Timber Traders, Inc. v. Johnston

Pierce County appeals from a summary judgment permanently enjoining assessment and collection of certain ad valorem property taxes levied on standing timber. The primary issue presented is: for personal property tax purposes is the status (exempt or nonexempt) of personal property transferred from an exempt to a nonexempt owner determined as of January 1 of the year of assessment or as of the date of assessment? We find that the case of Star Iron & Steel Co. v. Pierce County, 81 Wn.2d 680, 504 P.2d 770 (1972), aff’g 5 Wn. App. 515, 488 P.2d 776 (1971), where it was held that ownership is to…