King County property owners have until May 1 to pay real estate or personal property taxes for the first half of 2006. The process is easier than ever, thanks to new King County eTax online options. Residents can now make payments conveniently, reliably, and securely over the internet using an electronic check from a bank account or an eligible credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card).

Three Easy Steps

Three easy steps is all it takes to make King County property tax payments online:

1. Go to the King County Ecommerce property tax information page (http://www.metrokc.gov/finance/treasury/kctaxinfo/) to review the online payment options or view property tax information, then click ‘Proceed.’
2. Enter your real property tax account number from your property tax bill (or locate it online using the King County Parcel viewer link) ; and click ‘Search.’
3. Click the ‘Make Payment’ link and follow the instructions on screen to select payment method and authorize payment. Users will need a valid credit card number or checking account information to complete and authorize the transaction. While there are processing fees for online payments, King County does not receive any part of the processing fee.

That’s all it takes. No more searching for stamps or wondering if payments were mailed in time.

The County’s eTax online system provides easy, secure, immediate payment confirmation for current year, non delinquent property tax bills. Delinquent accounts are not payable through the online payment system.

Payments submitted after May 1st will incur delinquency charges.

Other Payment Options

Pay In Person - Tax payments may be made in person at the King County Administration Building in Treasury Operations, Room 600 at 500 4th Avenue in Seattle. Payments are accepted Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Pay By Mail - Tax payments may be mailed if postmarked by May 1, 2006, to avoid interest charges. Payments should include a tax statement and the property tax account number on the enclosed check or money order.

In addition, tax payments made by check only and in the exact amount due may be paid at area community service centers listed below. Operating hours may vary and should be verified by phone in advance.

·Cottage Lake Community Service Center -19145 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd., Woodinville, telephone number: (206)-296-2733
·Northshore Community Service Center - 10808 NE 145th St., Bothell, telephone number: (206)-296-9840

Failure to receive a tax statement does not eliminate the responsibility to pay taxes on time. Taxpayers who have not received statements can contact King County Treasury Operations via the tax information web site at http://www.metrokc.gov/finance/treasury/kctaxinfo/, the automated voice system at (206) 296-0923, or a customer service representative at (206) 296-3850.