Federal Way Property Tax Records
Property tax records for Federal Way, Washington are managed through King County. The King County Department of Assessments sets assessed values for every parcel in Federal Way, and King County Treasury handles billing and payment collection. The City of Federal Way levies its own property tax, but administration runs entirely through the county. If you need to search a parcel, check an assessed value, pay taxes, or find recorded documents tied to a Federal Way property, this guide points you to the right tools and offices.
Federal Way Overview
King County Assessor and Federal Way Properties
The King County Department of Assessments is responsible for valuing all real property in Federal Way at 100% of fair market value under Washington State law. The assessor's office is led by John Wilson, King County Assessor. All property tax questions for Federal Way parcels, including valuation and exemptions, go through this office rather than the City of Federal Way.
The City of Federal Way explicitly directs residents seeking property search and tax records to the King County Assessor's Office. Property tax is the third largest revenue source for Federal Way, deposited into the General Fund. In 2022, most properties in Federal Way were taxed at $10.97453 per $1,000 of assessed value, though that rate changes each year based on levy calculations across all taxing districts.
The city's maximum levy rate under state statute is $1.60 per $1,000 AV. Under the RCW 84.52 levy cap, the combined total levies for the city and special districts cannot exceed $3.60 per $1,000 AV. Of every dollar paid in Federal Way property tax, approximately 7.44 cents goes to city services. The rest funds Federal Way School District, King County, the state, library, Sound Transit, and local fire and EMS.
| Office | King County Department of Assessments |
|---|---|
| Assessor | John Wilson |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/en/dept/assessor |
| City Clerk | 253-835-2542 |
| City Email | cityhallrecords@cityoffederalway.com |
Federal Way Property Records Online
The King County Parcel Viewer is the primary online tool for Federal Way property searches. It is a free, interactive map where you can search by address, parcel number, or street intersection. Once you click a parcel, you get direct links to the King County Assessor's eReal Property report and the Districts and Development Conditions report for that parcel.
The King County Parcel Viewer at gismaps.kingcounty.gov lets Federal Way residents search property records by address or parcel number and links directly to assessor reports.
The King County eReal Property Search at blue.kingcounty.com gives detailed parcel data including assessed value, appraised value, levy rates, sales history, and building characteristics. You need a parcel number or property tax account number to use this tool. Many records include photos and floor plans for residential properties. The eReal Property dataset is also available as a public domain resource through the King County Open Data portal.
King County's website provides Federal Way property owners with access to assessed value lookups, tax payment portals, exemption programs, and parcel maps.
Paying Federal Way Property Taxes
King County Treasury collects property taxes for all Federal Way parcels. Tax statements go out in February. First half payments are due April 30. Second half is due October 31. By state law, the city can only increase property tax revenue by 1% annually on existing property values. Revenue projections are typically set conservatively at a 1.5% annual increase.
You can pay online at payment.kingcounty.gov using credit card, debit card, or e-check. A service fee applies to electronic payments. Mail payments go to King County Treasury, 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 710, Seattle, WA 98104. In-person payments are accepted at the King County Customer Service Center at 201 S. Jackson St., 2nd floor, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A secure drop box is located at the corner of Second Avenue and South Jackson Street.
The City of Federal Way website provides information on public records requests and directs residents to King County for all property tax and parcel searches.
For questions about your tax statement or parcel value notice, email PropertyTax.CustomerService@kingcounty.gov. For tax foreclosure questions, contact TaxForeclosures@kingcounty.gov. Federal Way's City Clerk handles requests for city administrative records, not property tax records. City records requests can be submitted via GovQA or by contacting the City Clerk at 253-835-2542.
Property Tax Exemptions for Federal Way Owners
The King County Assessor administers property tax exemption and deferral programs for Federal Way residents. Programs are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans. The senior exemption freezes the assessed value of a qualifying home for tax purposes, which can significantly reduce annual bills as values rise.
Under RCW 84.36.381, property owners who are 61 or older by December 31 of the prior year and whose household income falls within qualifying limits may receive substantial reductions. Disabled veterans may also qualify for relief under separate state programs.
The City of Federal Way's property tax levy is exempt from certain hearing and notice requirements for increases from new construction, wind turbine and solar improvements, and state-assessed property value changes. The city budget process includes a public hearing before any property tax levy increase, and any increase must be authorized by a separate ordinance or resolution that specifies both the dollar amount and percentage.
Note: The King County Assessor also provides relief for properties damaged in recent storms. Owners can apply for a destroyed property reduction in assessed value if their property was significantly damaged.
GIS and Property Data Tools
King County maintains several GIS tools useful for Federal Way property research. The King County Parcel Viewer on Open Data lets you search by address, parcel number, or map location. It links to the eReal Property report and the Districts and Development Conditions report for any selected parcel. You can also search by street intersection.
The Districts and Development Conditions report is especially useful for Federal Way properties because the city spans multiple special taxing districts. It shows exactly which school district, fire district, transit district, and other special districts apply to your parcel, and what levy rates those districts are charging. This is the best way to verify why your total tax bill is what it is.
King County's assessor also publishes annual Physical Inspection Area maps so residents know when appraisers are scheduled to visit their neighborhood. The Housing Availability Dashboard provides data on housing values and inventory across King County, including Federal Way. These resources are available at kingcounty.gov/en/dept/assessor.
King County Property Tax Records
Federal Way is in King County. All property tax assessments, parcel records, and exemption programs for Federal Way run through King County. For a complete overview of county resources and tools, visit the King County property tax records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Federal Way and use King County or Pierce County systems for property tax records.