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County extends property tax exemption for landlords affected by eviction moratorium

Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner speaks to the press during a news conference in this June 2020 photo. Baumgartner, who graduated from Washington State University in 1999, said he was disappointed by the news Friday that the University of Washington, the school’s biggest rival, and the University of Oregon would be leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. (DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)
By Rebecca White rebeccawh@spokesman.com(509) 459-5039

Spokane County landlords facing financial hardship due to Gov. Jay Inslee’s moratorium on evictions to Aug. 1 will now have until Aug. 1 to pay their property taxes.

In a news release announcing the extension Wednesday, Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner said landlords should have some relief if their ability to evict tenants who are not paying rent is taken away.

“If a landlord cannot enforce their lease and rental agreement terms, it is unreasonable for Government to provide no tax relief on those same properties,” said Baumgartner in the statement.

The extension will only apply to properties that have faced hardship due to the moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Property owners must submit a declaration certifying financial hardship to receive an extension.

Regular property taxes were due April 30, but Baumgartner previously extended the deadline to June 15. Landlords who have not had hardship due to the governor’s eviction moratorium must pay by then.

Those who are facing financial hardship can contact the treasurer’s office to see if they are eligible for assistance or work out a payment plan.

Those seeking an extension can download a template request from the county treasurer’s website at spokanecounty.org/treasure. The form can be returned by mail or emailed to treasurer@spokanecounty.org.