In-depth King County, WA Property Tax Information. In order to determine the tax bill, your local tax assessor’s office takes into account the property’s assessed value, the current assessment rate, as well as any tax exemptions or abatements for that property. The real estate excise tax is typically paid by the seller of the property, although the buyer is liable for the tax if it is not paid. The tax applies to the seller. The tax also applies to transfers of controlling interests (50% or more) in entities that own property in the state. New forms effective Jan. 1, 2020: Single location affidavit The median annual property tax in Snohomish County is $3,379, second highest in the state, and more than $1,000 above the national median. In the city of Everett, the typical property tax rate is roughly $11.15 per $1,000 of assessed value. Spokane County. Eastern Washington’s Spokane County has property tax rates well above the state average.