Kalama, Washington Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Kalama, WA is 0.88%, aligning with the state median but slightly below the national median of 0.99%. With the median home value in Kalama at $435,240, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,715, significantly higher than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Kalama are calculated based on the assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Kalama's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Kalama or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Kalama, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.88%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,830
$3,554
Ownwell’s Kalama Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Kalama with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Kalama to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Kalama, Washington
Property taxes in Kalama, Washington, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Kalama is 0.88%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Kalama set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Kalama estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Kalama's effective property tax rate to other counties in Washington and the national median. For comparison, the 98625 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.88%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 0.88%. Understanding how these cities compare with Kalama provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Cowlitz County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Kalama Tax Rate
0.88%
Average Cowlitz County Tax Rate
0.89%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Kalama, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98625 | 0.85% | 0.86% | 0.88% | 0.88% | 0.89% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kalama, Washington
In Kalama, Washington, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Cowlitz County Assessor for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Kalama, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Kalama helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The zip code with the highest and lowest median tax bill in Kalama is 98625, with a median tax bill of $3,715.
Average Kalama Assessed Value
$435,240
Average Cowlitz County Assessed Value
$335,640
Average Washington Assessed Value
$482,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kalama, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98625 | $127,272 | $311,740 | $435,240 | $577,920 | $711,948 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Kalama, Washington
Property tax bills in Kalama, located in Cowlitz County, WA, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the local tax assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. In Kalama, homeowners face a median property tax bill of $3,715, which is significantly higher than the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. Several factors can influence the assessed value, including the property's location, size, and market conditions. For instance, with a median home price of $435,240, property taxes can vary widely. Homeowners in the 25th percentile might pay around $2,426, while those in the 75th percentile could see bills as high as $4,978. At the 90th percentile, tax bills can reach up to $6,223. These property tax bills can significantly impact homeowners, affecting their overall financial planning and housing affordability. High property taxes can be a burden, making it crucial for homeowners to understand how their tax bills are calculated and what factors contribute to them.
Average Kalama Tax Bill
$3,715
Average Cowlitz County Tax Bill
$3,062
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Kalama, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98625 | $735 | $2,426 | $3,715 | $4,978 | $6,223 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | July 1 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | February 10 |
| Due Date #1 | April 30 |
| Due Date #2 | October 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Cowlitz Tax Assessor | |
| Website | cowlitzinfo.net |