Jefferson County Assessor's Office

 Jefferson County Assessor’s Office Notice

State law requires every county to appraise taxable property each year at 100% of fair market value. Jefferson County accomplishes this by a focused re-inspection of one-sixth of the County each year. The other five-sixths are updated through a combination of statistical sales analysis and inspections of areas needing a more detailed approach. The physical re-inspection area this year is Brinnon. The Assessor’s Office has completed their 2026 inspections and analysis and is in the process of mailing out change of value notices (COV) for the majority of properties in Jefferson County. These values will be used for calculating 2027 taxes typically using the formula for budget-based levies that the amount- to-collect / assessment base = levy rate, which is then reapplied to each parcel. 

Property owners may discuss their assessed values with the Assessor’s appraisers if they believe the value is not reflective of market value. Appraisers can adjust a value during the 30-day appeal window if they feel there is additional information that was not considered. Property owners may also choose to file an appeal with the Jefferson County’s Board of Equalization (BOE) within 30 days from the date of notice. Changes made as a result of BOE decisions will be reflected in revised 2027 tax statements, should decisions be made after tax statements are mailed next February.

Starting this year, the senior (at least 61 and over) and disable persons exemption has been expanded with a maximum qualifying household 2026 gross income of $71,000 rather than $45,000. This applies to your owned principal place of residence in Jefferson County (more than 6 months). You need to provide the Assessor documentation of your 2026 income. Qualifying exemptions apply for 2027 taxes.  

If you have questions on this process, please do not hesitate to contact the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office by phone at 360-385-9105, in person at 1820 Jefferson St. (Courthouse), or by mail at P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368.