Treasurer
The Benton County Treasurer provides property tax collection, public fund management, payment services, and financial administration for Benton County and local government entities. This article explains the Treasurer’s responsibilities, how property tax payments work, available payment options, property transfers, delinquent tax procedures, and the official services residents can use when managing tax and financial matters.
Treasurer Office Responsibilities
The Benton County Treasurer serves as the property tax collector for Benton County, cities, school districts, fire departments, and other taxing authorities within the county. Property taxes are based on property valuation and current property use as determined by the Assessor’s Office. The Treasurer collects these taxes and distributes the funds to the appropriate governmental entities.
The Treasurer’s Office also serves as the financial custodian for Benton County. As the county’s “banker,” the office receives, accounts for, invests, and distributes public funds. These funds include money collected by other county departments, service fees, licenses, bond issue revenues, and special assessments.
The Treasurer’s duties page explains the office’s primary financial responsibilities, including:
Receiving and accounting for county and local government funds.
Collecting property taxes and other authorized charges.
Disbursing funds according to applicable requirements.
Investing public funds in authorized investments.
Property Tax Collection Services
Property taxes are one of the main sources of revenue collected by the Benton County Treasurer. After receiving tax rolls from the Assessor’s Office, the Treasurer sends property tax statements to property owners and collects payments for real and personal property taxes.
The full annual tax amount is due on or before April 30. When applicable, taxpayers may pay one-half by April 30 and the remaining balance by October 31. Real and personal property taxes under $50 are due in full by April 30.
Payments received after the required dates are subject to interest and penalties under Washington law. Property owners are responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, even if a tax statement is not received.
Property Tax Due Dates
The Benton County Treasurer provides specific due date information through its property tax due dates information. If April 30 or October 31 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the due date becomes the following Monday.
Washington law considers the postmark date when determining the received date for mailed payments used in interest calculations.
Online Tax Payments
The Benton County Treasurer allows property owners to make tax payments online through the official payment system. The online property tax payment page allows users to search for their property and select payment options.
Online payment methods include electronic check, credit card, and VISA debit card. Convenience fees apply depending on the payment method:
Electronic check payments include a $1.00 transaction fee.
Credit card and non-VISA debit card payments include a 2.50% convenience fee charged by the vendor.
VISA debit card payments include a $3.95 convenience fee charged by the vendor.
Online payments are not available for parcels that have entered the foreclosure process after a Certificate of Delinquency has been filed. Those payments must follow the requirements established by the Treasurer’s Office.
Mail and In-Person Payments
Property owners may also pay by mail or in person. Check payments should be made payable to the Benton County Treasurer and include the payment remittance coupon.
The Treasurer’s Office recommends allowing enough time for mailed payments to reach the office. Payments received by mail are applied according to the United States postmark date.
The Treasurer provides payment information through its payments by mail or in person page, including available office locations and payment instructions.
Automatic Payment Options
Property owners can choose from automatic payment programs that withdraw payments directly from a designated checking or savings account.
The semi-annual payment plan allows two automatic withdrawals in April and October at no cost. Application cutoff dates are April 15 for the first half payment and October 15 for the second half payment.
The monthly installment plan allows nine monthly withdrawals on the 15th of each month. This option includes a $0.75 fee per installment, with a total annual fee of $6.75.
Details and forms are available through the automatic payment options page.
Property Account Information
Property owners may need their property account number when contacting the Treasurer or accessing tax information. The 15-digit property number is assigned by the Benton County Assessor and appears on the tax statement in the upper right corner.
Taxpayers who need help locating a property account number may contact the Assessor’s Office or the Treasurer’s Office.
Mailing Address Changes
Keeping a current mailing address helps ensure tax statements and notices reach the correct recipient. Property owners may request a mailing address change by writing the new address on the tax remittance stub, submitting a written request, or using the electronic request option provided by the Treasurer.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining current contact information with the office.
Property Ownership Transfers
The Benton County Treasurer processes real estate excise tax documents related to property ownership transfers. A Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit must accompany legal documents transferring ownership of real property.
The affidavit must have all required sections completed before the Treasurer’s Office can accept it. Benton County provides specific forms for real estate transfers, mobile home ownership changes, supplemental statements, and related certifications.
The property transfer information page provides access to transfer requirements and available forms.
Delinquent Taxes and Collections
The Benton County Treasurer manages collection actions for delinquent property taxes. Real property may become subject to foreclosure when taxes remain delinquent for three full years.
Personal property taxes follow different collection procedures. Personal property tax must be paid in full and may become subject to distraint action, which involves seizure of property, after the applicable delinquency period.
The Treasurer prepares required documents, provides notices, and conducts required processes when foreclosure or distraint actions proceed.
Information about delinquent tax procedures is available through the foreclosure and distraint information page.
Tax Relief and Exemptions
The Benton County Treasurer provides information about property tax relief and exemption programs. Certain senior citizens, disabled persons, and qualifying surviving spouses may be eligible for property tax exemptions under Washington law.
Tax relief questions involving eligibility and applications are directed through the appropriate county offices identified by the Treasurer.
Financial Reports and Investments
The Benton County Treasurer manages investments for public funds according to federal, state, and local requirements. The investment program focuses on preserving capital, maintaining liquidity, and obtaining returns consistent with safety requirements.
The Treasurer invests funds for county government and various local governmental entities, including school districts, fire districts, ports, irrigation districts, and other public organizations.
Public investment information and financial reporting are available through the Treasurer’s investment reports page.
Common Payment Questions
Missing Tax Statements
Property owners are still responsible for paying taxes even if a statement is not received. A missing statement may occur because an address was not updated or because a mailed statement was returned. Property owners can contact the Treasurer’s Office or use the official property search system to check tax information.
Mortgage Company Payments
Property owners remain responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time when a mortgage company handles payments. The Treasurer’s Office works with taxpayers directly, while arrangements between property owners and mortgage companies are separate agreements.
Payments After Online Submission
Online payments are processed by a third party before funds are received and posted by the Treasurer’s Office. The payment date used by the office is based on the date the taxpayer initiated the payment.
Benton County Treasurer Offices
The Benton County Treasurer provides service through office locations in Prosser and Kennewick. Residents should use the location and hours that match their needs before visiting.
Treasurer Office List
Benton County Treasurer — 620 Market St, PO Box 630, Prosser, WA 99350 — 509-786-2255
Benton County Treasurer — 7122 W Okanogan Pl #E110, Kennewick, WA 99336 — 509-735-8505
Benton County Treasurer Tax Processing Center — 7122 W Okanogan Pl #E110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Treasurer FAQs
How can I check my Benton County property tax information?
You can use the official Benton County Treasurer property search to look up your property tax information. Your property account number is a 15-digit number assigned by the Benton County Assessor and is shown on your tax statement. This number can help you locate the correct property record when reviewing tax details or payment information.
When are Benton County property tax payments due?
The full annual property tax amount is due by April 30. If applicable, taxpayers may pay half by April 30 and the remaining balance by October 31. Property taxes under $50 must be paid in full by April 30. If a due date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline moves to the following Monday. The official property tax due dates information provides the current payment schedule and related requirements.
What payment options are available for Benton County taxes?
Benton County Treasurer payment services allow property owners to pay online using electronic check, major credit card, or VISA debit card. Electronic check payments include a $1.00 transaction fee, credit card and non-VISA debit card payments include a 2.50% convenience fee, and VISA debit card payments include a $3.95 convenience fee. Payments may also be mailed using the required payment remittance coupon. The online property tax payment page explains available payment methods and restrictions.
Can I set up automatic property tax payments?
Yes. Property owners can apply for automatic payment plans through the Treasurer’s Office. The semi-annual plan makes automatic withdrawals in April and October without a program fee. The monthly installment plan allows nine monthly withdrawals on the 15th of each month with a $0.75 fee per installment. Applications must be submitted by the applicable cutoff dates listed on the official automatic payment options page.
What should I do after buying or transferring property?
Property transfers require the appropriate Real Estate Excise Tax forms to accompany legal documents transferring ownership. The required affidavit must be completed before it can be accepted. Benton County provides transfer forms and related documents through its official property transfer information page.