Thurston County assessor: Seniors will benefit from new tax bill

This past week, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6162, concluding two years of advocacy by Thurston County Assessor Steven Drew, who serves as a legislative chair for the State Association of County Assessors.

This new law expands who will qualify for the senior citizens, aged 61 and over, and disabled persons property tax exemption program by raising the household income thresholds used in determining who qualifies for the program. In January 2027, the top threshold will increase from $59,000 to $83,000 for Thurston County. The county has also added an option to select a standard deduction of $7,500 for one and $15,000 for two heads of household, meaning that a two-person household will qualify with income below $98,000.

“Seniors and disabled persons already in the program do not need to do anything, and with the changes, all participants will be moved by my office to the highest benefit level on Jan. 1, 2027,” Drew said in a news release. “For new applicants, we will have an online application tool, which goes live this fall.”

The new law also expands the portion of property taxes that will be exempt, making the program much more impactful for those who qualify. Today, a senior household in the lower benefit group with a home value of $588,000 and a property tax of $5,292 would still owe $3,021 in tax, according to the county. In January, this same household will see their property tax drop to just $440, per the county.

Other changes that take effect on Jan. 1 include the ability to deduct up to $6,000 of rental income per year and a big reduction in the veteran disability percentage from 80% to just 40%. Veterans who meet this percentage can qualify even when younger than 61, the county said.

“Over the past 15 years, I have shepherded through many improvements in this important program, but this year, broad legislative support existed for these substantial enhancements,” Drew said. “The growing cost of living affects all of us. However, our seniors and disabled neighbors on limited fixed income are in greater risk of losing their homes, and this new law delivers meaningful relief.”