King County Washington Property Tax Records: Search, Pay, Due Dates, Fees & Parcel Lookup
King County property tax records are easiest to handle when you separate three tasks: finding the parcel or tax account number, checking the tax bill and payment status, and verifying the Assessor value behind the bill. This guide shows exactly where to search, how to pay, which due dates matter, when fees apply, how to handle delinquent taxes, and when to use Recorder or appeal records instead of a tax page.
Fastest Way to Search King County Property Tax Records
Which King County Property Record Do You Actually Need?
Most search mistakes happen because users treat tax records, Assessor records, parcel maps, and recorded documents as one database. King County separates them by job.
| Your Question | Use This | What It Shows | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| How much property tax is due? | Treasury property tax payment app | Current half-year, full-year, delinquent amounts, payment options, confirmation details. | It does not prove legal ownership or deed chain. |
| What is my parcel/account number? | eReal Property Search or Parcel Viewer | Parcel number, property address, Assessor details, links to parcel-related reports. | Search formatting matters; eMap uses 10-digit parcel number with no hyphens or spaces. |
| Why did value change? | King County Department of Assessments | Property value, valuation notice, building data, sales/assessment context. | Taxes are set by levy and rate rules, not value alone. |
| Where is the deed or lien? | Recorder Landmark search | Deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, easements, releases, liens, recorded documents. | Most post-August 1, 1991 documents are online; older records may require Archives. |
| Can I get tax help or relief? | Assessor tax relief / Treasury payment plan pages | Senior/disabled exemptions, deferrals, delinquent-tax payment-plan options. | Eligibility rules and deadlines apply. |
How to Find a King County Property Tax Account or Parcel Number
The property tax payment page needs the correct tax account or parcel number. King County tells users to check the tax statement, valuation change notice, eReal Property Search, or Treasury/Assessor help if the number is missing.
Tax statement
Use the parcel or tax account number printed on the statement if you have the bill in hand.
eReal Property
Search by property tax account, parcel number, or address to locate the account information.
Parcel Viewer
Search by address, parcel number, or zoom and click a parcel; selected parcels link to eReal Property reports.
1Try the tax statement or valuation notice firstThis is the cleanest source for the tax account number.▾
Look for a 10- or 12-digit real property tax account number on the King County property tax statement or Assessor’s valuation change notice. Copy the number exactly before opening the tax payment page.
2If you do not have the number, use eReal PropertySearch by address when you do not know the parcel/account number.▾
Open King County’s eReal Property route, enter the property address or parcel/account number, choose the matching property, and copy the parcel/account number from the report. Official action link: eReal Property Search.
3Use Parcel Viewer when address search is confusingUseful for condos, lots, waterfront parcels, and similar street names.▾
Open Parcel Viewer, search by address or parcel number, or zoom to the map and click the parcel. Once selected, use the links to the Assessor’s eReal Property report and Districts and Development Conditions report. Official action link: King County Parcel Viewer.
How to View or Pay King County Property Tax Records Online
The online payment system can show account details and let real property accounts pay half-year taxes, full-year taxes, and delinquent taxes. To pay a full year of real property taxes online, select both current half-year payment boxes before checking out.
April 30
First-half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by April 30.
October 31
Second-half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by October 31.
$0.55 fee
The payment system lists a flat eCheck service fee of 55 cents.
2.35%
Beginning January 1, 2026, debit/credit cards carry a 2.35% service fee, minimum $2.00.
1Open the official property tax payment appUse the county app before entering payment details.▾
Have the parcel or tax account number ready. Open the King County property tax payment app, enter the number, select the correct property, and review the tax year and account details before selecting a payment option. Official action link: King County Property Taxes Payment App.
2Choose half-year or full-year payment carefullyDo not accidentally pay only one half if you intend to pay the full year.▾
For real property, select the current half-year amount you want to pay. If paying the full year, check both current half-year boxes. Save the confirmation number, receipt, parcel number, payment date, and tax year.
3Compare payment fee options before checkoutThe processor fee does not go to King County.▾
Use eCheck if you want the lowest listed online fee. Debit and credit cards are subject to the percentage service fee shown in checkout. Recheck the active payment screen before submitting because fee rules can change.
Other Ways to Pay King County Property Taxes
| Payment Route | Use When | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Online | You want account lookup, receipt confirmation, eCheck, card, half-year or delinquent payment options. | Check parcel/account number, selected boxes, service fee, and confirmation before leaving checkout. |
| You prefer check, cashier’s check, or money order. | Include the property tax account number on the payment and pay the exact amount due. Mail early enough for postmark timing. | |
| In person | You need staff help or want to avoid online checkout confusion. | King County lists in-person payment at the Customer Service Center, 201 S. Jackson Street, Seattle. |
| Secure drop box | You want to drop off payment during business hours. | King County lists drop box availability Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. |
Payment Plans, Interest, Penalties and Foreclosure Risk
Delinquent property tax records require faster action than ordinary current-year lookup. King County offers payment plans for delinquent prior-year taxes, but plans have rules and cannot go beyond foreclosure status.
Prior-year delinquent taxes
Payment plans are available for delinquent prior-year real property taxes, not as a casual installment option for every tax bill.
6 or 12 months
Plans are calculated with tax, interest, statutory penalties, and then broken into monthly payments.
3 years delinquent
Real property may enter foreclosure when a tax, assessment, fee, or lien becomes a full three years delinquent.
1Check the account before callingYou need parcel/account number and the delinquent year.▾
Open the tax payment app and identify the delinquent year, amount due, and parcel/account number. Save the screen before asking about a payment plan or payoff.
2Ask Treasury about payment-plan eligibilityDo not wait until foreclosure status if you need help.▾
King County lists PaymentPlans@kingcounty.gov and 206-263-2649 for payment-plan questions. The program is administered through a third-party vendor, and payments must follow plan terms. Official action link: King County Property Tax Payment Plans.
3Understand foreclosure timingA foreclosure file requires full payoff to remove the parcel from sale.▾
If a parcel is already in the foreclosure process, payment must cover the full amount due plus costs and fees accrued during the process to remove it from foreclosure sale. Do not rely on a partial payment without direct Treasury confirmation.
Senior, Disabled, Veteran and Limited-Income Property Tax Relief
King County’s Assessor handles tax relief programs for eligible seniors, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans, and some limited-income property owners. These are not automatic just because taxes feel high—you must meet program rules and apply through the official process.
Exemption / deferral
Use this route if you are a senior, disabled person, or disabled veteran and may meet Washington eligibility rules.
3-year refund window
The senior exemption portal notes applications must be received within three years of the property tax due date for excess-tax refund eligibility.
Exemptions team
Email Exemptions.Assessments@kingcounty.gov or use the official online application route.
1Check the official tax relief page firstEligibility depends on Washington program rules.▾
Open King County’s senior/disabled exemptions and deferrals page, read the program basics, gather proof of age/disability/veteran status and income documents, then use the official online application when ready. Official action link: Senior or Disabled Exemptions and Deferrals.
2Apply before waiting for another billRelief programs can take processing time.▾
If you believe you qualify, apply early and keep a copy of every form, confirmation, and supporting document. If you already paid excess taxes and may qualify, pay attention to the three-year refund timing rule.
How to Appeal a King County Property Tax Assessment
You do not appeal the tax bill simply because it is expensive. You appeal the assessed value when you believe the Assessor’s valuation is above fair market value and you can provide evidence.
| Appeal Item | King County Rule | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| When to file | By the later of July 1 of the assessment year or within 60 days from the mailing date printed on the value notice. | Wait until you receive the valuation notice; save the mailing date. |
| What to prove | Evidence must show the Assessor’s valuation exceeds fair market value. | Comparable sales, appraisal, condition photos, repair estimates, incorrect property data, sales timing. |
| Who hears it | Board of Appeals and Equalization hears property tax assessment appeals and is independent from the Assessor. | Organized evidence packet, parcel number, value notice, requested value. |
| Next appeal | If a party disagrees with the Board decision, appeal to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days of the decision mailing date. | Board decision, deadlines, records, legal or valuation support if needed. |
1Review your eReal Property report and value noticeFind the exact value you disagree with.▾
Check land value, improvement value, characteristics, square footage, condition, sales, and neighborhood data. If the property facts are wrong, document the error clearly.
2Gather fair-market-value evidenceThe burden is on you, not on frustration with taxes.▾
Use comparable sales near the valuation date, photos, appraisals, repair evidence, listing history, and corrected property facts. Do not submit only tax-bill comparisons with neighbors.
3File with the Board of Appeals and EqualizationWatch July 1 and the 60-day value-notice deadline.▾
Open the King County appeal page, choose the online or mail process, enter parcel details, state the requested value, upload or attach evidence, and keep confirmation. Official action link: Appeal a Property Tax Assessment.
When a Property Tax Record Is Not Enough
Tax records are useful for bills and payments, but they do not replace recorded documents. Use the Recorder when you need deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, easements, liens, releases, real estate excise tax affidavits, or certified/uncertified copies.
Most post-Aug. 1, 1991 documents
King County says most documents recorded on or after August 1, 1991 are available online.
1976-present index
Archives notes Landmark includes an online index from 1976 to present, but images are mostly available from August 1, 1991 forward.
Archives may be needed
Documents recorded before August 1, 1991 may require King County Archives for copies or viewing.
1Use tax/parcel records to collect cluesParcel number, owner name, legal description, and address help Recorder searching.▾
Start with eReal Property and Parcel Viewer, then copy parcel number, owner name, legal description clues, and sale date if shown. These details help you search Recorder records.
2Search Recorder Landmark recordsSearch by name, document type, recording number, date, parcel ID, legal description, book/page, or Torrens number.▾
Open King County’s Recorder online records search, click Start Search, choose the search type, and use multiple search methods if needed. For name search, King County’s tutorial example uses last name, comma, first name format. Official action link: Recorder Online Records Search.
3Request copies only after confirming the documentAvoid paying for the wrong recording.▾
Confirm document type, recording number, parties, date, parcel or legal description. Then log in/register, open the document image, add it to cart, and choose uncertified or certified copy if available. Official action link: Request Copies of Recorded Documents.
King County Customer Service Center Map
Use the map for general visit planning. Confirm the department, service hours, appointment requirements, and payment/copy method before going in person.
Assessor customer service
King Street Center Customer Service Center, 201 South Jackson Street, 2nd floor, Seattle, WA 98104. General Assessor contact: 206-296-7300.
Treasury property tax
Property tax customer service: 206-263-2890 and PropertyTax.CustomerService@kingcounty.gov. Use parcel/account number when contacting Treasury.
Recorder research
Use online records first. For older recordings or Archives records, collect names, date range, recording number, parcel and legal-description clues before requesting help.
If Your King County Property Tax Search Fails
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot find tax account number | You only have an address or a mortgage escrow statement. | Use eReal Property Search by address or Parcel Viewer, then copy the real property parcel/account number. |
| eMap search fails | Parcel number entered with hyphens or spaces. | Enter the 10-digit parcel number with no hyphens or spaces. |
| Paid full year but only one half shows paid | Only one current half-year payment box was selected. | When paying full year online, check both current half-year boxes before checkout. |
| Escrow company said it paid, county still shows due | Payment may not have posted yet, wrong parcel, or escrow timing issue. | Compare lender records with King County payment status and contact Treasury if due date is close. |
| Deed not visible online | Document may be pre-August 1, 1991 or indexed differently. | Search multiple ways in Landmark and contact King County Archives for older records. |
King County Property Tax Records Tips That Save Time
Use these before paying, appealing, refinancing, buying, checking escrow, or researching a Seattle-area property.
Save both the parcel and account number
You may need one for tax payment and another for Assessor, map, or Recorder research. Keep them together with the property address.
Set reminders before due dates
King County offers email/text reminders roughly 30 days before April 30 and October 31 deadlines. Sign up before you forget.
Use eCheck for lower online fees
For 2026, eCheck is listed at $0.55 while card payments use a percentage fee with a minimum. Compare before checkout.
Do not appeal taxes—appeal value
The Board wants evidence that the Assessor’s value is above fair market value. Bring comps, property errors and documented condition issues.
Search Recorder records multiple ways
King County says indexing standards changed over time, so try name, parcel, recording number, date range, legal description and book/page.
Check delinquency early
Do not wait until foreclosure notices. Ask about payment plans while the account is still eligible and before costs grow.
King County Washington Property Tax Records FAQs
QHow do I search King County property tax records?▾
Use King County’s property tax payment app if you know the parcel or tax account number. If you do not know it, use eReal Property Search or Parcel Viewer to find the parcel/account number first.
QWhat are King County property tax due dates?▾
The first half is due or must be postmarked by April 30. The second half is due or must be postmarked by October 31. If taxes are less than $50, full payment is generally due with the first-half deadline.
QHow do I find my King County parcel or tax account number?▾
Check your tax statement or Assessor valuation change notice first. If you do not have either, use eReal Property Search by address or Parcel Viewer to locate the parcel and account information.
QHow much are King County online property tax payment fees?▾
For 2026, King County’s payment system lists debit and credit card payments at a 2.35% service fee with a $2.00 minimum, and eCheck payments at a $0.55 service fee. Confirm fees on the checkout page before paying.
QCan I pay a full year of King County real property taxes online?▾
Yes. For real property, select both current half-year payment boxes before checkout if you want to pay the full year online.
QDoes King County offer payment plans for delinquent property taxes?▾
Yes, but payment plans are for delinquent prior-year taxes and are subject to eligibility and foreclosure-status rules. Contact King County Treasury at PaymentPlans@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-2649.
QWhen can King County property tax foreclosure begin?▾
King County states that real property may be subject to foreclosure when any tax, assessment, fee, or lien becomes a full three years delinquent.
QHow do I appeal a King County property tax assessment?▾
File with the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization by the later of July 1 of the assessment year or within 60 days from the mailing date on the value notice. You must provide evidence that the Assessor’s value exceeds fair market value.
QWhere do I search King County deeds and liens?▾
Use the King County Recorder’s online records search for deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, liens, releases, easements and recorded documents. Most documents recorded on or after August 1, 1991 are available online.
QIs Property-Recordss.org the official King County website?▾
No. Property-Recordss.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify official property tax records, parcel data, payments, exemptions, appeals, recorded documents and foreclosure information directly with King County or Washington government sources.
Final Takeaway
For King County Washington property tax records, start by finding the correct parcel or account number through the tax statement, eReal Property Search, or Parcel Viewer. Use the King County property tax payment app for current, half-year, full-year and delinquent tax status. Use Treasury for payment questions, the Assessor for valuation and relief programs, the Board of Appeals and Equalization for appeals, and the Recorder for deeds, liens and recorded documents.
Independent guide notice: Property-Recordss.org is not affiliated with King County Government, King County Treasury Operations, King County Department of Assessments, King County Recorder’s Office, King County Archives, the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization, any Washington court, title company, lender, escrow company or surveyor. This page is for educational help only. Always verify tax balances, payment fees, due dates, exemptions, appeals, foreclosure status, parcel records, recorded documents, legal descriptions and ownership status directly with official sources before making legal, financial, tax, title or real estate decisions.