County lengthens time to claim tax errors

On February 4, the Pierce County Council adopted Ordinance No. O2024-572, which extends the timeframe for property owners to request refunds for manifest errors in property tax assessments from three years to five. This change aligns the county's property tax rules with state law, aiming to protect homeowners and businesses from being unfairly charged due to clerical errors. The ordinance, supported by Assessor-Treasurer Marty Campbell, is expected to result in an additional $600,000 in annual refunds for affected property owners. Over the past five years, an average of 227 property owners have successfully appealed manifest errors, leading to approximately $28.

2 million in corrected property values. The ordinance allows the Assessor-Treasurer to approve refunds for manifest errors without a petition, as long as the approval occurs within five years of the payment. This legislative change highlights the county's dedication to ensuring accurate property tax assessments and fair treatment of taxpayers. The ordinance now proceeds to Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello for final approval. Overall, this adjustment is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in property tax administration.