Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You may request to reschedule your service in writing on your jury questionnaire.

Permanent excusal due to medical issues requires a doctor’s note.

By law, the Clerk cannot excuse jurors for work-related hardship (RCW 2.36.100).
Jurors must speak directly to the judge regarding hardship.

Yes. If you receive an email from clerk@graysharbor.us about a juror summons, it is from the Grays Harbor County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

We understand that scams are common. If you have any concerns or would like to confirm the message, please call the Clerk’s Office at (360) 249-3842. We are happy to verify it for you.

If you are selected, you will receive a postcard with your reporting instructions.

If you are not selected, you will not receive a postcard.

Jurors are selected at random from voter registration and driver license records. 
To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Live in Grays Harbor County
• Be able to communicate in English

Jury service in Grays Harbor County is typically one month.
You are usually called in one time or for one trial.

Most Superior Court trials last 1–3 days.

Jurors are paid:

• $15 per day

• Mileage reimbursement based on the address on file to the Grays Harbor Court House in Montesano.

Follow the instructions on your postcard.
Most jurors report to:

102 W. Broadway Ave
Montesano, WA

There is a parking lot at Fleet and Broadway.

Please avoid time-limited street parking.

Property taxes are based on:

• The value of your property (set by the County Assessor)

• The tax rates set by schools, cities, fire districts, and other local governments

Washington State law (RCW 84.55) limits how much most taxing districts can increase their total property tax collection each year.

The County Assessor sets your property’s value based on:

• Market sales in your area

• Property size and features

• Land and building value

By law (RCW 84.40), property must be valued at 100% of true and fair market value.

In Washington State:

• First half is due April 30

• Second half is due October 31

If your total tax is under $50, the full amount is due April 30.

Payments received after the due date may have interest and penalties added (RCW 84.56).

Your tax bill can increase because:

• Voters approved a levy

• A new levy was added

• Local districts increased their levy (within state limits)

Your tax bill is based on both value and tax rates.

If you disagree with your assessed value:

• You may file an appeal with the County Board of Equalization.

• Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the value notice (or by July 1, whichever is later).

Appeals are about value, not the tax rate.

You may qualify for:

• Senior Citizen / Disabled Person Property Tax Exemption

• Property Tax Deferral Program

These programs are authorized under RCW 84.36 and managed by the Assessor’s Office.

Contact the Assessor to see if you qualify.

Late payments are charged:

• Interest (1% per month)

• Penalties after June 1 and December 1

If taxes remain unpaid for three years, the property may be subject to foreclosure (RCW 84.64).

Property taxes fund local services such as:

• Public schools

• Fire protection

• Law enforcement

• Roads and bridges

• Libraries

• Public health

The County Treasurer collects the taxes. The County distributes them to the correct districts.

You can:

• View your tax statement online

• Look up your parcel number

• See how much goes to each taxing district

Your tax statement shows each district and the amount it receives.

You can visit the Washington State Department of Revenue website for:

• Property tax limits

• Exemption programs

• State property tax rules

• Levy information

You can also contact your County Assessor or Treasurer for local help.

Personal property is movable business property. It includes items used to run your business such as machinery, equipment, furniture, and supplies of businesses and farmers. It also includes any improvements made to land leased from the government (leasehold improvements).

Personal property tax does not apply to business inventories, or intangible property such as copyrights and 
trademarks.

Most personal property owned by individuals is exempt. For example, household goods and personal effects are not subject to property tax. However, if these items are used in a business, property tax applies.

This is different from real property, which includes land, structures and improvements to land and certain equipment affixed to the land or structures.

For more information refer to this pamphlet from the State Department of Revenue or contact our office.

All businesses in Grays Harbor County are responsible for filing a personal property listing each year. (RCW 84.40.185).

If you own or operate a business, the assessed value of the equipment you use to run your business is subject to personal property tax.

Even if your business made no income, you may still need to file.

To complete your listing, gather:

• A list of business equipment and supplies

• The year you purchased each item

• The original cost of each item

• Lease information (if applicable)

You must report what you owned as of January 1st.

Personal Property values are based on reported cost, year of acquisition, and type of asset. Valuation Tables are provided by the Washington State Department of Revenue and are used to determine the market value. Change of Value Notices are mailed to the property owner each year after the property has been assessed.

According to Washington State Law RCW 84.40.030, the Assessor is required to value all taxable property at 100% of true and fair market value taking into consideration its highest and best use of the property, this includes personal property.  Personal property is generally subject to the same levy rate as real property. 

You are still responsible for filing by April 30th.

Yes. Include leased or rented equipment used in your business.

Contact our office as soon as possible.

The person who owns the property as of January 1st of the assessment year owes the tax. The tax is due even if the business closes and the owner sells or transfers the property prior to the end of the year.

It is important to know that the lien follows the property. This means a new owner can be held liable if the previous owner did not pay the outstanding property tax balance.

By law, property owners are responsible for filing the Personal Property Listing every year. This is true even if the property owner does not receive a listing in the mail. The penalty for failing to file a Personal Property Listing is 5% of the tax due per month, up to a maximum of 25% of the total assessed tax.

You must report all taxable business property located in Grays Harbor County as of noon on January 1 of the reporting year.

Yes. You must file a separate listing for each business location in Grays Harbor County.
This is required because property values must be assigned to the correct taxing district.