Pierce County proposal ties home tax exemptions to local sales tax

The proposal would give eligible homeowners a yearly exemption from Pierce County property taxes. It would cover Pierce County residents with homestead property in the county's special district. The proposal requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers and approval by more than half of county voters. Homeowners must apply unless they received a county homestead exemption for the same home in the prior tax year and remain eligible. The exemption would be added to other homestead exemptions. The value above the exempt amount would still be taxed. If voters approve the proposal, the exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1 after the referendum and ending December 31, 2039. The proposed 1 percent sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.