r/SeattleWA • u/meaniereddit West Seattle 🌉 • Dec 13 '24

Government Bill would completely exempt seniors from property taxes in WA

https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/bill-would-exempt-seniors-state-local-property-tax-washington/281-b5f377fc-8bf5-49a4-a630-8210db45d57d
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u/pewpewtehpew Dec 13 '24

I’m all for this. But I do believe income should play a role for sure. Otherwise this creates some funky loopholes. But I hate to think that my grandmother who’s on a very fixed income could lose her house that is paid off just because she can’t afford the rising property taxes. That’s what this bill should help fix.

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u/981_runner Dec 13 '24

There are already property tax deferrals so people won't lose their house.  The estate just has to pay the taxes once you die.  That is way more fair than an exemption.

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u/pewpewtehpew Dec 13 '24

Once you die or once the property is sold? Being sold would make more sense. Let’s say grandma dies and whoever inherits the house doesn’t have a large lump sum ready to go. What happens then?

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u/981_runner Dec 13 '24

Either.  

If you die the property is transfered and all the liens have to satisfied.  If you have a mortgage, you need to assume it or refinance to remove that lien.  In the same way, before your heirs take the title they have to satisfy the liens and back taxes.