A group of dedicated citizens in the State of Washington who believe that citizens and taxpayers should be involved in the issues of taxation...the costs of same,...how they are going to be spent...and the method of accountability, to determine the results. All taxes should be analyzed using the same criterion.

Furthermore ,we believe our taxes are so high, and government so costly, because, you and I have been letting "George do it!"( Read that our elected officials.) And "George" has been doing an exceedingly poor job because generally he has no plan, and at best no accountability. Of course he has endless assistance from bureaucrats, special interests and other spenders, who have their own ideas and programs that most often do very little for the average taxpayer.

In 1992 we decided to get involved and give "George" some much needed help. We gave of our time and finances...held meetings...spent hours discussing, and planning strategies and  basic objectives. As of today the League of Washington Taxpayers has workers in 415 towns and cities in the state with area representatives and dedicated workers  interested in making changes in the present taxing programs in general, and property taxes specifically.

We Believe

I...Property taxes in the State of Washington are excessive and confiscatory.

II...Property assessments, valuations, tax rates, and the resulting taxes have increased far too rapidly in the state since 1988.There have been no general property tax reductions. Government at all levels have been the ones to benefit as a result! The only right of the taxpayers have is to pay...pay...and pay some more. It's simply a system of the takers and the givers. The governments are the takers, and the tax payers are the givers.

III...Until you sell your home it is of no more value to you than the day you bought it and yet the assessor tells you," we have to value your property at the fair market value." Who decides the "fair market value?" That's right! The Assessor of course!!!  Basic services have changed little, if it all, and yet they cost you more.

IV...Many people on fixed incomes who can no longer pay these increased property taxes are being forced to sell their homes...move in with their children, take money from relatives, or worse yet ,leave the state and find some other that has more reasonable taxes on property...and many are doing just that.

V...Young people are having a difficult time buying a home because of these high, excessive property taxes...so...no "American Dream" for them. They pay rent, and pay property taxes that way.

VI...People who have owned their homes for years are now paying more in property taxes... than they were for a mortgage, insurance, upkeep and taxes...combined!

VII...No property tax reduction can be expected from the legislature, counties or cities..."they have a cash cow and they'll fight to keep it, and increase it.

VIII...AND THE BIG QUESTION REMAINS...Why should any homeowner pay the original cost for a home...have a mortgage...upkeep...plus increasing property taxes...then start renting their home back from the government...on an appreciated basis, for many services they don't want or need...that are unnecessary, and often unimportant!