Many Snohomish County residents will see tax increases in 2026

EVERETT — As the new year arrives Thursday, various tax increases will go into effect throughout Snohomish County.

In April, Edmonds voters approved annexation into South County Fire. As a result, the median homeowner will see property taxes increase by about $65 per month, or $780 per year. The median home value in Edmonds is $840,000, according to Census data. The new rate begins Jan. 1.

On Dec. 3, the Edmonds City Council also approved increases to some utility taxes. Taxes on water, sewer and stormwater will go from 10% to 20%. Per the council’s resolution, the increase will be in effect for 18 months, until July 2027.

In Lynnwood, the City Council approved a 24% property tax increase, which will raise property taxes by $85 per year for the average home valued at $663,705. Taxes on water, sewer, surface water and solid waste services will go from 6% to 10%.

The city also recently approved a 14.7% permit services fee increase set to go into effect Jan. 1. A 33% increase in business license fees will begin March 1.

In November, Mukilteo voters approved a property tax levy lid lift to raise funds for emergency medical services. The average homeowner will pay an additional $192 year in property taxes, according to a city estimate.

Lake Stevens sewer customers will see a 21% increase to sewer rates in the new year. In November, the Lake Stevens Sewer District Board of Commissioners approved a monthly increase of $21 per unit, from $99 to $120 per month. In addition, utility taxes on sewer bills will increase from 3% to 5%, per a city law passed in 2024.

In November, the Everett City Council approved changes to its business and occupation tax code to reflect changes in state law. The legislation requires several services to be subject to business and occupation taxes and sales tax. The services include advertising, live presentations, information technology, website development, security and more. The changes in Everett will go into effect Jan. 1. In Snohomish County, only Everett, Darrington and Granite Falls collect a business and occupation tax.

The same state law also expands a 95% tax on tobacco products to all nicotine-containing products, including vapes and nicotine pouches, effective Jan. 1.

County-wide changes include a 2% property tax increase passed by the Snohomish County Council and 2.5% increase in electricity rates passed by the Snohomish County Public Utility District. PUD water customers will also see a 2.5% increase.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.