Wildfire tax relief resources available

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Aug. 7, 2024 - The Washington State Department of Revenue (Revenue) is offering help to businesses and property owners impacted by recent wildfires in Washington state.

Businesses affected by the fires that cannot file and pay their excise tax returns on time should contact Revenue to request a filing extension before the filing deadline. Revenue also can offer a penalty waiver for qualified businesses that were unable to file an extension request before the taxes were due.

Property owners whose properties were damaged or destroyed by the fires can apply to their County Assessor to reduce the taxable value of the properties. Qualified property owners will have their 2024 property taxes reduced based on the value lost as a result of the fires.

"We want to make sure our fellow Washingtonians know our team is ready to help them as they navigate this or other disasters," Revenue Director Drew Shirk said.

In addition to these resources, businesses in the impacted areas can also request:

• An application for credit for damaged timber for forest taxes.
• Reschedule of a planned audit.
• A waiver of penalties for qualified businesses unable to renew their business license timely.
• An extension of its expiring resellers permit.

Revenue is offering assistance to counties impacted by the fires to help with the changes to property values and the resulting impacts on local levies and property tax bills.

Additional information about disaster relief resources can be found on the Revenue website. Those with questions should call Revenue's customer service staff at 360-705-6705.

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