SPOKANE, WA — Families who lost homes or suffered major property damage in the devastating Spokane-area wildfires may be eligible for property tax relief under Washington state law — including the possibility of a refund or reduction in taxes.
The fires, which broke out around Spokane on Aug. 1, 2026, forced tens of thousands of people from their homes. More than 900 homes were destroyed or severely damaged across three major fires, according to reporting from Reuters. At the height of the emergency, approximately 64,000 people were evacuated.
For families now facing the financial burden of rebuilding, Washington has an existing property tax provision that could provide some relief.
Washington Law Provides Relief for Destroyed Property
Chapter 84.70 of the Revised Code of Washington provides for reductions in assessed value and the abatement or refund of property taxes when qualifying real or personal property is destroyed in whole or in part.
In simple terms, a homeowner generally should not continue paying property taxes based on the pre-fire value of a house or structure that no longer exists or has substantially lost value.
Under RCW 84.70.010, the property’s true and fair value can be reduced to account for the difference between its value before the destruction and the value of the property that remains afterward.
The amount of tax relief depends on factors including the property’s value, the extent of the damage, the date of destruction and the county assessor’s determination.
For Spokane-area homeowners whose structures were destroyed or damaged beginning Aug. 1, that could translate into meaningful property tax savings.
Property owners who have already paid taxes that are subsequently abated may also be entitled to an applicable refund.
The Application Is Only One Page
Washington makes the process relatively straightforward.
Affected property owners can complete Washington State Form 64-0003 — Taxpayer’s Claim for Reduction of Assessments Resulting from Destroyed Real or Personal Property or Loss of Value in a Declared Disaster Area.
The one-page form asks for basic information including:
- Taxpayer name and contact information
- Property address
- Parcel number
- Type of property
- Description of the property that was destroyed
- Date of destruction
- How the property was destroyed
- Taxpayer signature
The completed claim is filed with the county assessor, not simply with the state Department of Revenue.
The current state form states that the claim must be filed with the county assessor within three years after the date of destruction or loss of value. Property owners should still contact the Spokane County Assessor promptly to confirm their eligibility and determine whether any additional documentation is needed.
Spokane County Is Alerting Fire Victims
The Spokane County Assessor’s Office has also specifically announced that property tax relief is available for victims whose property was damaged or destroyed in the Spokane-area wildfires.
Property owners should contact the assessor to have their individual circumstances reviewed.
Even homeowners who are unsure whether their property suffered enough damage to qualify should consider contacting the assessor rather than assuming they are ineligible.
Where to Get the Form
The Washington Department of Revenue maintains information specifically for owners of destroyed property.
Washington Department of Revenue — Destroyed Property Information:
dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax/destroyed-property
Washington law — Chapter 84.70 RCW:
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=84.70&full=true
The form can be downloaded below, completed and submitted to the appropriate county assessor.
Share This Information With Spokane Families
Hundreds of Spokane-area households are now dealing with the loss or severe damage of their homes. Insurance claims, temporary housing, cleanup costs and rebuilding expenses can quickly create enormous financial pressure.
Property tax relief will not replace what families lost, but ensuring a destroyed structure is properly reflected in the property’s assessed value could prevent an affected household from paying taxes based on property that is no longer there.
Presence News learned about this Washington property tax relief resource from Whitney Pauley of Washington, who shared the information to help bring attention to an option some fire victims may not know exists.
More information about Whitney Pauley can be found at whitneypauley.com.
If you know someone whose home or property was damaged or destroyed in the Spokane fires, share this information with them. A one-page form could potentially save an affected household a significant amount of money.
What is your most feared natural disaster? Wildfire? Tornado? Earthquake? Major snow storm? Why? Send us your story
Property owners should contact the Spokane County Assessor or another applicable county assessor for guidance regarding their individual property, eligibility and potential tax reduction or refund.
