Did you know: Property tax exemptions may lower or eliminate your levy taxes
The Stanwood-Camano School District posted this on its website on 2025-11-11 16:00:00.
As the community prepares to consider the district’s Safety and Infrastructure Levy on February 10, the district encourages every homeowner to learn about an important program that could significantly reduce or eliminate the amount paid in school and local levies.
Each year, Snohomish and Island County assessors report that thousands of residents likely qualify for a property tax exemption but haven’t applied. Homeowners who are 61 or older, living with a disability, or qualifying veterans are urged to check their eligibility.
This program, established by the Washington State Department of Revenue, helps seniors and people with disabilities remain in their homes by reducing or freezing property taxes on their primary residence. Once approved, the taxable value of the home is frozen based on the first qualifying year — and participants may be exempt from certain voter-approved levies, including school levies. The exemption never needs to be repaid and remains in effect as long as eligibility continues.
For 2025, households in Snohomish County with incomes up to roughly $75,000 may qualify, and those in Island County up to about $54,000 may qualify. These limits adjust annually. Because income calculations include deductions such as medical expenses, many homeowners find they qualify even if they initially assume they do not.
Applying is simple and handled directly through each county assessor’s office — online, by mail, or in person. Once approved, the exemption typically renews automatically each year.
For those who do not qualify for the exemption, a Property Tax Deferral Program is also available to help eligible homeowners postpone payments until the property is sold.
This program provides meaningful relief and helps ensure that cost is never a barrier to remaining in one’s home.
Find step-by-step instructions, links, and resources on the district’s Property Tax Exemptions page and learn more about the upcoming Safety and Infrastructure Levy.
