Who handles your property tax in King County

Out at 800 S. Baker St. in Guthrie, the King County Appraisal District puts a value on every piece of property in the county, fixed as of January 1 each year. Vonda Brendle is the chief appraiser, and her office at 806-596-4588 is who you talk to about an exemption, and who you argue with if you think the number is too high.

The Tax Assessor-Collector is a separate office that mails the bill and takes your money once the value is settled. In King County that role is held by Amy McCauley, reachable at 806-596-4318, working out of the same 800 S. Baker building. The shared address throws a lot of folks, but the split is simple: a fight about your value goes to Brendle's appraisal district, a question about paying goes to McCauley's tax office. Staff and rates do turn over, so the Comptroller keeps an up-to-date directory for the county when you need to confirm a current number.