Seattle Property Tax Records: Free King County Tax Bill, Parcel, Deed, Assessment & GIS Lookup
Seattle property tax records are handled through King County, not a separate City of Seattle tax-record portal. Use the King County Assessor for eReal property details, Parcel Viewer for parcel maps, Treasury Operations for tax bills and payments, and the Recorder’s Office for deeds, mortgages, plats and certified recorded-document copies. This guide shows the fastest path for each task and explains when a tax record is not enough to prove ownership or title.
Fastest Way to Find Seattle Property Tax Records
Seattle Property Tax Records Are Really King County Records
Seattle does not operate the main property tax record system. King County handles property assessment, tax billing, parcel maps and recorded real estate documents for Seattle parcels.
| Your Question | Correct Route | What It Shows | What It Does Not Prove |
|---|---|---|---|
| How much tax is due? | Treasury Operations | Tax account, amount due, payment options, deadlines and payment status. | Clean legal title or no liens. |
| What is the assessed value? | Assessor eReal Property | Valuation, property characteristics, levy rates and sale history. | Current tax payment status. |
| What is the parcel number? | Parcel Viewer | Parcel number by address/map and direct links to eReal Property. | Survey-grade boundary. |
| Where is the deed? | Recorder’s Office | Official recorded documents, deeds, mortgages, plats and surveys. | Legal title opinion without title review. |
| Can I appeal my value? | Board of Appeals and Equalization | Appeal filing route and evidence rules. | Automatic reduction. |
How to Search Seattle Property Tax Bills, Balances and Payments
Use King County Treasury when you need the actual tax statement, amount due, payment route, delinquent status, payment confirmation or property-tax customer service.
April 30
First half of 2026 property taxes are due April 30.
October 31
Second half of 2026 property taxes are due October 31.
May 1
Monthly late charges begin May 1 for unpaid first-half taxes.
206-263-2890
King County Property Tax Customer Service.
1
Get the parcel/account number first if you canParcel number reduces wrong-address mistakes.
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If you do not know the parcel or account number, use King County Parcel Viewer or eReal Property search by Seattle address first. Copy the parcel number before opening the tax payment page.
2
Open the King County property tax account pageUse this for tax bill and payment status.
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Open the official King County property tax payment site, enter the parcel/account number, then review tax year, amount due, payment status and available online payment options. Official action link: King County Property Taxes Payment Search.
3
Mail or drop-box only with the account numberDo not send cash.
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If paying by mail, include the property tax account number on the check or money order. King County says the statement does not need to be included if the account number is on the payment and the payment is for the exact amount due. Do not send cash through the mail.
4
Use the secure drop box only during posted availabilityCheck or money order only.
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A secure drop box is located at the corner of Second Avenue and South Jackson Street, inside the security gates. King County lists drop-box availability Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Do not deposit cash.
How to Search Seattle Assessment Records, Valuation and Property Characteristics
King County Assessor’s eReal Property search is the main tool for valuation, property characteristics, levy rates and sale history. Use it when you need to understand why a Seattle tax bill changed.
Property tax account
Best when you already have a tax statement or parcel/account number.
Parcel number
Use Parcel Viewer first if you only know the street address.
Value + characteristics
Review valuations, levy rates, sale history and property characteristics.
1
Find the parcel number if you only have an addressParcel Viewer is often the easiest first step.
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Open Parcel Viewer, search the Seattle address, click the parcel, then use the direct link to eReal Property or copy the parcel number for the Assessor search.
2
Open King County Assessor lookup toolsUse this for assessment, not deed proof.
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Use the Assessor’s official lookup page to access eReal Property, eSales, eMap and assessment data resources. Official action link: King County Assessor Look Up Property Information.
3
Check property characteristics before appealingWrong details may be fixable without a full appeal.
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Review living area, year built, property type, land size, neighborhood, sale history and valuation. If a property characteristic looks wrong, contact the Assessor before filing an appeal. Public information phone: 206-296-7300. Email: Assessor.Info@KingCounty.gov.
How to Use King County Parcel Viewer for Seattle Property Records
Parcel Viewer is the fastest tool when you know a Seattle address but do not know the parcel number. It lets you search by address, parcel number, zoom on the map, and click a parcel for direct links to assessment and development-condition information.
Address
Best first step for Seattle homeowners, buyers and renters checking a parcel.
Parcel number
Use when you already have a tax statement, deed reference or assessor result.
Not a survey
Map boundaries are research tools, not licensed survey evidence.
1
Open Parcel ViewerSearch by address or parcel number.
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Open the Parcel Viewer, enter the Seattle address, parcel number or zoom into the map and click the parcel. Official action link: King County Parcel Viewer.
2
Use direct parcel links after selecting the parcelDo not manually retype if a direct link is available.
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After selecting a parcel, use the direct links to the Assessor’s eReal Property report and the Districts and Development Conditions report. Copy the parcel number for tax and Recorder searches.
3
Use map context carefullyGreat for research, not final legal boundary decisions.
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Use Parcel Viewer for parcel context, neighboring parcels and district links. For boundary, easement, lot-line, survey or development disputes, review recorded plats/surveys and consult a licensed professional.
How to Search Seattle Deeds, Mortgages, Plats and Recorded Documents
King County Recorder’s Office records and preserves real estate documents such as deeds, mortgages, plats and surveys. Use Recorder search when you need recorded-document history, not just assessment or payment data.
Aug. 1, 1991+
Most documents recorded on or after August 1, 1991 are available online.
Microfilm / Archives
Documents before August 1, 1991 are on microfilm and available from King County Archives.
1997+
Searching by parcel ID pulls recorded documents from 1997 to current.
RANS
Recording Activity Notification System can email subscribers when matching land-record names are recorded.
1
Collect the parcel ID and name variations firstRecorder search is stronger with multiple clues.
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Use Parcel Viewer/eReal Property to collect parcel number, owner name, sale date and address. For name search, King County recommends last name, comma, first name format, such as Doe, John.
2
Open the Recorder online records searchUse this for deeds, mortgages, plats and recorded documents.
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Open the free online database and search by name, document type, book/page, consideration, parcel ID, recording date, recording number, legal description or Torrens number. Official action link: King County Recorder Online Records Search.
3
Search forward for releases and satisfactionsDo not stop at the first mortgage or lien document.
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After finding a deed of trust, lien, judgment, assignment or mortgage, search later dates for reconveyance, release, satisfaction, substitution or correction documents before assuming the item remains active.
4
Request certified copies when legal proof is requiredOnline images are not certified copies.
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Certified recorded documents legal size or smaller cost $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Uncertified recorded documents cost $1 per page. Recorder office: 201 S. Jackson St., second floor, Seattle, WA 98104; service hours 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Seattle Property Tax Relief, Senior Exemptions and Deferrals
King County Assessor handles property tax relief programs for senior citizens, people with disabilities and disabled veterans. Exemptions reduce taxes; deferrals allow eligible taxpayers to pay later.
Senior / disabled exemption
For eligible fixed-income residents who meet age, disability, ownership, occupancy and income rules.
Deferrals
Deferrals can postpone taxes, but deferred taxes become a lien and are payable later.
206-296-3920
Senior citizen and disabled exemption help line.
1
Check eligibility before the tax deadlineRelief programs need documents and processing time.
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Gather ownership, occupancy, income and disability/veteran documentation before applying. If your tax due date is close, contact King County Assessor’s exemption team quickly.
2
Apply through the official King County routeAvoid unofficial paid offers unless you verify first.
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Review official eligibility and online/paper application options here: King County Senior or Disabled Exemptions and Deferrals.
How to Appeal a Seattle Property Assessment
Appeals go to the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization. The appeal is about market value and evidence, not simply that the tax bill feels high.
July 1
File online or postmark by July 1 of the assessment year, or within 60 days after the value notice mailing date.
206-477-3400
King County Board of Appeals and Equalization.
206-477-1060
Help with appeal questions, comparable sales and tax process.
| Issue | Check First | Useful Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed value too high | eReal Property value, sale history, comparable sales and neighborhood data. | Comparable sales, appraisal, photos and market evidence. |
| Property characteristics wrong | Living area, land size, building condition, remodel info and property type. | Photos, permits, contractor estimates, floor plans and inspection details. |
| Development limitation | Districts/development conditions, easements, environmentally sensitive areas and restrictions. | Agency letters, easement deeds, maps and professional reports. |
| Tax bill increased | Assessment value, levy rate, exemption status and voter-approved levies. | Tax statement, eReal report, exemption documents and prior-year comparison. |
King County Seattle Property Records Office Map
Most Seattle property tax and recorded-document services point to King County offices near Pioneer Square. Confirm office hours, holidays, payment method and document requirements before visiting.
Treasury Operations
201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104. Property Tax Customer Service: 206-263-2890. Email: PropertyTax.CustomerService@kingcounty.gov.
Recorder’s Office
201 S. Jackson St., second floor, Seattle, WA 98104. Service hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Phone: 206-296-1570 / 206-477-6620.
Assessor / Tax Advisor
Assessor Public Information: 206-296-7300. Senior exemptions: 206-296-3920. Tax Advisor: 810 3rd Ave, Suite 705, Seattle, WA 98104; phone 206-477-1060.
If Your Seattle Property Tax Records Search Fails
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No tax result by address | Treasury search works best with parcel/account number. | Use Parcel Viewer or eReal Property first, copy the parcel/account number, then retry payment search. |
| Recorder parcel search misses old documents | Parcel ID search only pulls documents from 1997 to current. | Search by name, recording number, legal description or book/page; use Archives for older records. |
| Owner seems outdated | Recent recorded deed may not align with assessment display yet. | Check Recorder records and eReal Property, then allow update timing or contact Assessor/Recorder. |
| Payment made but still shows due | Posting delay, wrong account, rejected payment or pending update. | Save confirmation, check account again, then call Property Tax Customer Service at 206-263-2890. |
| Need legal ownership proof | Tax record and parcel record are not title reports. | Search recorded deeds and use a title company or attorney for legal conclusions. |
| Boundary looks wrong on map | Parcel Viewer is not a licensed survey. | Check recorded plats/surveys and hire a surveyor if boundary affects rights or money. |
Seattle Property Tax Records Tips That Actually Save Time
Use these before researching a Seattle home, condo, townhouse, mixed-use parcel, waterfront parcel, rental property or commercial building.
Parcel Viewer first for addresses
If you only have a Seattle street address, Parcel Viewer gives the parcel number and direct assessment links faster than guessing in tax search.
Use Recorder name format
For name search, use last name, comma, first name format such as Doe, John.
Watch older deed limits
Most online Recorder documents are August 1, 1991 forward; older records may require King County Archives.
Condo parcels need extra care
In dense Seattle buildings, unit, parking, storage and condo parcel details can cause wrong-record mistakes.
Appeal value, not taxes
The strongest appeals use comparable sales, property defects, easements or development limits—not only “my bill is too high.”
Use RANS for monitoring
King County’s Recording Activity Notification System can email you when land-record documents matching a subscribed name are recorded.
Seattle Property Tax Records FAQs
QWhere do I search Seattle property tax records?▾
Use King County Treasury for tax bills and payments. Seattle properties are part of King County’s property tax system, so the main tax lookup and payment records are handled by King County, not a separate Seattle tax portal.
QWhen are King County Seattle property taxes due in 2026?▾
The first half of 2026 property taxes is due April 30, and the second half is due October 31. If the full tax is less than $50, full payment is due April 30.
QHow do I find a Seattle parcel number?▾
Use King County Parcel Viewer. Search by address or zoom into the map and click the parcel. Once selected, Parcel Viewer provides parcel information and links to the Assessor’s eReal Property report.
QWhere do I find Seattle assessed value and property characteristics?▾
Use King County Assessor eReal Property Search. It shows valuations, property characteristics, levy rates and sale history for King County parcels, including Seattle properties.
QWhere do I search Seattle deeds and mortgages?▾
Use King County Recorder’s online records search. Most documents recorded on or after August 1, 1991 are available online; older records may require King County Archives.
QHow much are certified King County recorded-document copies?▾
Certified recorded documents legal size or smaller cost $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Uncertified recorded documents legal size or smaller cost $1 per page.
QCan a Seattle tax record prove legal ownership?▾
No. A tax record shows billing and payment information. Legal ownership and lien questions require recorded-document research and, for legal conclusions, a title company or attorney.
QHow do I appeal a Seattle property assessment?▾
File with the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization online or by mail by July 1 of the assessment year, or within 60 days after the value notice mailing date. Include evidence related to market value.
QWho do I call about Seattle property tax bills?▾
Call King County Property Tax Customer Service at 206-263-2890 or email PropertyTax.CustomerService@kingcounty.gov.
QIs Property-Recordss.org the official Seattle property tax records website?▾
No. Property-Recordss.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify tax bills, assessments, parcel maps, deeds, copy fees, exemptions and appeal deadlines directly with official King County sources.
Final Takeaway
For Seattle property tax records, use King County Treasury for tax bills and payments, King County Assessor eReal Property for assessed value and characteristics, King County Parcel Viewer for parcel number and map context, and King County Recorder for deeds, mortgages, plats and certified recorded-document copies. The safest workflow is Parcel Viewer → eReal Property → Treasury Tax Search → Recorder Search, depending on whether you need location, value, payment status or legal document history.
Independent guide notice: Property-Recordss.org is not affiliated with King County, King County Assessor, Treasury Operations, Recorder’s Office, the City of Seattle, any Washington agency, title company, attorney or surveyor. This page is for educational help only. Always verify tax balances, payment status, assessments, deeds, parcel maps, copy fees, exemptions and appeal deadlines directly with official sources before making legal, financial, tax, title or real estate decisions.