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1. Why haven't I received my statement yet?

The Treasurer's Office may have an incorrect mailing address, or we may be holding the statement for an adjustment that needs to be made prior to mailing (i.e. senior or disabled exemptions).

2. I sold this property. What should I do with the statement?

The tax statement may either be forwarded to the purchaser or returned to the Treasurer's Office. If you choose to return the statement, please note the purchaser's name and address if you have that information. Any statement returned will be researched for a correct address and/or taxpayer and re-mailed accordingly.

3. I lost my tax statement. Can I get a new one?

Contact the Treasurer's Office, at 360.778.5160, and a duplicate statement can be mailed to you. You can also View a Tax Statement Online.

4. How do I change my address or name?

An address change can be taken over the phone, by email, by snail-mail, or in person. You may only request a taxpayer change through the Treasurer's Office. Any request for a name change must be done through the Assessor's Office and accompanied by a legal document such as, a deed, real estate contract, divorce decree, death certificate, or a court document. Please include all your property ID number(s) for any of these requests.

5. What do I need to do if the "situs or location address" for my property is stated incorrectly on my tax statement?

We obtain that address from the Assessor's records as a courtesy to the taxpayers. To request a correction of this address please contact the Assessor's Office.

6. Does filing a Satisfaction of Mortgage with the County Auditor change the name and address on my tax statement?

No, the Treasurer's Office must be notified.

7. What is the special assessment on my tax statement?

There are several different special assessments possibly showing on your tax statement. 

Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management (Birch Bay WARM) - contact Public Works/Stormwater at 360.778.6210. 

Foreclosure Warning Notice - contact the Treasurer's office at 360.778.5173. 

On-Site Sewage Fee - contact the Health Department at 360.778.6000. 

Various Watershed Districts - contact Henry Bierlink at 360.354.1337. 

All others are managed by Public Works River & Flood Division at 360.778.6230.

8. Should I have a personal property statement?

Personal property pertains to commercial, industrial or agricultural enterprises, such as businesses, apartments, leaseholds, and farms. Personal property's primary characteristic is its mobility, and includes, but is not limited to, machinery, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Every business must complete a personal property inventory affidavit by April 30 each year and file it with the Whatcom County Assessor's office for taxes due the following year. Personal property tax rates are the same as for real property.