About

Taxes are compulsory charges levied by a government for the purpose of financing services performed for the common benefit. This does not include specific charges made to people or property for current or permanent benefits such as special assessments, or fees for services charged only to those who pay for and use those services.

Snohomish County, Washington State, and other jurisdictions collect various other taxes including property, sales and use, leasehold, and real estate excises. The City of Lake Stevens collects general taxes from businesses primarily through special local taxes on specific types of business activity including the utility tax and gambling tax.

For current tax amounts please consult the City of Lake Stevens Tax Tables

Tax Categories Overview

Property Tax

Parcel owners will receive a single property tax bill from Snohomish County, which collects the property tax for all governmental entities in the county. Property in Lake Stevens is taxed by a combination of jurisdictions. 

Utility Tax

This tax is similar to the business and occupation tax (B&O tax), but it is imposed on utility businesses (Lake Stevens has no B&O tax). The business activities affected by this tax are natural gas, electricity, telephone, water, and garbage. A business registration and utility tax returns are required for this tax. 

Gambling Activities Tax 

All persons licensed by the Washington State Gambling Commission to conduct gambling activities in the city are required to pay the gambling activities tax. Gambling activities include bingo games, raffles, amusement games, social card game and punch boards, and pull tabs. A business registration and gambling tax returns are required to pay this tax. Raffles and amusement games conducted by a charitable or nonprofit organization are exempt.

Leasehold Excise Tax

A tax paid by persons or businesses that use or lease publicly owned property. Real estate and personal property which is owned by a government entity is not subject to property tax. When private individuals or businesses use government property they are provided the same governmental services as other taxpayers in the state. The purpose of the Leasehold Excise Tax is to compensate governmental entities for services rendered to lessees of public property.