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1. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payments in U.S. currency only. Please make your check, cashier's check, or money order payable to the Columbia County Treasurer. Washington State Tax laws prohibit us from receipting partial payments. We are now accepting online payments.

2. How do I remove my property from foreclosure?

After the County Treasurer has started the tax foreclosure procedure by filing a Certificate of Delinquency in Superior Court, all tax, interest, penalties, and costs must be paid through the current year in order to remove the property from foreclosure. All real estate with delinquent taxes for three years or more will be subject to foreclosure.

3. What are the interest and penalties on delinquent taxes?

If the first-half taxes are not paid by April 30, interest is charged on the full amount of tax at 1% per month. In addition to the interest, there will be penalties added the first year of delinquency. A 3% penalty will be added on June 1, and an 8% penalty will be added on December 1. Payments received on delinquent personal property tax after the April 30 deadline must be paid in full with applicable interest, penalties, and costs.

4. Do I need a permit to move my mobile home?

Check with your County Treasurer's Office before buying or selling a mobile home to assure the proper changes have been made and to protect your property against any property or excise tax lien (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 84.60).

Movement of a mobile home without a movement permit issued by the Treasurer may result in a penalty (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 46.44.175).

5. How are personal property taxes figured?

Taxes are computed on the assessed valuation as of January 1 of the preceding year. They are a lien on the personal property of the person assessed. It is unlawful to sell personal property without paying tax in advance. A clear bill of sale cannot be issued until such payment is made. Personal property is subject to immediate seizure and subsequent sale if at least the first half of the tax is not paid by April 30 and the second half by October 31. Check with the county treasurer's office before buying or selling any personal property (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 84.56.070.090).

6. Is there a property tax exemption for senior citizens or persons with disabilities?

If you own a residence, you may be entitled to a property tax exemption. To qualify you must be 61 years old or retired because of a disability, the property must be your main residence, and you must have a limited income. For application forms and further information, please call the Columbia County Assessor at (509) 382-2131.

7. I recently sold my property - how does this affect the property tax statement?

If you have sold property prior to receiving a tax statement or at any other time during the year, please notify the treasurer's office at (509) 382-2641 so a statement can be forwarded to the new owner.

Failure to receive a tax statement on property does not excuse any penalty or interest charges.

8. Do I have to pay property taxes?

Yes. To preserve your right to seek a court-ordered refund you must comply with the requirements of the law (Revised Code of Washington Chapter 84.68.20).

9. How do I interpret my tax statement?

Examine your tax statement thoroughly to avoid payment on the wrong property. First-half or full payment of tax must be paid / postmarked no later than April 30. Second-half tax must be paid / postmarked no later than October 31.

Tax amounts $50 or less on individual parcels must be paid in full with the first-half payment. Delinquent tax amounts showing on your statement will not include the interest and penalty because this amount changes every month.

10. When are tax statements mailed?

Tax statements are sent out once a year and are mailed from Dayton, Washington, on February 14 or the first business day following if falls on a weekend or holiday.