How to appeal your Kitsap County property tax assessment
The filing deadline under RCW 84.40.038, the Kitsap County Board of Equalization process, the comparable-sales evidence the board expects, and the $49 Appeal Kit that generates the petition.
$49 flat · 60-day money-back guarantee · Free preview before you pay
- BoardKitsap County BOE
- BOE officeKitsap County Board of Equalization, 619 Division Street, MS-23, Port Orchard, WA 98366
- Phone360-337-7033
- FilingMail, in-person, or online via county portal
- Filing fee$0
- Free comp dataKitsap County Parcel Search
- Appeal kit$49 flat
Filing your Kitsap County property tax appeal
Your petition goes to the Kitsap County Board of Equalization. Under RCW 84.40.038 it is due by the later of July 1 of the assessment year or 30 days after the county mailed your Change of Value notice. A county may extend that to as long as 60 days, and your notice states the deadline that applies. If you never received a notice, the July 1 default applies.
Kitsap requires one petition per parcel. If you own multiple parcels with the same complaint, you file separately for each one. Include a copy of your Change of Value notice with every petition. Under WAC 458-14-076, the burden of proof is on you to show the assessor's value is wrong by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence. Hearings run August through October.
Pull your parcel record
Check the square footage, bed/bath count, year built, and condition rating the assessor has on file. Wrong physical characteristics are the fastest win at a BOE hearing.
Build the comp set
Three to five arms-length sales within 12 months prior to Jan 1, within 1 mile, within 20% of square footage, same bed/bath count, comparable condition.
File the petition
Mail, in-person, or online via county portal. Keep proof of the filing date; the board will not hear a petition filed after the deadline without good cause.
Prepare for the hearing
Most hearings run 15 to 30 minutes. The board decides on evidence of true and fair value as of January 1, not on whether your taxes feel too high.
What the Kitsap County Board of Equalization expects
- ✓A completed petition form with your requested value stated
- ✓Three to five comparable sales with addresses, prices, and dates
- ✓Dated photos of any condition or deferred-maintenance issues
- ✓Contractor bids or repair estimates supporting a condition argument
- ✓A recent appraisal or closing statement, if you have one
- ✓The assessor's parcel detail printout showing the characteristics you dispute
If your Kitsap County BOE appeal is denied
- Step 1Request the board's written findings
- Step 2Appeal to the WA Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days (RCW 84.08.130)
- Step 3Choose a formal hearing for a record you can appeal further
- Step 4Superior Court review under the Administrative Procedure Act
Pulling comparable sales in Kitsap County
For Kitsap County, the strongest free comp source is the Kitsap County Parcel Search. Cross-check with Redfin and Zillow for sale price and date confirmation. Ideal comp set: 3 to 5 arms-length sales within 12 months prior to Jan 1, within 1 mile, within 20% of square footage, same bed/bath count, comparable condition. Avoid family transfers, foreclosure sales, and REO sales.
Generate your Kitsap County appeal petition
The RCW-cited petition, a comparable-sales analysis worksheet, and a BOE hearing prep script. $49 flat. Washington-only. No subscription.