Grays Harbor County Treasurer Ken Albert is encouraging those who can to pay their first half or full year property taxes early, but the county is extending the residential and commercial property tax deadline to June 1.

“We recognize that many families and businesses are struggling to make ends meet during the economic crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are asking what kind of assistance programs are available for taxpayers who need help paying the real and personal property taxes due on April 30,” said Albert in a statement released Tuesday. “Grays Harbor County will extend the property tax deadline for residential and commercial taxpayers to June 1, 2020. Grays Harbor County will waive the interest and penalty on unpaid property taxes for 31 days and will only assess interest and penalties on any unpaid first half 2020 real and personal property taxes after June 1st 2020 verified by postmark.”

Albert encourages property owners who are financially able to pay first half or full year property taxes early, “to fund essential services needed now and in the months to come. Your property taxes fund essential services in state and local government, including cities, counties, public health, schools, fire districts, ports, hospital and other districts.”

The waiver doesn’t apply to prior year delinquent taxes or intermediaries, including mortgage loan servicing companies. Taxpayers who anticipate being unable to pay their payment by June 1 should contact the treasurer’s office after May 15 at ghtreasurer@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

The office is closed to the public until further notice, but taxpayers may continue to do business through the website, email, mail or phone calls, as staff is working remotely.