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1. What are the Assessor's Office hours?

We are open via phone or email Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Assessor’s office is offering limited in-office services available by appointment.

Our office is closed on all county observed holidays.

2. How can I reduce my taxes?

There is a list of exemption and tax relief programs that can be used to reduce property taxes on our website.

3. How often is my property valuated?

Assessors must annually update values to real property. The Assessor is required by state law to assess properties at market value. Properties are physically inspected every 6 years and are statistically updated the other years. If changes to value are made, the assessor mails property owners a Valuation Change Notice. The notice states the new and the previous values.

4. What if I feel there is an error or that my property has been unfairly valued?

Contact the Assessor’s Office if you feel there is an error or that your property is valued at more than fair market value. If the Assessor and you cannot agree on a satisfactory valuation, you have the right to appear before the Whatcom County Board of Equalization.

5. How do I appeal my property valuation?

Contact the Assessor’s Office first to verify information. The county Board of Equalization outlines the steps to file an appeal on the assessed value on a property. Appeals must be received by the Board of Equalization on or before July 1st of the assessment year (the year before taxes are due) or within 30 calendar days after the date of a notice of valuation. Additional information can be found on the Board of Equalization’s webpage.

6. Can you tell me who owns a property?

You can view ownership information on the real property search website or contact us. However, it’s important to note that Assessor’s Office records are for tax purposes only and we do not guarantee or insure title.

7. Why isn’t the current owner appearing on the property search website?

Our results default to the most recent appraisal year with a certified value. To view the current ownership on a property, make sure that the most recent appraisal year for tax year is selected in the results display section before hitting the search button. This allows any ownership that has been changed in the current year to be viewed.

For example, if a property sold in April 2020, you’ll need to manually change the results display to 2020-2021 since values for 2020 are not yet certified, but the ownership change occurred during this calendar year.

If the property does not show the current ownership in the current appraisal year for tax year it is possible the current document for changing ownership has not been processed by the assessor’s office yet. This process can take up to two months after the document has been recorded with the county auditor’s office.

8. How do I change the mailing address my valuation notice is sent to?

Contact our office and we can update the mailing address we have on file. This address is where valuation notices are sent. Updating your mailing address with the Assessor’s Office will also update your address for Treasurer’s office property tax statements.

9. Does an appraiser from the Assessor’s Office have the right to enter my private property?

RCW 84.40.025 states, “For the purpose of assessment and valuation of all taxable property in each county, any real or personal property in each county shall be subject to visitation, investigation, examination, discovery, and listing at any reasonable time by the county assessor of the county or by any employee thereof designated for this purpose by the assessor. In any case of refusal to such access, the assessor shall request assistance from the department of revenue which may invoke the power granted by chapter 84.08 RCW.”

Appraisers do not need interior access to homes and buildings, but they do need access to all sides of the building; therefore, they may enter the backyard even on fenced properties.

When working neighborhoods, the appraiser may be on foot to reduce mileage and fuel costs. They will be carrying county issued ID. If you have a doubt, please call the Assessor main line at 360-778-5050, we can describe the appraiser working your neighborhood that day.