available for senior citizens or disabled persons?

Yes. This program is administered by the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office. All questions or requests for information should be directed to their office at (360) 778-5050 or go to their Property Tax Exemptions Page.

11. Where do my tax dollars go?

The Assessor's Tax Book provides a multitude of graphs and charts showing where the tax dollars go. Please select the Tax Book for the year in question from the Annual Tax Book Page.

12. How are my taxes calculated?

Taxes are calculated every January when the levy rates are set and the tax roll is certified by the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office and then turned over to the Treasurer’s Office. The levy rate varies for each taxing district depending upon the budget for each district, and any voter-approved special levies and bonds. This levy rate is multiplied per thousand dollars of assessed value.

Example: If assessed value is $100,000 and the levy rate is 10.5432 per thousand dollars of value, your tax will be $100,000/1,000 x 10.5432 = $1,054.32 tax liability

13. Why did my taxes go up so much this year?

Your assessed value may be higher this year due to a revaluation by the Assessor. The tax rate in your taxing district could be higher this year due to school levies, etc.

14. If I don't pay my first-half taxes by April 30, do I have to pay my taxes in full?

No, you may pay your first-half taxes, with interest and penalty calculated on the full year´s taxes, through October 31. However, at least half of any personal property taxes must be paid by April 30, or the entire amount becomes delinquent and payable.

15. I don't have enough to even pay half of my taxes. Can I make a partial tax payment?

No. Washington state law (RCW 84.56.020) does not allow the Treasurer to accept partial payments. We suggest you put the money into a savings account until you have accumulated enough to make a full payment.

16. Where should I mail tax payments?

Mail tax payments only to:
Whatcom County Treasurer
PO Box 34873
Seattle, WA 98124-1873