Assessor’s Office supports HB 1004 to reduce small business tax burden, urges local participation

House Bill 1004 proposes raising the threshold for paying personal property tax on business assets, which will reduce paperwork, save time and money, and allow businesses to focus on what matters most: serving our community.

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

The San Juan County Assessor’s Office is tracking a bill being considered by the Washington State Legislature that will reduce the tax burden on many small businesses in San Juan County. House Bill 1004 proposes raising the threshold for paying personal property tax on business assets from $15,000 to $50,000 — a change that will reduce paperwork, save time and money, and allow businesses to focus on what matters most: serving our community.

“I believe House Bill 1004 is a common-sense update that will make a big difference for our small businesses,” said County Assessor John Kulseth. “I encourage our local business owners to support this bill.”

Background

For years, Washington law has exempted the first $15,000 of personal property from taxation. But that number hasn’t changed in decades. Today, the purchase of a single piece of equipment can push a small business from exempt to taxable. In many cases, the cost of reporting is higher than the tax owed — creating frustration for business owners and wasted resources for counties.

HB 1004 seeks to address this problem. If passed, businesses with personal property assets of $50,000 or less will remain exempt from personal property tax reporting. This means less paperwork, lower administrative costs, and more time for you to grow your business.

For Local Business Owners

The San Juan County Assessor’s Office urges local business owners to voice their support for the bill.  “Legislators need to hear from the people this bill will help the most,” said Kulseth. “I hope you’ll contact your representatives today and tell them you support HB 1004.”

• Rep. Debra Lekanoff: https://leg.wa.gov/legislators/member/debra-lekanoff 
  1. JLOB 422 | PO Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
  2. 360-786-7800
• Rep. Alex Ramel: https://leg.wa.gov/legislators/member/alex-ramel
  1. Leg 434A | PO Box 40600 | Olympia, WA 98504-0600
  2. (360) 786-7970
• Sen. Liz Lovelett: https://leg.wa.gov/legislators/member/liz-lovelett
  1. 233 John A. Cherberg Building | PO Box 40440 | Olympia, WA 98504-0440
  2. (360) 786-7678

About the San Juan County Assessor’s Office 

The San Juan County Assessor’s Office identifies and assigns a taxable value to all business and personal property within San Juan County so that taxes are paid equitably according to State law. Property taxes allow our community to benefit from services like schools, libraries, parks, health services, fire protection, and law enforcement. The San Juan County Assessor’s Office is committed to a process that is professional, fair, and clearly understood. The department’s main office is located at 350 Court Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Assessor’s Office, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/149/Assessor.