Property taxes can feel like a moving target, especially when your bill changes from one year to the next without a sale or renovation. If you own a home in Fobes Hill, you want a simple way to understand what you are paying for, when it is due, and what you can do if something looks off. In this guide, you will learn how Snohomish County calculates your taxes, how your home is valued, what relief might be available, and how to appeal or pay with confidence. Let’s dive in.
How property tax works in Snohomish County
Washington collects property tax through many local taxing districts. Your total bill is the sum of what each district charges based on your home’s taxable assessed value. Districts can include the county, school district, city or town, fire and EMS, library, and other special purpose districts.
The system runs under state law. The Snohomish County Assessor sets your property’s assessed value and manages exemptions. The Snohomish County Treasurer sends your bill and collects payments. Local districts propose levies and bonds that voters may approve. For a plain-language overview of the statewide framework, review the Washington State Department of Revenue’s property tax guidance in the Washington property tax overview.
Two neighbors in Fobes Hill can have different bills. This often happens because their parcels sit in different school, fire, or special district boundaries, or because voter-approved measures affect one set of districts more than another.
Assessment and your home’s value
In Washington, assessed value aims to reflect fair market value as of January 1 of the assessment year. Snohomish County revalues property on a regular cycle to track market changes. You receive a Notice of Value each year, usually in spring, that shows your current and prior assessed values and how they changed.
To estimate value, the Assessor reviews recent local sales, market trends, your home’s physical characteristics, and any recorded permits. If you added a shop, finished a basement, or corrected records, your assessed value may change.
Your taxable value is based on assessed fair market value, adjusted for any approved exemptions. To learn about valuation notices and exemptions, start with the Snohomish County Assessor.
Local note for Fobes Hill
Fobes Hill parcels can fall into different school, fire, water, or sewer districts. Those district lines influence which levies appear on your bill. To confirm your parcel’s district membership, use the Snohomish County Parcel Viewer or contact the Assessor with your parcel number.
Rates, levies, and special assessments
Your tax bill may include several types of charges:
- Regular levies for ongoing operations in the county, city or town, schools, and other districts.
- Voter-approved excess levies that fund operations for a set time.
- Bond levies that repay voter-approved capital projects, such as school buildings.
- Special purpose levies for fire, EMS, parks, or ports.
- Special assessments or Local Improvement District (LID) charges for specific improvements. These are separate legal obligations but often appear on your tax statement.
Levy rates are usually shown as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. Your total is the sum of each district’s rate multiplied by your taxable value.
Example calculation
Here is a simple example for illustration only:
- Assessed value: $600,000
- Combined levy rate: $12 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Estimated annual tax: 600 × $12 = $7,200
Your actual combined levy rate is listed on your tax statement. If you need help finding current figures or historical breakdowns, visit the Snohomish County Treasurer.
Where the money goes
Your statement shows how each dollar is distributed among districts. School district levies and bonds often make up a large share in many Washington counties. County, city, and fire district levies also represent significant portions.
Exemptions and deferrals you may qualify for
Washington offers several property tax relief programs, most of which the county administers. Common options include:
- Senior citizen and disabled persons exemption. If you meet age or disability and income requirements, this can reduce the portion of taxes you owe.
- Property tax deferral for seniors and disabled persons. Qualified owners can defer payment until a future trigger, such as sale or transfer. Interest and fees can apply.
- Other limited programs. These may include low-income or disabled veteran programs in specific cases.
Eligibility depends on your age or disability status, income, and occupancy of the home. Applications go through the Snohomish County Assessor and may require documentation and periodic renewal. For current criteria and forms, start at the Snohomish County Assessor and the state-level guidance in the Washington property tax overview.
How to appeal your assessed value
Begin by reviewing your Notice of Value. Compare the county’s data to your property’s actual characteristics and to recent comparable sales. If something looks off, contact the Assessor for an informal review. Many issues can be solved informally if there is a clear error or missing information.
If you still disagree, you can file a formal appeal with the county Board of Equalization. Strict deadlines apply each assessment year, so follow the dates listed on your notice and on the county website. If needed, appeals can proceed from the county level to the State Board of Tax Appeals. Good evidence includes recent comparable sales, a current independent appraisal, contractor estimates for condition issues, and corrections to parcel data.
Payment schedule, methods, and penalties
In Snohomish County, property taxes are billed annually. Many owners pay in two equal installments. Due dates often fall in spring and fall, for example April 30 and October 31, but you should confirm the specific dates printed on your current year’s statement or posted by the Snohomish County Treasurer.
You can usually pay online, by mail, or in person. If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your servicer may pay the bill on your behalf. Late payments can accrue penalties and interest over time, and long-term nonpayment can lead to tax lien proceedings. If your bill includes LID or special assessment charges, review any separate payment plans or schedules listed on the statement.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Review your Notice of Value the week it arrives. Check details like square footage, additions, and condition notes.
- Confirm your parcel’s taxing districts in the Snohomish County Parcel Viewer.
- If you disagree with your value, request an informal review right away and track appeal deadlines.
- Verify whether your mortgage escrow pays taxes and calendar both installment due dates.
- Explore exemption or deferral programs early if you may qualify, and gather your documents.
When to call a local expert
Your property tax picture can influence when you list, how you price, and what buyers will ask during negotiations. If you are planning a move in or out of Fobes Hill, it helps to have a clear view of assessments, levies, and potential relief before you act. For a practical conversation about how property taxes intersect with your timing and goals, connect with Crystal Dickerson.
FAQs
Why did my Snohomish County property taxes increase?
- Your assessed value may have risen with market changes, or voters may have approved new levies or bonds in one or more of your taxing districts.
How do I find my Fobes Hill taxing districts?
- Use the Snohomish County Parcel Viewer or contact the Assessor with your parcel number for an official listing.
Can I appeal if values rose due to the market?
- Yes, you can appeal if you believe the assessed value is incorrect. You will need evidence such as recent comparable sales, an appraisal, or proof of data errors.
Who decides how much I ultimately pay?
- Each taxing district sets its levy within state limits, and voters may approve additional measures. The county applies those rates to your assessed value to calculate your total.
Are property taxes deductible on my federal return?
- Some homeowners itemize state and local taxes within federal limits. Since tax rules change, consult a qualified tax professional for current guidance.
