Mount Rainier raised vacant property tax rate to $4 per $100 | The Locally Times
The City Council increased the vacant property tax rate by 60% for Fiscal Year 2027, effective July 1.
## Tax Rate Increase Mount Rainier increased the tax rate on vacant properties from $2.50 to $4.00 per $100 of assessed value. The City Council approved this change for Fiscal Year 2027, which began on July 1, 2026. ## Financial Impact The rate increase raises the annual tax liability for properties classified as vacant under city code. A property assessed at $200,000 now incurs an $8,000 annual tax, a $3,000 increase from the previous $5,000 liability. A property assessed at $500,000 incurs a $20,000 tax, up from $12,500. These figures represent the base tax rate increase and exclude potential changes in individual property assessments or other municipal levies. ## Implementation and Scope The July 1, 2026, meeting record confirms the council approved the rate change. The records do not specify the total number of properties currently subject to this tax, nor do they provide a revenue projection for the municipal budget. The city has not defined the criteria used to classify a property as vacant, and the records do not state whether exemptions exist for properties under renovation or listed for sale. ## Administrative Gaps The city has not published a formal appeal process for property owners who believe their building was incorrectly categorized as vacant. As of July 6, 2026, the city’s official website contains no documentation regarding enforcement procedures or hardship waivers. Residents may contact the city’s tax assessment office for information regarding their property status. ## Key Questions **How much will my tax bill increase if I own a vacant property?** The tax rate rose from $2.50 to $4.00 per $100 of assessed value. This adds $3,000 to the annual tax bill for a property assessed at $200,000. **When did this tax increase take effect?** The new rate became effective on July 1, 2026, for the start of Fiscal Year 2027.