Bellingham, Washington Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Bellingham, WA is 0.73%, which is lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Washington state median of 0.88%. With the median home value in Bellingham at $605,223, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,417, significantly surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Bellingham are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Bellingham'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 Bellingham 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
Bellingham, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.88%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,760
$612
$1,148
Average Bellingham, Washington Tax Savings
Ownwell’s Bellingham Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Bellingham with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Bellingham to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also illustrates how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Bellingham. 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 Bellingham, Washington
Property taxes in Bellingham, Washington, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Bellingham is 0.73%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Bellingham set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Bellingham 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 Bellingham's effective property tax rate to other areas in Whatcom County and the national median. For comparison, the 98248 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.87%, while the 98225 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 0.73%. Understanding how these areas compare with Bellingham provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Whatcom County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Bellingham Tax Rate
0.73%
Average Whatcom County Tax Rate
0.73%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Bellingham, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98225 | 0.69% | 0.72% | 0.73% | 0.73% | 0.76% |
| 98226 | 0.56% | 0.70% | 0.74% | 0.75% | 0.81% |
| 98229 | 0.69% | 0.72% | 0.74% | 0.82% | 0.85% |
| 98240 | 0.74% | 0.74% | 0.74% | 0.74% | 0.74% |
| 98248 | 0.87% | 0.87% | 0.87% | 0.87% | 0.87% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Bellingham Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bellingham, Washington
In Bellingham, 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 Whatcom County Assessor's Office 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 Bellingham, 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. For instance, the highest median tax bill in Bellingham is $4,706 in zip code 98229, while the lowest is $3,455 in zip code 98240. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Bellingham Assessed Value
$605,223
Average Whatcom County Assessed Value
$517,614
Average Washington Assessed Value
$482,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bellingham, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98225 | $335,864 | $511,056 | $634,137 | $829,858 | $1,175,863 |
| 98226 | $216,368 | $435,821 | $590,052 | $770,806 | $1,055,798 |
| 98229 | $83,352 | $433,376 | $624,738 | $847,996 | $1,156,381 |
| 98240 | $469,989 | $469,989 | $469,989 | $469,989 | $469,989 |
| 98248 | $32,573 | $52,144 | $84,763 | $117,382 | $136,953 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Bellingham Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across Bellingham, Washington
Property tax bills in Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the county assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. With a median home price of $605,223, homeowners in Bellingham can expect varying tax bills. For instance, tax bills range from $3,009 at the 25th percentile to $8,097 at the 90th percentile. The highest median tax bill in the area is $4,706 in the 98229 zip code, while the lowest is $3,455 in the 98240 zip code. These figures highlight the significant impact property taxes can have on homeowners' finances. Ownwell helps homeowners in Bellingham save on their property tax bills by offering expert property tax appeal and exemption services. By analyzing your property’s assessed value and comparing it with market trends, Ownwell identifies opportunities to reduce your tax liability, ensuring you only pay your fair share.
Average Bellingham Tax Bill
$4,417
Average Whatcom County Tax Bill
$3,632
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Bellingham, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98225 | $1,570 | $3,583 | $4,568 | $5,972 | $8,459 |
| 98226 | $609 | $2,862 | $4,228 | $5,517 | $7,573 |
| 98229 | $540 | $3,184 | $4,706 | $6,323 | $8,551 |
| 98240 | $3,455 | $3,455 | $3,455 | $3,455 | $3,455 |
| 98248 | $26 | $42 | $68 | $683 | $1,052 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Bellingham Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | November 25 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | February 10 |
| Due Date #1 | April 30 |
| Due Date #2 | October 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Whatcom Tax Assessor | |
| Website | property.whatcomcounty.us |
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