Homeowners in King County may feel a bit of sticker shock when they see their 2016 property tax bill.
KIRO 7 will have a breakdown of what new taxes will increase payments this year at 6 p.m. on KIRO 7 News.
For now, here are five things you should know:
1. King County voters approved two new taxes last year.
Voters approved more money for emergency radio communications and Best Start for Kids. These taxes are levied on all King County property owners.
2. Seattle voters approved a few more taxes.
In 2015, voters in the city approved Move Seattle, which renewed a transportation levy. Voters also approved Initiative 122, which levies a property tax to pay for vouchers that citizens can then contribute to political campaigns.
In 2014, voters approved a Seattle Parks District. 2016 will be the first year that those taxes are collected.
3. Home values went up.
In Seattle, home values went up by about 12 percent. So while the tax rates for Seattle homeowners increased, the higher home value means that higher rate is now applied to a higher home value, too.
4. Tax bills will go out in the next couple of weeks.
Homeowners can pay it all at once, or break it up into two payments this year.
5. You owe the taxes even if you just moved here.
If you bought a home sometime during 2015, the seller is responsible for the taxes on that house up until the date that you bought it. You then owe the taxes on the remainder of the year, as well as any taxes to follow, even if you didn’t get to vote on those levies.