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1. Should property owners contact the Assessor’s Office to settle property value disagreements?

Absolutely! If you feel the assessment of your property taxes is incorrect or have questions about the your valuation contact the Assessor’s Office first anytime you have a question. Many times disagreements or stipulations can be agreed upon or settled with the Assessor’s Office without filing an appeal. However, you still need to preserve your appeal rights by filing your appeal form in a timely fashion with the Board of Equalization; view the Appealing Assessed Valuations FAQ to access appeal forms.

The Douglas County Assessor’s office may be reached at 509-745-8521 and additional information may be obtained by visiting the Assessor page.

2. How does the Assessor value property?

Washington State law requires assessors to value all taxable property at 100% of its true and fair market value. Market value is the amount of money that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing and unobligated seller.

3. How can I appeal the assessed valuation of my property?

Filing Appeals

To appeal an Assessor’s valuation of your property timely complete and file a petition with the Douglas County Clerk of the Board of Equalization. 

The correct Appeals Petition Form must be used; a letter or phone call is not acceptable as a substitute for the petition form. You must submit separate petitions for each parcel that you want the Board to review.

Two copies of the Petition and any attached documentation are filed:

• One copy with the Clerk of the Board of Equalization; and 
• One copy with the County Assessor.  

Appeal forms are available by downloaded from the following links:

• Real Property Appeal Petition Form (DOC)
• Current Use / Forest Land Designation Appeal Form (DOC)
• Exemption or Deferral Appeal Form (DOC)
• Personal Property Appeal Form (DOC)

Send Completed Forms to: Email the Clerk of the Board (PREFERRED)

OR

Mail to:
Clerk of the Board
Board of Equalization
140 19th Street
East Wenatchee, WA 98802

4. What is the deadline for filing a Petition for Appeal?

Petitions for Appeal must be postmarked or emailed to the Clerk of the Board of Equalization by July 1st of the current assessment year or within 30 days of when the "Douglas County Change of Value Notice" was mailed by the Assessor’s Office.

Access the Board of Equalization’s contact information page to find the mailing and email (preferred) address for the Clerk of the Board.

5. How can I appeal a decision made by the Board of Equalization?

Appealing a Board of Equalization Decision

If you feel your petition is rejected as incomplete by the Douglas County Board of Equalization, you have the right to appeal the rejection to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals. If you disagree with the determination set by the BOE Hearing Examiner, you may appeal that decision to the BTA within thirty (30) days.

Forms

• Informal Property Tax Appeal (PDF)
• Response / Statement of Value (DOCX)

Contact

Washington State Board of Tax Appeals
1110 Capitol Way S
Suite 307
P.O. Box 40915
Olympia, WA 98504
Email the State Board of Tax Appeals
Washington State Board of Tax Appeals Website