University Place Property Tax Records

Property tax records for University Place are managed by the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer, which handles valuation, billing, and collection for all properties in the city. University Place sits in Tax Code Area 752, and residents can search parcel data, check assessed values, and pay taxes online through the Pierce County ATIP portal. The city's Finance Department coordinates with the county on levy matters and hosts public hearings each year before the final property tax levy is set. This page walks you through where to find records, how to pay, and what exemption or appeal options are available to University Place property owners.

Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer

The Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer is the primary office for University Place property tax records. This office handles both assessment and collection, which makes it a single point of contact for most property tax questions. The office values roughly 350,000 parcels across Pierce County and collects about $2.1 billion in property taxes each year for over 75 taxing districts. University Place is one of those taxing districts, and the assessed value of every property in the city feeds into the annual levy calculation.

Property assessments are set at 100 percent of fair market value as required under RCW 84.40.030. The Assessor's Office reviews sales data and conducts physical inspections on a rotating cycle to keep values current. If you think your assessed value is too high, the office is your first call before pursuing a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization.

The office answers common questions about how values and rates are set, where the money goes, and how to apply for exemptions or deferrals. You can reach them directly through the county website or visit in person during business hours in Tacoma.

Search University Place Property Records Online

The Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Information Portal (ATIP) is the main online tool for searching University Place property tax records. ATIP is free to use and does not require a login. You can search by parcel number, property address, or owner name. Results show current ownership information, property characteristics, assessed value, tax amounts, sales history, and parcel maps.

The Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer website links directly to the ATIP system. Once you pull up a parcel, you can see the full tax history, current levy breakdown, and GIS parcel boundaries. This is useful if you are buying property in University Place and want to check prior year taxes or verify the legal description before closing.

The portal includes a note that it does not release lists of individuals for commercial purposes, consistent with RCW 42.17.260(9). Data shown is for general informational use. Pierce County does not guarantee its accuracy, so users should confirm critical facts with the office directly.

The Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer portal provides parcel data, value history, and tax information for all University Place properties within Tax Code Area 752.

Property Tax Payments in University Place

Pierce County mails property tax statements each February. University Place property owners have two payment deadlines: April 30 for the first half and October 31 for the second half. If your total tax bill is $50 or less, the full amount is due by April 30. Missing a deadline triggers interest charges that start May 1.

For residential properties with 1 to 4 units, interest runs at 0.75 percent per month beginning May 1 for tax year 2023 and later. All other property types accrue interest at 1 percent per month, plus a 3 percent penalty on June 1 and an 8 percent penalty on December 1. Not receiving a tax statement does not waive these charges, so keep your mailing address current with the Assessor-Treasurer's office.

Payment options include online through the county website, by mail to Pierce County Finance at P.O. Box 11621 Tacoma WA 98411-6621, in person at 2401 South 35th Street Room 142 in Tacoma, or via a secure drop box at the office for after-hours payments. All checks must be made payable to Pierce County and include your remittance stub.

The Pierce County Tax Bills and Payments page covers all payment options, deadlines, and interest rates that apply to University Place property owners.

Note: If you pay through a mortgage escrow account, your lender handles payment and you may not receive a direct statement. Confirm with your lender that taxes are current.

Exemptions and Deferrals

Pierce County offers several programs that can reduce property taxes for qualifying University Place residents. The Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Exemption is one of the most widely used. Qualifying homeowners may get a reduction in assessed value or a partial freeze in their tax amount, depending on income. You must apply through the Assessor-Treasurer's office and provide proof of age or disability and income documentation.

Other programs include Current Use assessment for farm and open space land, and deferrals for low-income property owners who need more time to pay. The Damaged or Destroyed Property program lets owners request a reduction when a property loses value due to fire, flood, or other casualty. Each program has its own application and deadline, so contact the Assessor-Treasurer's office or visit their website to get the right forms.

Washington law governs these programs under RCW Chapter 84.36 for exemptions and RCW Chapter 84.38 for deferrals. The county processes all applications and notifies property owners of approval or denial in writing.

Appealing Your Assessment

University Place property owners who disagree with their assessed value can file an appeal with the Pierce County Board of Equalization. The appeal must be filed within 60 days of the date on your value notice. You will need to provide evidence that the assessed value exceeds fair market value, such as a recent appraisal or comparable sales data.

The Board of Equalization is a separate body from the Assessor-Treasurer's office. It holds hearings and reviews evidence from both the property owner and the Assessor. If you are still not satisfied after the Board's decision, you can appeal further to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals under RCW Chapter 84.08. Most disputes are resolved at the county level without going further.

Note: Filing an appeal does not delay your tax payment deadline. Taxes must still be paid on time while your appeal is pending to avoid interest and penalties.

University Place City Levy and Finance

The University Place Finance Department works with the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer on the city's annual property tax levy. Each fall, the City Council holds a public hearing to consider the levy before it is certified. Residents can attend and provide written or verbal testimony. The Finance Director can be reached at (253) 460-2517 for questions about the levy process. Written comments can be sent to the City Clerk at Egenetia@cityofup.com.

City Hall is open to residents who want to review budget documents, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, or quarterly financial reports. These records show how property tax revenue funds city services. The University Place Finance Department publishes all required reports online for public access and distributes them to regulatory agencies and the City Council.

The ATIP portal at atip.piercecountywa.gov allows University Place residents to look up parcel data, compare sales, and view current tax information without a fee.

Recorded Property Documents

Deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, and other documents affecting University Place properties are recorded by the Pierce County Auditor. Recorded documents are public records and can be searched online. The county's Records Available Online page at piercecountywa.gov provides links to the document recording system, the Assessor-Treasurer's parcel data, and GIS tools through Planning and Public Works.

If you need a copy of a deed or other recorded instrument, you can request it through the County Auditor's recording division. Certified copies are available for a fee set by RCW 36.18.010. Delinquent tax and foreclosure information is maintained by the Assessor-Treasurer's office and updated as properties change status.

Pierce County Property Tax Records

University Place property taxes are assessed and collected through Pierce County. The county page has full details on the Assessor-Treasurer office, exemption programs, payment options, and parcel search tools.

View Pierce County Property Tax Records

Nearby Cities

These cities are near University Place and have property tax records managed through their respective county offices.