skip to main content

King County Department of Assessments

Setting values, serving the community, and promoting fairness and equity.

Department of Assessments

201 South Jackson Street,
Seattle, WA 98104

Office Hours:
Mon - Fri
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

TEL: 206-296-7300
TTY relay: 711 or 800-833-4388

Send us mail



Glossary of terms for residential parcels

TAX YEAR
Properties are assessed as of January 1 of any given year for taxes paid the following year. For example, properties assessed in 2004 will pay taxes in 2005.

TOTAL LIVING AREA
Total finished living space. This would include finished space in a basement.

TRUE AND FAIR VALUE
In Washington, all property must be valued and assessed at one hundred percent of true and fair value unless otherwise provided by law. "True and fair value" means market value and is the amount of money a buyer of property willing but not obligated to buy would pay a seller of property willing but not obligated to sell, taking into consideration all uses to which the property is adapted and might in reason be applied. (WAC 458-07-030 (1) ).

Reference Links: