Pierce County assessor-treasurer extends property tax payment due date

Citing the financial impact of the COVID-19 virus on Pierce County residents, Assessor-Treasurer Mike Lonergan, in coordination with the county finance director, has extended the due date for first-half property tax payments to June 1. Interest charges will not be assessed on payments made by that date.

Lonergan said in a press release, postponing the due date by a month is a best way to balance the needs of local governments with needs of taxpayers who are facing financial challenges during the public health emergency.

The property tax payment extension only applies to taxpayers who pay their residential and commercial property taxes themselves, rather than through a mortgage lender or servicer. Banks and other financial institutions that pay property taxes on behalf of mortgage customers must meet the original April 30 deadline. 

Property owners who can pay their taxes now are encouraged to do so by April 30, or as soon thereafter as possible. Unpaid taxes from previous years are excluded from the extension. 
Payments may be made:

* By mail to Pierce County Finance, P.O. Box 11621, Tacoma WA 98411. Make checks payable to Pierce County, and please include payment stub or parcel number.

* Online using e-check, debit card or credit card at www.piercecountywa.gov/atr, or by calling our automated telephone system at 253-798-3333. People should have their parcel number ready. A handling fee is added by an outside vendor: 50 cents for e-check, $3.50 for debit and 2.35 percent for credit card.

* Secure drop box at Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St., Tacoma. Do not pay in cash. In-person payments at the Assessor-Treasurer’s office are suspended until further notice.

The payment deadline cannot be extended past June 1, as many cities, counties, school districts, fire districts, hospital districts and other special purpose districts rely on the year's first installment of property tax revenue to make June debt service payments, according to the announcement.
People who have questions related to COVID-19 should call 253-798-6500.