Departments/Offices

Board of Equalization

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Ensuring Fair Property Valuations

The Board of Equalization (BOE) provides an impartial forum for property owners to appeal property valuations determined by the Skamania County Assessor. This free process is available to anyone who believes their property has been incorrectly assessed.

What Does the Board Do?

The BOE is an independent body made up of up to four members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board hears and decides appeals related to:

  • Real and personal property valuations

  • Denials of senior citizen or disabled exemptions

  • Home improvement exemption decisions

  • Historic property designations

  • Forest land and current use classifications

  • Destroyed property determinations

  • Property tax exemption claims (real or personal)

Your Right to Appeal

If you believe your property has been incorrectly valued, you have the right to appeal under RCW 84.40.038 and WAC 458-14-056.

There is no cost to file an appeal — only your time, effort, and documentation.

How to File an Appeal

1. Obtain a Taxpayer Petition Form

You can access the form by:

2. Gather Supporting Evidence

Include this with your petition or submit it no later than 21 business days before your hearing.
Helpful documents include:

  • Recent comparable sales or a professional appraisal

  • Repair estimates (cost to cure)

  • Photographs of property condition

  • Documentation showing inability to develop the property

❗ Note: Assessed values from other properties are not considered strong evidence.

What to Expect After Filing

  • Your petition will be processed by the BOE Clerk.

  • A 15-minute hearing may be scheduled.

  • You may represent yourself before:

    • BOE members

    • A representative from the Assessor’s Office

    • The BOE Clerk

    • Any attending members of the public

A decision will be mailed to you within 30 days of your hearing date.

Before Your Hearing

We strongly encourage you to:

  • Review property sales data from the Assessor’s Office

  • Contact the Assessor’s Office directly at 509-427-3720 to attempt resolution before filing

Don’t Forget to Pay Your Taxes

Please pay your property tax bill on time to avoid interest and penalties.
If your property value is adjusted, the change will appear on your next bill.

If You Disagree with the BOE’s Decision

You may appeal to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals for further review.

Questions?

Contact the BOE Clerk at:
📞 509-427-3923
✉️ snewman@co.skamania.wa.us

3-Day Meeting Notices

Meetings

The Board of Equalization convenes on July 15 of each assessment year  or 14 calendar days from the date the assessor certifies the rolls to the Board of Equalization and continues in session during regular office hours until all taxpayer appeals are heard or otherwise resolved. Hearings are usually conducted in the Skamania County Courthouse at 240 NW Vancouver Ave, Room  18, Stevenson, WA

Minutes

Publications

Petition forms and other necessary documents are available online at the Department of Revenue or by contacting: Shelley Newman Clerk of the Board Board of Equalization 509-427-3923 The forms you will need, include:
  • A Homeowner's Guide to Property Taxes
  • Appealing Your Property Tax Valuation to the County Board of Equalization
  • Facts on Washington's Tax Structure: Property Tax Statistics
  • Tax Relief for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons

Forms