(1) A claim for exemption under RCW 84.36.381 as now or hereafter amended, shall be made and filed at any time during the year for exemption from taxes payable the following year and thereafter and solely upon forms as prescribed and furnished by the department of revenue. However, an exemption from tax under RCW 84.36.381 shall continue for no more than four years unless a renewal application is filed as provided in subsection (3) of this section. The county assessor may also require, by written notice, a renewal application following an amendment of the income requirements set forth in RCW 84.36.381. Renewal applications shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the department of revenue.

     (2) A person granted an exemption under RCW 84.36.381 shall inform the county assessor of any change in status affecting the person's entitlement to the exemption on forms prescribed and furnished by the department of revenue.

     (3) Each person exempt from taxes under RCW 84.36.381 in 1993 and thereafter, shall file with the county assessor a renewal application not later than December 31 of the year the assessor notifies such person of the requirement to file the renewal application.

     (4) Beginning in 1992 and in each of the three succeeding years, the county assessor shall notify approximately one-fourth of those persons exempt from taxes under RCW 84.36.381 in the current year who have not filed a renewal application within the previous four years, of the requirement to file a renewal application.

     (5) If the assessor finds that the applicant does not meet the qualifications as set forth in RCW 84.36.381, as now or hereafter amended, the claim or exemption shall be denied but such denial shall be subject to appeal under the provisions of RCW 84.48.010(5) and in accordance with the provisions of RCW 84.40.038. If the applicant had received exemption in prior years based on erroneous information, the taxes shall be collected subject to penalties as provided in RCW 84.40.130 for a period of not to exceed three years.

     (6) The department and each local assessor is hereby directed to publicize the qualifications and manner of making claims under RCW 84.36.381 through 84.36.389, through communications media, including such paid advertisements or notices as it deems appropriate. Notice of the qualifications, method of making applications, the penalties for not reporting a change in status, and availability of further information shall be included on or with property tax statements and revaluation notices for all residential property including mobile homes, except rental properties.

[2001 c 185 § 8; 1992 c 206 § 13; 1988 c 222 § 10; 1983 1st ex.s. c 11 § 6; 1983 1st ex.s. c 11 § 3; 1979 ex.s. c 214 § 3; 1977 ex.s. c 268 § 2; 1974 ex.s. c 182 § 3.]

NOTES:

     Application -- 2001 c 185 §§ 1-12: See note following RCW 84.14.110.

     Effective date -- 1992 c 206: See note following RCW 82.04.170.

     Intent -- Applicability -- Effective dates -- 1983 1st ex.s. c 11: See notes following RCW 84.36.381.

     Applicability -- 1979 ex.s. c 214: See note following RCW 84.36.381.