State legislators introduced and heard nearly a dozen property tax-related bills this session. Two bills in particular gathered significant political traction and are approaching the legislative finish line.

HB 1332, sponsored by Rep. Pat Sullivan (D–Covington), requires county treasurers to grant a deferral of 2021 property tax payments for certain businesses via establishment of a payment plan. A business may qualify for the deferral if the owners demonstrate a loss of at least 25% of revenue from calendar year 2020, as compared to revenue collected during calendar year 2019. A request for a deferral must be made before April 30, 2021, and county treasurers must process all requests for deferral by June 30, 2021.

HB 1332 was signed by the Governor on Friday. The legislation takes effect immediately.

HB 1410, sponsored by Rep. Mike Volz (R–Spokane), temporarily eliminates penalties on delinquent property taxes for all properties until December 31, 2022. Further, the bill permanently eliminates penalties on delinquent property taxes for residential parcels with four or fewer units and reduces interest on delinquent taxes from twelve percent to nine percent for residential parcels with four or fewer units. Delinquent property taxes on non-residential real property and residential real property with more than four units per parcel remain subject to the twelve percent interest rate.

HB 1410 passed the Senate in early April; the bill awaits concurrence from the House