Federal Way, WA Property Tax Rate — How to Appeal & Save
1.10% effective rate · $4,997/yr avg · Population 99,614 · Washington
Median Home Value
$454,300
Est. Annual Tax
$4,997
Effective Rate
1.10%
Median Income
$80,360
How Federal Way Compares
Is Federal Way, WA a High Property Tax City?
Federal Way has a property tax rate of 1.10%, roughly near the national average. On a median home of $454,300, homeowners pay about $4,997/year.
Property taxes consume 6.2% of the median household income ($80,360) in Federal Way — a significant burden that makes tax appeals especially worthwhile. A homeowner with a $300,000 property pays approximately $3,300/year, while a $500,000 home costs $5,500/year in property taxes.
Compared to the national average, Federal Way homeowners pay 61% more in property taxes. This makes it one of the more expensive areas for homeownership costs. If your individual assessment is even higher than the city median, you may have strong grounds for an appeal.
Think you're overpaying in Federal Way?
We research your property, prepare evidence, and file the appeal. Fee: 20% of first-year savings — only if we succeed.
How to Appeal Property Tax in Federal Way, WA
If your property is assessed higher than comparable homes in Federal Way, you may be able to reduce your tax bill by filing an appeal with your county assessor's office.
Check Your Assessment
Review your property's assessed value and compare it to similar homes in your area. If you're 15-20%+ above comparable properties, you likely have a case.
Gather Evidence
Collect recent sales of comparable homes (same size, age, neighborhood), photos of any condition issues, and your assessment notice.
File Before the Deadline
Each county has a specific window to file (typically 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice). Contact your county assessor for exact dates in Washington.
Attend the Hearing
Present your evidence at the review board hearing. Average success rate for well-prepared appeals is 40-60%. Sign up and we'll handle the research, filing, and follow-up, and send you a hearing-prep guide so you know what to expect — you attend the hearing yourself.
Don't want to do it yourself? We handle the research, filing, and follow-up. You only pay 20% of what we save you. Nothing if we don't reduce your bill.
Federal Way, WA Appeal Deadline & Filing Info
File With
County Board of Equalization
Deadline
July 1 (or within 60 days of notice for appeals of change)
Window Opens
After value change notices (varies by county)
Typical Duration
2–6 months
Washington has no income tax — property taxes are significant. 1% annual levy limit on total taxes. Senior/disabled exemption available. File with county board; State BTA for further appeal.
Other Cities in Washington
| City | Median Home | Annual Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $879,900 | $9,679 | 1.10% |
| Spokane | $286,900 | $3,156 | 1.10% |
| Tacoma | $415,300 | $4,568 | 1.10% |
| Vancouver | $403,400 | $4,437 | 1.10% |
| Bellevue | $1,139,500 | $12,534 | 1.10% |
| Kent | $478,400 | $5,262 | 1.10% |
| Everett | $471,200 | $5,183 | 1.10% |
| Renton | $576,800 | $6,345 | 1.10% |
| Spokane Valley | $307,700 | $3,385 | 1.10% |
| Yakima | $243,300 | $2,676 | 1.10% |
| Kirkland | $937,700 | $10,315 | 1.10% |
| Bellingham | $528,600 | $5,815 | 1.10% |
Related Property Tax Resources
Data sources: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates 2019–2023 (Table DP04). Effective tax rates calculated from median property tax and median home value.
Appeal information: State comptroller offices, county assessor associations, and official state statutes. Deadlines and processes verified as of June 2026.
Last updated: July 2026 · Published by: TaxedFairly (WebLab LLC)