County treasurer extends property tax deadline until June 1

Whatcom County Treasurer Steve Oliver signed an order on March 30 extending the due date for first-half property tax payments. Individuals and businesses that pay property taxes themselves must pay by June 1, more than a month later than the original deadline of April 30, according to a press release from the treasurer's office. Those who participate in the county's auto-pay program will have their accounts debited on June 1.

“These are unprecedented times that have created individual homeowner and small business uncertainty that nobody would have imagined just a short time ago. We want to provide individual taxpayer relief and keep local government operating as all levels of government respond to the pandemic emergency,” Oliver said in the press release. “I’m also making a special appeal to everyone’s community spirit. If you can pay your property taxes before the original April 30 deadline, please do so.”

Mortgage companies and other intermediaries that pay property taxes on behalf of their customers still must pay by April 30.

The treasurer's office also announced that it will offer payment plans for property taxes on primary residences and small businesses with extraordinary circumstances, and that it will suspend property tax foreclosure for one year. Property taxes are only subject to foreclosure after three years of delinquency.

The county treasurer's office is closed. Payments can be made online and by phone, or by cashier's check or money order to curbside drop boxes outside the north entrance to the county courthouse. Payment can also be mailed to Whatcom County Treasurer, PO Box 34873, Seattle, WA 98124.

Learn more at whatcomcounty.us/treasurer