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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kitsap County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kitsap County, WA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Average $8.69 per $1,000 of assessed value, varies by location and taxing districts
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kitsap County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, fire protection, emergency medical services, libraries, parks, and county government operations. Property taxes in Kitsap County are calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the total tax rate for your specific location. The county reassesses all properties annually to maintain current market values.

The effective property tax rate in Kitsap County averages approximately $8.69 per $1,000 of assessed value for FY 2025-2026, though this varies significantly depending on your exact location within the county. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, and other local improvement districts. Properties in different areas of the county can have substantially different total tax rates based on the combination of these local taxing districts.

Washington State's constitution limits regular property tax levy increases to 1% per year plus new construction, which helps provide some predictability in tax growth over time. However, voter-approved bonds and levies can result in additional taxes beyond this limitation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General~$2.50 per $1,000County government operations, roads, courts
School District~$3.50-$4.50 per $1,000Local school district operations and bonds
State School~$2.40 per $1,000State-mandated school funding
Fire/EMS District~$0.80-$1.50 per $1,000Fire protection and emergency medical services
Port District~$0.20-$0.30 per $1,000Port of Bremerton operations
Hospital District~$0.25-$0.50 per $1,000Public hospital district services
Library District~$0.30-$0.50 per $1,000Kitsap Regional Library operations

Rates shown are approximate for FY 2025-2026 levy year and vary by specific taxing district boundaries. Your actual rate depends on which districts serve your property location. Contact the Kitsap County Assessor at (360) 337-7130 for your exact tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kitsap County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Apr 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Kitsap County are triggered when there is a change in property ownership, completion of new construction, or major improvements that increase the assessed value during the tax year. When property transfers ownership, a supplemental assessment may be issued to account for any difference between the current assessed value and the property's current market value.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplying by the current tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $400,000 but sells for $500,000, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 difference in assessed value, prorated from July through the end of the tax year.

New construction supplemental taxes apply from the date a certificate of occupancy is issued or when the improvement becomes habitable. The county assessor will determine the added value of the improvements and issue a supplemental tax bill for the remainder of the current tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit Applied: -$71,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $229,000
  • Tax Rate: $8.69 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,990
  • Monthly Escrow: $166

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Disabled Veteran Credit Applied: -$30,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $570,000
  • Tax Rate: $8.69 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $4,953
  • Monthly Escrow: $413

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $8.69 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,690
  • Monthly Escrow: $724

Note: All tax credits require annual application and qualification verification. Credits shown are maximum amounts and actual credits may be less based on individual circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kitsap County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Kitsap County when they become due on April 30th and October 31st.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus in your account. Washington state law allows lenders to maintain up to two months of escrow payments as a cushion.

Property owners can verify that their lender has made timely tax payments by checking the Kitsap County Treasurer's website or calling (360) 337-7160. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the county by the April 30th and October 31st deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Kitsap County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due in two installments: first half by April 30, 2025, and second half by October 31, 2025. Payments postmarked by midnight on the due date are considered timely.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Kitsap County offers several tax credits that ALL require annual application: Senior Citizen/Disabled Person Credit (up to $71,000 assessed value reduction), Disabled Veteran Credit (up to $30,000 reduction), and Property Tax Deferral programs. Applications must be filed with the County Assessor by December 31st preceding the tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Washington's homestead credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence to 10% per year, even if market value increases more. This credit requires filing a homestead declaration with the County Assessor and only applies to your principal residence, not investment properties.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Kitsap County reassesses all properties annually with values as of January 1st for the following tax year. Assessment notices are mailed by April 30th, and property owners have 60 days to appeal their assessed value to the County Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur 1% interest per month on the unpaid balance. After three years of delinquency, properties may be subject to tax foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Kitsap County accepts online payments through their website at www.kitsapgov.com/treasurer. Credit card payments incur a convenience fee, while electronic check payments have a lower fee.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Kitsap County? A: Tax rates vary based on the combination of local taxing districts that serve each property, including different school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, and special improvement districts. Two homes of equal value in different areas may have different tax bills.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a petition with the Kitsap County Board of Equalization within 60 days of receiving your assessment notice. The board meets from July through September to hear appeals. Contact the Assessor's office at (360) 337-7130 for petition forms and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Kitsap County Statement of Assessments 2024 ...kitsap.gov
02
County
Kitsap County Statement of Assessments 2025 ...kitsap.gov
03
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX STATISTICS 2025dor.wa.gov
04
Expired News Itemskitsap.gov
05
Frequently Asked Questionskitsap.gov
06
Treasurer Departmentkitsap.gov
07
Exemptionskitsap.gov
08
Chapter 6.13 RCW: HOMESTEADSapp.leg.wa.gov
09
Senior / Disabled Exemption Overviewkitsap.gov
10
State
Real Estate Excise Taxkitsap.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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