Whatcom County Property Tax Exemptions

Preferential treatment: In addition to being valued based on current use, open space properties may be eligible for a property tax exemption based on a locally adopted Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS). PBRS defines both the criteria for evaluating the land for enrollment and the reduction rate such classification will have on the landowner’s property taxes. The system provides points based on the type or nature of the open space, the commitment of the land owner to retaining open space use, and the degree the public is granted access. Based on points awarded, assessments may be reduced up to 90%.. Penalty: At local option, a penalty may be imposed if the property no longer meets the program requirements. If the owner requests to remove their land from classification within 30 days of the PBRS value notification, then the land may be removed without penalty.. Sources imported from Lincoln Institute agricultural treatment dataset.

Preferential treatment: In determining the current use value of farm and agricultural land, the assessor considers the earning or productive capacity of comparable lands from crops grown most typically in the area, averaged over at least 5 years. This earning or productive capacity is the “net cash rental” and is capitalized by a “rate of interest,” charged on long term loans secured by a mortgage on farm or agricultural land plus a component for property taxes. The current use value of land must be established as the prior year's average value of open space farm and agricultural land used in the county plus the value of land improvements, such as septic, water, and power used to serve the residence. This may not be interpreted to require the assessor to list improvements to the land with the value of the land.. Penalty: If the owner changes the use of land, they must notify the county assessor within 60 days of this action. The assessor will remove the land from classified status and impose an additional tax of the difference between the tax paid on the current use value and the tax that would have been paid on that land had it not been so classified for up to the prior 7 years. Interest will also be charged on delinquent property taxes at the same rate as the additional tax. Finally, a penalty of 20% of the total amount will be charged. If they are not paid, any additional tax, applicable interest, and penalty becomes a lien on the land at the time the land is removed from classification. If the land is within a special improvement district that has issued bonds, additional penalties apply.. Sources imported from Lincoln Institute agricultural treatment dataset.