Washington Property Tax Assessment Audit Data Not Subject to Public Disclosure
The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) uses a “ratio audit” to evaluate the property value of real and personal property in each of Washington’s 39 counties. The valuation of property in each of the counties is then compared against a total valuation of property in the state. The ratio audits are used by DOR to equalize yearly property taxes, and also to assist in calculating each county’s state school levy.
A former King County assessor and his daughter separately requested the disclosure of DOR’s tax ratio audits from King County. The tax ratio audit data would disclose tax information about the private properties subject to audit. King County and DOR rejected the requests under the state’s Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW (PRA) Two separate actions to compel disclosure followed. The trial court dismissed each of the actions. The Court of Appeals reached the merits of the cases, notwithstanding that both of the appeals from the trial court actions were procedurally defective. The Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of the PRA suits.
Harley H. Hoppe & Associates, App/cross-res. v. King County, Res/cross-app (May 23, 2011).
One of the listed exemptions under the PRA is for “information required of any taxpayer in connection with the assessment or collection of any tax.” RCW 42.56.230(3). The court agreed with the County and with DOR that the specific exemption applied to the requested records relating to individual property’s personal and real property valuations. Publishing such proprietary business information obtained by the DOR in the course of its audit would disadvantage the audited taxpayer. The Court also relied on the reference in RCW 42.56.230(3) to RCW 84.08.210(2) that broadly states that “tax information is confidential and privileged, and except as authorized by this section, neither [DOR] nor any other person may disclose tax information.” The Court of Appeals found that there were no exceptions, applicable to the case, to the general prohibition on disclosure of tax information.
