‘You can sense their relief’: Program cuts property taxes for thousands

Clark County staffers are on a mission to spread the word about a decades-old tax exemption program that can help limited-income adults age 61 and older and residents with disabilities save money on property taxes. The savings can be substantial, often helping people on fixed incomes remain in homes they purchased decades before. Yet thousands of Clark County residents who qualify for the program are not taking advantage of its benefits. Roni Battan, a program manager for the county assessor’s office, said as many as 25,000 Clark County residents qualify for the property tax exemptions, but only about 9,000 are currently enrolled in the program. “We’re trying to get the word out to our community that this program is there for them,” Battan said. “It’s been around since the 1960s, and it is free to apply.” For those who qualify, the program provides tax relief by freezing home and land values to reduce the property’s taxable value and can, depending on a person’s income level, exempt taxpayers from voter-approved levies and a portion of the state’s school tax. To qualify, Clark County residents must own their home, live in that home for at least six months a year, meet income restrictions and qualify based either on age — 61 and older — or disability status. Not a handout Holly Hill, a program outreach coordinator with the county assessor’s office, said she and her co-workers in the joint lobby at the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. in downtown Vancouver, can help residents figure out if they qualify for the tax exemption. During an outreach event Friday at Camas City Hall, Hill said county staff want people to feel comfortable talking with them about their financial situation and about the deductions — often for medical procedures or devices — that can help residents meet the tax exemption program’s income restrictions. “We try to make it as stress-free as possible. We are here to help,” Hill said. Hill said she hears from many people who are hesitant to accept what they consider a “handout” from the government. “This is not a handout,” Hill said. “This is there for them to be able to stay in their homes.” Others hesitate to apply because they mistakenly believe they will need to pay back the funds at some later date. “They do not have to pay it back,” Hill said. “There will be no lien on their homes. This is free for them.” People who qualify for the program can apply for up to three years’ worth of taxes and could receive back payments, Hill said. Program evolves Dating to the 1960s, the statewide tax exemption program has gone through changes in the past five years. It has raised income restrictions and added deductions to help more people qualify for the tax relief, Clark County Chief Deputy Assessor Michael Fish said. An addition in 2025 is the inclusion of accessory dwelling units — often referred to as “in-law apartments” — in the formula for tax relief. “People who didn’t qualify five years ago come in and qualify today,” Fish told Camas City Council members at a March 17 presentation on the program. Hill said the program’s increasing list of medical and other approved deductions can help residents qualify for the property tax exemption, even if they technically earn more than the annual $62,000 income cap. “Even if you don’t think you qualify, we urge you to come in and let the experts figure it out,” Hill said. Tears of relief Hill said the tax exemption program helps older adults keep their homes. According to a 2023 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study, “older adults are the fastest-growing age group of those experiencing homelessness … and their numbers are estimated to triple by 2030.” The study found “older adults are especially vulnerable to homelessness as many live on fixed incomes insufficient to cover all their expenses, especially housing expenses.” Hill said many of the older adults she has helped sign up for the tax exemption program tell her that the extra money will help them avoid choosing between paying their tax bill or paying for medicine or groceries. “You can sense their relief,” Hill said. “You can see it on their faces.” Learn more Clark County staff will host Don’t Leave Tax Dollars on the Table events from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the following dates: April 25 at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (The RACC), 510 Pioneer St., Ridgefield May 16 at the Washougal Community Center, 1681 C St., Washougal May 23 at the Luepke Senior Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver May 30 at La Center City Hall, 210 E. Fourth St., La Center June 6 at the Evergreen Public Schools administrative building, 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver Participants should bring identification to verify their name, age and address as well as documents showing income levels, medical costs and other possible deductions and, if necessary, proof of disability status. The full list of accepted documents can be found online at assessor-property-tax-exemption-program-clarkcountywa.hub.arcgis.com or by calling 564-397-2391. For more information about the upcoming events, visit the county’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ClarkCountyWA. To learn more about the tax exemption program, visit assessor-property-tax-exemption-program-clarkcountywa.hub.arcgis.com or email taxreduction@clark.wa.gov Kelly Moyer: 360-735-4674; kelly.moyer@columbian.com

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