Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

AGO 1986 NO. 3 >

In an appeal to the State Board of Tax Appeals from a county board of equalization, the presumption of correctness established by RCW 84.40.0301 in valuation of property for taxation applies to the determination of the assessor, not that of the board of equalization.

AGO 2010 NO. 10 >

RCW 36.29.020 allows a county treasurer to allocate the interest and investment returns earned on the investment of a county’s own funds into the county current expense fund, except for county funds as to which the legislature has specifically provided that interest and investment returns are to be dedicated to a specific purpose, or be retained in their original fund.

AGO 2005 NO. 10 >

Payments to a mortgage broker in connection with a mortgage or deed of trust denominated as “loan origination fees” or “points” are not deductible from the business and occupation tax as “interest” where the fees are provided in compensation for services performed.  Availability of the deduction in particular instances depends upon the factual circumstances surrounding the transaction, including the services performed by the mortgage broker.

AGO 1951 NO. 19 >

In computing the aggregate of property tax levied by the state and the local taxing districts, for the purpose of complying with the constitutional and statutory forty mill aggregate limitations and with the statutes apportioning the rates of levy to the state and the various taxing districts, the rate of the state levy should be determined with reference to the assessed valuation of the property of the county as equalized by the state board of equalization; the rates of levy by the other taxing authorities are determined with reference to the values as equalized by the county board of equalization.

AGO 1957 NO. 98 >

A municipal ordinance amending a prior ordinance may not be construed and applied retroactively unless a contrary intention is manifested by the most clear and unequivocal expression.

AGO 1951 NO. 107 >

In the case of real property the lien for delinquent taxes does not attach to the proceeds of insurance covering any buildings on the realty destroyed by fire.

AGLO 1973 NO. 108 >

Extent to which an alcoholism administrative board is required in order for a city and county to receive liquor taxes and profits under chapter 70.96 RCW, as amended by chapter 155, Laws of 1973, 1st Ex. Sess.

AGO 1955 NO. 136 >

1955 School District levies are to be imposed upon assessed valuations determined pursuant to Ch. 253, Laws of 1955. A proposition for an excess levy stated in terms of rate of levy authorizes a levy to the full extent of the stated rate although the proposition also states that such levy will yield an approximate sum of money.

AGO 1949 NO. 187 >

Chapters 229, 230 and 231, Laws of 1949, do not preempt for the state the three mill tax levy authorized for Metropolitan Park District purposes until the legislature specifically so provides.

AGO 1956 NO. 299 >

A public utility district may not deduct from sales reported pursuant to RCW 54.28.020, current which is sold to members of an electric cooperative who are served pursuant to a lease‑purchase agreement with the cooperative whereunder 60% of the revenues are applied to retire the cooperative's debts and the remainder retained by the district.