The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Inflation" means the percentage change in the implicit price deflator for personal consumption expenditures for the United States as published for the most recent twelve-month period by the bureau of economic analysis of the federal department of commerce by September 25th of the year before the taxes are payable;

(2) "Limit factor" means:

(a) For taxing districts with a population of less than ten thousand in the calendar year prior to the assessment year, one hundred one percent;

(b) For taxing districts for which a limit factor is authorized under RCW 84.55.0101, the lesser of the limit factor authorized under that section or one hundred one percent;

(c) For all other districts, the lesser of one hundred one percent or one hundred percent plus inflation; and

(3) "Regular property taxes" has the meaning given it in RCW 84.04.140.

Reviser's note: On November 8, 2007, Initiative Measure No. 747 was declared unconstitutional in its entirety in Wash. Citizens Action of Wash. v. State, 162 Wn.2d 142, 171 P.3d 486 (2007).

Application—Effective date—2007 sp.s. c 1: See notes following RCW 84.55.0101.

Intent—1997 c 3 ss 201-207: See note following RCW 84.55.010.

Application—Severability—Part headings not law—Referral to electorate—1997 c 3: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

Short title—Intent—Effective dates—Applicability—1983 1st ex.s. c 62: See notes following RCW 84.36.477.

(1) Except as provided in this chapter, the levy for a taxing district in any year must be set so that the regular property taxes payable in the following year do not exceed the limit factor multiplied by the amount of regular property taxes lawfully levied for such district in the highest of the three most recent years in which such taxes were levied for such district, excluding any increase due to (e) of this subsection, unless the highest levy was the statutory maximum rate amount, plus an additional dollar amount calculated by multiplying the regular property tax levy rate of that district for the preceding year by the increase in assessed value in that district resulting from:

(a) New construction;

(b) Increases in assessed value due to construction of wind turbine, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, if such facilities generate electricity and the property is not included elsewhere under this section for purposes of providing an additional dollar amount. The property may be classified as real or personal property;

(c) Improvements to property;

(d) Any increase in the assessed value of state-assessed property; and

(e) Any increase in the assessed value of real property, as that term is defined in RCW 39.114.010, within an increment area as designated by any local government in RCW 39.114.020 provided that such increase is not included elsewhere under this section. This subsection (1)(e) does not apply to levies by the state or by port districts and public utility districts for the purpose of making required payments of principal and interest on general indebtedness.

(2) The requirements of this section do not apply to:

(a) State property taxes levied under RCW 84.52.065(1) for collection in calendar years 2019 through 2021; and

(b) State property taxes levied under RCW 84.52.065(2) for collection in calendar years 2018 through 2021.

Application—Tax preference performance statement and expiration—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 ss 301-314: See notes following RCW 84.52.065.

Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.

Application—2014 c 4: "This act applies to taxes levied for collection in 2015 and thereafter." [ 2014 c 4 s 6.]

Intent—1997 c 3 ss 201-207: "It is the intent of sections 201 through 207 of this act to lower the one hundred six percent limit while still allowing taxing districts to raise revenues in excess of the limit if approved by a majority of the voters as provided in RCW 84.55.050." [ 1997 c 3 s 208 (Referendum Bill No. 47, approved November 4, 1997).]

Application—Severability—Part headings not law—Referral to electorate—1997 c 3: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

Effective date—Applicability—1979 ex.s. c 218: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately: PROVIDED, That the amendment to RCW 84.55.010 by section 2 of this act shall be effective for 1979 levies for taxes collected in 1980, and for subsequent years." [ 1979 ex.s. c 218 s 8.]

Upon a finding of substantial need, the legislative authority of a taxing district other than the state may provide for the use of a limit factor under this chapter of one hundred one percent or less. In districts with legislative authorities of four members or less, two-thirds of the members must approve an ordinance or resolution under this section. In districts with more than four members, a majority plus one vote must approve an ordinance or resolution under this section. The new limit factor shall be effective for taxes collected in the following year only.

Reviser's note: On November 8, 2007, Initiative Measure No. 747 was declared unconstitutional in its entirety in Wash. Citizens Action of Wash. v. State, 162 Wn.2d 142, 171 P.3d 486 (2007).

Application—2007 sp.s. c 1: "This act applies both prospectively and retroactively to taxes levied for collection in 2002 and thereafter." [ 2007 sp.s. c 1 s 3.]

Effective date—2007 sp.s. c 1: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [November 29, 2007]." [ 2007 sp.s. c 1 s 4.]

Intent—1997 c 3 ss 201-207: See note following RCW 84.55.010.

Application—Severability—Part headings not law—Referral to electorate—1997 c 3: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

(1) If a taxing district has not levied for the last seven calendar years and elects to restore a regular property tax levy, then the amount of the first restored levy must result in a tax rate that does not exceed the statutory rate limit applicable to the taxing district's regular property tax levy.

(2) If a taxing district has not levied for the last six or fewer calendar years and elects to restore a regular property tax levy, then the first restored levy must not exceed the maximum levy amount allowed by the levy limit that would have been imposed had the taxing district continuously levied.

Application—2023 c 28 ss 2 and 7-9: See note following RCW 84.40.370.

Application—2014 c 4: See note following RCW 84.55.010.

Notwithstanding the limitation set forth in RCW 84.55.010, the first levy for a taxing district created from consolidation of similar taxing districts must be set so that the regular property taxes payable in the following year do not exceed the limit factor multiplied by the sum of the amount of regular property taxes each component taxing district could have levied under RCW 84.55.092 plus the additional dollar amount calculated by multiplying the regular property tax rate of each component district for the preceding year by the increase in assessed value in each component district resulting from:

(1) New construction;

(2) Increases in assessed value due to construction of wind turbine, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, if such facilities generate electricity and the property is not included elsewhere under this section for purposes of providing an additional dollar amount. The property may be classified as real or personal property;

(3) Improvements to property;

(4) Any increase in the assessed value of state-assessed property; and

(5) Any increase in the assessed value of real property, as defined in RCW 39.114.010, within an increment area as designated by any local government under RCW 39.114.020 if the increase is not included elsewhere under this section. This subsection (5) does not apply to levies by the state or by port districts and public utility districts for the purpose of making required payments of principal and interest on general indebtedness.

Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2023 c 28 s 9 and by 2023 c 354 s 5, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

Effective date—2023 c 354: See note following RCW 39.114.010.

Application—2023 c 28 ss 2 and 7-9: See note following RCW 84.40.370.

Application—2014 c 4: See note following RCW 84.55.010.

Intent—1997 c 3 ss 201-207: See note following RCW 84.55.010.

Application—Severability—Part headings not law—Referral to electorate—1997 c 3: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

Savings—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 288: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

For the first levy for a taxing district following annexation of additional property, the limitation set forth in RCW 84.55.010 must be increased by an amount equal to the aggregate assessed valuation of the newly annexed property as shown by the current completed and balanced tax rolls of the county or counties within which such property lies, multiplied by the dollar rate that would have been used by the annexing unit in the absence of such annexation, plus the additional dollar amount calculated by multiplying the regular property tax levy rate of that annexing taxing district for the preceding year by the increase in assessed value in the annexing district resulting from:

(1) New construction;

(2) Increases in assessed value due to construction of wind turbine, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, if such facilities generate electricity and the property is not included elsewhere under this section for purposes of providing an additional dollar amount. The property may be classified as real or personal property;

(3) Improvements to property;

(4) Any increase in the assessed value of state-assessed property; and

(5) Any increase in the assessed value of real property, as defined in RCW 39.114.010, within an increment area as designated by any local government in RCW 39.114.020 if the increase is not included elsewhere under this section. This subsection does not apply to levies by the state or by port districts or public utility districts for the purpose of making required payments of principal and interest on general indebtedness.

Effective date—2023 c 354: See note following RCW 39.114.010.

Application—2014 c 4: See note following RCW 84.55.010.

Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.

Savings—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 288: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

RCW 84.55.010 shall not apply to the first levy by or for a newly-formed taxing district created other than by consolidation or annexation.

This section shall be retroactive in effect and shall be deemed to validate any levy within its scope, even though the levy has been made prior to June 4, 1979.

If by reason of the operation of RCW 84.52.043 and 84.52.050, as now or hereafter amended the statutory dollar rate limitation applicable to the levy by a taxing district has been increased over the statutory millage limitation applicable to such taxing district's levy in the preceding year, the limitation on the dollar rate amount of a levy provided for in this chapter shall be increased by multiplying the otherwise dollar limitation by a fraction, the numerator of which is the increased dollar limitation and the denominator of which is the dollar limitation for the prior year.

Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.

Savings—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 288: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

For purposes of applying the provisions of this chapter:

(1) A levy by or for a port district pursuant to *RCW 53.36.100 shall be treated in the same manner as a separate regular property tax levy made by or for a separate taxing district; and

(2) The first levy by or for a port district pursuant to *RCW 53.36.100 after April 1, 1982, shall not be subject to RCW 84.55.010.

*Reviser's note: RCW 53.36.100 was repealed by 2015 c 135 s 5, effective January 1, 2026.

Effective date—1982 1st ex.s. c 3: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect April 1, 1982." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 3 s 3.]

Limitations on regular property taxes that are provided in this chapter shall continue in a taxing district whether or not an increment area exists within the taxing district as provided under chapter 39.89 RCW.

(1) Subject to any otherwise applicable statutory dollar rate limitations, regular property taxes may be levied by or for a taxing district in an amount exceeding the limitations provided for in this chapter if such levy is authorized by a proposition approved by a majority of the voters of the taxing district voting on the proposition at a general election held within the district or at a special election within the taxing district called by the district for the purpose of submitting such proposition to the voters. Any election held pursuant to this section shall be held not more than 12 months prior to the date on which the proposed levy is to be made, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section. The ballot of the proposition shall state the dollar rate proposed and shall clearly state the conditions, if any, which are applicable under subsection (4) of this section.

(2) Subject to statutory dollar limitations, a proposition placed before the voters under this section may authorize annual increases in levies for multiple consecutive years, up to six consecutive years, during which period each year's authorized maximum legal levy shall be used as the base upon which an increased levy limit for the succeeding year is computed, but the ballot proposition must state the dollar rate proposed only for the first year of the consecutive years and must state the limit factor, or a specified index to be used for determining a limit factor, such as the consumer price index, which need not be the same for all years, by which the regular tax levy for the district may be increased in each of the subsequent consecutive years. Elections for this purpose must be held at a primary or general election. The title of each ballot measure must state the limited purposes for which the proposed annual increases during the specified period of up to six consecutive years shall be used.

(3) After a levy authorized pursuant to this section is made, the dollar amount of such levy may not be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies provided for in this chapter, unless the ballot proposition expressly states that the levy made under this section will be used for this purpose.

(4) If expressly stated, a proposition placed before the voters under subsection (1) or (2) of this section may:

(a) Use the dollar amount of a levy under subsection (1) of this section, or the dollar amount of the final levy under subsection (2) of this section, for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies provided for in this chapter;

(b) Limit the period for which the increased levy is to be made under (a) of this subsection;

(c) Limit the purpose for which the increased levy is to be made under (a) of this subsection, but if the limited purpose includes making redemption payments on bonds;

(i) For the county in which the state capitol is located, the period for which the increased levies are made may not exceed 25 years; and

(ii) For districts other than a district under (c)(i) of this subsection, the period for which the increased levies are made may not exceed nine years;

(d) Set the levy or levies at a rate less than the maximum rate allowed for the district;

(e) Provide that the exemption authorized by RCW 84.36.381 will apply to the levy of any additional regular property taxes authorized by voters; or

(f) Include any combination of the conditions in this subsection.

(5) Except as otherwise expressly stated in an approved ballot measure under this section, subsequent levies shall be computed as if:

(a) The proposition under this section had not been approved; and

(b) The taxing district had made levies at the maximum rates which would otherwise have been allowed under this chapter during the years levies were made under the proposition.

Finding—Intent—Effective date—2021 c 296: See notes following RCW 82.14.310.

Intent—2018 c 46: See note following RCW 84.36.381.

Findings—2017 c 296: "The legislature finds government owned property is exempt from both property taxes and leasehold excise tax. The legislature further finds property tax exemptions lower the taxable assessed value within a district. The legislature further finds most of the state-owned buildings in Washington, including the state capitol, are located in Thurston county. The legislature further finds this imposes a disproportional burden on taxpayers and Thurston county. It is the legislature's objective to mitigate this burden by providing Thurston county the ability to increase a bond levy for a longer period of time with a voter approved lid lift." [ 2017 c 296 s 1.]

Application—2017 c 296: "This act applies to taxes levied for collection in 2018 and thereafter." [ 2017 c 296 s 3.]

Application—2008 c 319: "This act applies prospectively only to levy lid lift ballot propositions under RCW 84.55.050 that receive voter approval on or after April 1, 2008." [ 2008 c 319 s 2.]

Effective date—2008 c 319: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 1, 2008]." [ 2008 c 319 s 3.]

Finding—Intent—Effective date—Severability—2003 1st sp.s. c 24: See notes following RCW 82.14.450.

Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.

Savings—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 288: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

The department of revenue shall adopt rules relating to the calculation of tax rates and the limitation in RCW 84.55.010, conduct an educational program on this subject, and take any other action necessary to insure compliance with the statutes and rules on this subject.

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to a levy, including any state levy, or that portion of a levy, made by or for a taxing district:

(1) For the purpose of funding a property tax refund paid under the provisions of chapter 84.68 RCW;

(2) Under RCW 84.69.180; or

(3) Attributable to amounts of state taxes withheld under RCW 84.56.290 or the provisions of chapter 84.69 RCW, or otherwise attributable to state taxes lawfully owing by reason of adjustments made under RCW 84.48.080.

Application—Tax preference performance statement and expiration—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 ss 301-314: See notes following RCW 84.52.065.

Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.

Application—2009 c 350 ss 10 and 11: See note following RCW 84.69.180.

Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 28: See note following RCW 84.48.080.

(1) The regular property tax levy for each taxing district other than the state's levies may be set at the amount which would be allowed otherwise under this chapter if the regular property tax levy for the district for taxes due in prior years beginning with 1986 had been set at the full amount allowed under this chapter including any levy authorized under RCW 52.16.160 or 52.26.140(1)(c) that would have been imposed but for the limitation in RCW 52.18.065 or 52.26.240, applicable upon imposition of the benefit charge under chapter 52.18 or 52.26 RCW.

(2) The purpose of subsection (1) of this section is to remove the incentive for a taxing district to maintain its tax levy at the maximum level permitted under this chapter, and to protect the future levy capacity of a taxing district that reduces its tax levy below the level that it otherwise could impose under this chapter, by removing the adverse consequences to future levy capacities resulting from such levy reductions.

(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to any portion of a city or town's regular property tax levy that has been reduced as part of the formation of a fire protection district under RCW 52.02.160.

Application—Tax preference performance statement and expiration—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 ss 301-314: See notes following RCW 84.52.065.

Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.

Application—2017 c 196 ss 3 and 9-13: "Sections 3 and 9 through 13 of this act apply to property taxes levied for collection in 2018 and thereafter." [ 2017 c 196 s 18.]

Effective date—2017 c 196 ss 1-9, 11, 13, and 14: See note following RCW 52.26.220.

Purpose—Severability—1988 c 274: See notes following RCW 84.52.010.

Severability—Construction—1986 c 107: See notes following RCW 39.67.010.

The property tax limitation contained in this chapter shall be determined by the county assessors of the respective counties in accordance with the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED, That the limitation for any state levy shall be determined by the department of revenue and the limitation for any intercounty rural library district shall be determined by the library district in consultation with the respective county assessors.

Whenever a withdrawal occurs under RCW 27.12.355, 35.61.360, 52.04.056, or 70.44.235, restrictions under chapter 84.55 RCW on the taxes due for the library district, metropolitan park district, fire protection district, or public hospital district, and restrictions under chapter 84.55 RCW on the taxes due for the city or town if an entire city or town area is withdrawn from a library district or fire protection district, shall be calculated as if the withdrawn area had not been part of the library district, metropolitan park district, fire protection district, or public hospital district, and as if the library district or fire protection district had not been part of the city or town.

(1) A taxing district, other than the state, that collects regular levies must hold a public hearing on revenue sources for the district's following year's current expense budget. The hearing must include consideration of possible increases in property tax revenues and must be held prior to the time the taxing district levies the taxes or makes the request to have the taxes levied. The county legislative authority, or the taxing district's governing body if the district is a city, town, or other type of district, must hold the hearing. For purposes of this section, "current expense budget" means that budget which is primarily funded by taxes and charges and reflects the provision of ongoing services. It does not mean the capital, enterprise, or special assessment budgets of cities, towns, counties, or special purpose districts.

(2) If the taxing district is otherwise required to hold a public hearing on its proposed regular tax levy, a single public hearing may be held on this matter.

(3)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection (3), no increase in property tax revenue may be authorized by a taxing district, other than the state, except by adoption of a separate ordinance or resolution, pursuant to notice, specifically authorizing the increase in terms of both dollars and percentage. The ordinance or resolution may cover a period of up to two years, but the ordinance must specifically state for each year the dollar increase and percentage change in the levy from the previous year.

(b) Exempt from the requirements of (a) of this subsection are increases in revenue resulting from the addition of:

(i) New construction;

(ii) Increases in assessed value due to construction of wind turbine, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, if such facilities generate electricity and the property is not included elsewhere under this section for purposes of providing an additional dollar amount. The property may be classified as real or personal property;

(iii) Improvements to property;

(iv) Any increase in the value of state-assessed property; and

(v) Any increase in the assessed value of real property, as that term is defined in RCW 39.114.010, within an increment area as designated by any local government in RCW 39.114.020 provided that such increase is not included elsewhere under this section. This subsection (3)(b)(v) does not apply to levies by the state or by port districts and public utility districts for the purpose of making required payments of principal and interest on general indebtedness.

Application—2014 c 4: See note following RCW 84.55.010.

Severability—Part headings not law—Referral to electorate—1997 c 3: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

For taxes levied for collection in 2002, the limitation set forth in RCW 84.55.010 for a taxing district shall be increased by an amount equal to the aggregate assessed valuation of leasehold interests subject to tax by the district under RCW 84.40.410, multiplied by the regular property tax levy rate of that district for the preceding year.

(1) Except as provided in RCW 53.36.160(3), RCW 84.55.010 does not apply to a levy under RCW 53.36.160.

(2) For purposes of applying the provisions of this chapter, a levy by or for a port district under RCW 53.36.160(3) must be treated in the same manner as a separate regular property tax levy made by or for a separate taxing district.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, if a county dissolves a special purpose district under chapter 36.96 RCW, the county may impose a separate property tax levy or special assessment on the property lying within the former boundaries of the dissolved special purpose district beginning in the first calendar year following dissolution if:

(a) The county assumes responsibility of the services previously provided by the special purpose district; and

(b) The property tax levy or special assessment does not exceed any legally authorized property tax levy rate or special assessment for the dissolved special purpose district.

(2) If a county discontinues providing the services of a dissolved special purpose district for which the county imposed a separate property tax levy or special assessment as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the county must cease imposing that property tax levy or special assessment beginning in the first calendar year after the discontinuation of the provision of services by the county.

(3) For purposes of RCW 84.52.010 and 84.52.043, a property tax levy authorized by a county under this section is subject to the same provisions as the county's general property tax levy.

(4) The limitation in RCW 84.55.010 does not apply to the first property tax levy imposed under this section.

(5) For purposes of this section, "special assessment" means any special assessment, benefit assessment, or rates and charges imposed by a special purpose district.