North Olympic Peninsula treasurers are offering a program to grant a 60-day extensions to taxpayers who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are unable to pay their first half of 2020 property taxes by the due date of April 30.
The deadline remains April 30. Those unable to pay taxes by April 30 may enter into a written agreement with their county treasurer that temporarily forgives interest and penalties for up to 60 extra days. At that time, the taxes will become due.
The temporary measure applies to both residential and commercial taxpayers for current year taxes. It does not apply to delinquent taxes currently owed.
The waiver also will not apply to intermediaries, including mortgage loan servicing companies and other financial institutions that pay property taxes on behalf of their lending customers, as they have already collected from the mortgage holder.
In Clallam County, the Property Tax Extension Application is available at www.clallam.net/Treasurer/index.html or in front of the treasurer’s office (Suite 3) in the lobby of the Clallam County Courthouse at 223 E. Fourth St., and can be requested by phone at 360-417-2252 or by mail addressed to Teresa Marchi, Treasurer; 223 E. Fourth St., Suite 3; Port Angeles, WA 98362-3000.
In Jefferson County, information on the program including request form and instructions are available on the Jefferson County Treasurer webpage at www.co.jefferson.wa.us/329/Treasurer.
The completed application must be submitted to the treasurer’s office by April 30.
“While some counties have offered a blanket extension to all taxpayers, we are pleased we’re able to assist those financially affected and offer a longer extension time frame than we could with a full county due date extension,” said Stacie Prada, Jefferson County treasurer, in a press release.
“It has been tough trying to meet the financial needs of our county and districts while offering relief for those financially affected by the pandemic.
County offices are closed to walk-in traffic at this time.
Treasurers encourage property owners who are financially able to pay their first half or full year taxes to do so by the April 30 deadline.
In Clallam County, payments can be mailed or dropped off at the County Courthouse, either in the lobby or the gray box located in the drive through circle in front of the Courthouse. Payments by credit card or e-check can be made online.
In Jefferson County, taxpayers are encouraged to pay online or by mail. Those who usually pay with cash are encouraged to pay by check, money order or cashier’s check. Money orders and cashier’s checks are available at banks, grocery stores, post offices and other locations that are considered essential services and open during this time.
“I’m grateful to all who have already paid their taxes in full,” Prada said. “It’s truly been heartwarming the number of people who want to help and are able to pay early.”
For more information, call 360-417-2344 (Clallam County), 360-385-9150 (Jefferson County) or email treasurerstaff@co.jefferson.wa.us.
