Access Spokane Property Records
Spokane property records are maintained at the county level through the Spokane County Assessor and Spokane County Auditor. These offices hold ownership data, assessed values, deed filings, parcel maps, and tax accounts for all real property within the city. You can search Spokane property records online through the county assessor's parcel search tool and document search portal, or visit the county offices on North Jefferson Street in downtown Spokane.
Spokane Overview
Spokane Property Records Overview
Property records for Spokane parcels are managed by Spokane County, not the city itself. The Spokane County Assessor handles valuation and maintains parcel data. The Spokane County Auditor serves as the recording office for deeds and other instruments. The Spokane County Treasurer bills and collects property taxes. These three offices together hold the full set of property records for every taxable parcel within Spokane city limits.
Under RCW 84.40.020, all real property in Washington must be assessed at 100% of true and fair market value as of January 1 each year. The Spokane County Assessor follows this requirement for every Spokane parcel. The Washington Public Records Act under Chapter 42.56 RCW makes assessment records and recorded documents open to public inspection without restriction.
The City of Spokane maintains its own permit and planning records through the city's community development services. You can access permit history, zoning data, and city-level documents at my.spokanecity.org. These city records are separate from the county assessor and recorder files, but both are important when researching a Spokane property fully. City permits show what work was done; county records show who owns the property and at what value.
The Spokane official website at my.spokanecity.org provides access to city services including permit searches and public records requests for city-level documents:
The city site handles permit records and zoning information, which complement the county's property tax and deed records for Spokane parcels.
Spokane County Assessor for Spokane Property Records
The Spokane County Assessor is your primary source for Spokane property record lookups. The office maintains parcel data, assessed values, property characteristics, ownership records, and sales history for all taxable parcels in the county. The online parcel search tool lets you enter a street address or parcel number and pull up a full data sheet. You will see the owner of record, legal description, assessed land and improvement values, building details, and recent sale history.
The assessor uses mass appraisal methods and a physical inspection cycle to keep values current with market conditions. Spokane County has been updating all properties annually using recent sales data and continues to physically inspect each property on a regular cycle. If you believe your assessed value is too high, you have the right to appeal. Appeals for Spokane parcels go to the Spokane County Board of Equalization, which is a separate body located at 721 N. Jefferson Street in Spokane. The board meets by appointment on weekdays.
Exemption programs for seniors and disabled persons are administered through the assessor's office. Senate Bill 6162 brought significant improvements to the Senior/Disabled Persons Exemption program, with higher income thresholds taking effect in 2027. Spokane property owners who may qualify should contact the assessor's office to check eligibility under the updated standards.
The Spokane County Assessor's Annual Report for the 2026 tax year is available online at the assessor's website. It contains countywide levy data, assessment totals by district, and historical tax data that helps put individual Spokane property values in context. Checking the annual report is a good way to understand how your Spokane parcel's value compares to the countywide picture.
Recording Spokane Deeds and Property Documents
Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments that affect Spokane real estate must be recorded with the Spokane County Auditor. Under RCW 65.08.070, an unrecorded deed is not effective against a later purchaser for value. Recording creates constructive notice that a transaction occurred. This is the legal foundation behind recording, and it applies to all Spokane real estate transfers.
The Spokane County Auditor accepts documents in person at the county offices at 1116 W. Broadway Avenue in Spokane. eRecording is also available for documents that meet formatting standards. Under RCW 65.04.045, recorded documents must meet margin requirements, use legible text, and include a completed cover sheet. The auditor must record qualifying documents without delay once fees are paid, per RCW 36.22.010.
Document searches through the auditor's office are available online. You can look up by grantor or grantee name, parcel number, or document type. Scanned images of recorded documents are available for recent filings. Older records may require an in-person visit or a formal public records request.
Spokane Property Tax Records
Spokane property owners pay taxes to multiple taxing districts. These include Spokane County, the City of Spokane, local school districts, fire districts, library districts, and special purpose districts. Each sets its own levy rate. Washington uses a budget-based property tax system, meaning district budgets drive the levy rate, not simply the total assessed value in the district. A rise in your assessed value does not automatically mean your tax bill goes up if the district's budget stays the same.
The Spokane County Treasurer handles billing and collection. Tax statements go out annually. First half payments are due April 30 and second half by October 31. Missing payments triggers interest and penalties. For payoff amounts, tax sale information, or to discuss a payment arrangement, contact the Spokane County Treasurer's office. The Washington Department of Revenue publishes a directory of all county assessor and treasurer websites at dor.wa.gov if you need to confirm contact information.
Real estate excise tax under RCW 82.45 applies to Spokane property sales. Washington uses a graduated structure tied to sale price. This tax is collected at closing before the deed is recorded. Title companies handle it automatically in standard transactions.
The Spokane Valley Official Website at spokanevalleywa.gov provides context on the broader Spokane area, including the neighboring city that shares the same county property record offices:
Spokane Valley and Spokane share the same Spokane County Assessor and Auditor offices for all property record functions.
Searching Spokane Property Records Online
The fastest way to find a Spokane property record is the Spokane County Assessor parcel search. Enter the street address and you get ownership data, assessed values, and property characteristics right away. The tool is free and does not require a login. You can also search the Scouts Map tool on the assessor's website to see a map-based view of Spokane parcels with surrounding zoning and land use context.
For recorded deed copies, use the Spokane County Auditor's document search. Results are sorted by name or parcel number. Scanned images of recent documents load online without a fee. For certified copies, you can order them through the auditor's online system or in person at the Broadway Avenue offices.
Historical Spokane property records are available at the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov. The archive holds digitized deed books, plat records, and property cards going back to the early days of Spokane County. These are free to search and especially useful for chain-of-title research on older Spokane properties.
Key resources for Spokane property research:
- Spokane County Assessor -- parcel search, assessed values, exemptions
- Spokane County Auditor -- recorded deeds and documents
- City of Spokane -- city permits, zoning, and public records
- Washington DOR County Directory -- statewide contact list
- Washington State Digital Archives -- historical deeds and plats
Spokane County Property Records
All Spokane property records are maintained by Spokane County. The assessor, auditor, and treasurer each hold separate but related records for every Spokane parcel. Visit the Spokane County property records page for a complete overview of tools, office locations, recording procedures, and county-wide resources.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Spokane share the same Spokane County property record offices.