# RCW 7.28.083: RCW 7.28.083: Adverse possession—Reimbursement of taxes or assessments—Payment of unpaid taxes or assessments—Awarding of costs and attorneys' fees

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S083

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 7.28.083
- **Heading:** RCW 7.28.083: Adverse possession—Reimbursement of taxes or assessments—Payment of unpaid taxes or assessments—Awarding of costs and attorneys' fees
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 7 / Chapter 28 / Section 083

## Text

(1) A party who prevails against the holder of record title at the time an action asserting title to real property by adverse possession was filed, or against a subsequent purchaser from such holder, may be required to: (a) Reimburse such holder or purchaser for part or all of any taxes or assessments levied on the real property during the period the prevailing party was in possession of the real property in question and which are proven by competent evidence to have been paid by such holder or purchaser; and (b) Pay to the treasurer of the county in which the real property is located part or all of any taxes or assessments levied on the real property after the filing of the adverse possession claim and which are due and remain unpaid at the time judgment on the claim is entered. (2) If the court orders reimbursement for taxes or assessments paid or payment of taxes or assessments due under subsection (1) of this section, the court shall determine how to allocate taxes or assessments between the property acquired by adverse possession and the property retained by the titleholder. In making its determination, the court shall consider all the facts and shall order such reimbursement or payment as appears equitable and just. (3) The prevailing party in an action asserting title to real property by adverse possession may request the court to award costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. The court may award all or a portion of costs and reasonable attorneys' fees to the prevailing party if, after considering all the facts, the court determines such an award is equitable and just.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 7.28.010 RCW 7.28.010: Who may maintain actions—Service on nonresident defendant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S010.md)
- [RCW 7.28.050 RCW 7.28.050: Limitation of actions for recovery of real property—Adverse possession under title deducible of record.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S050.md)
- [RCW 7.28.060 RCW 7.28.060: Rights inhere to heirs, devisees and assigns.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S060.md)
- [RCW 7.28.070 RCW 7.28.070: Adverse possession under claim and color of title—Payment of taxes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S070.md)
- [RCW 7.28.080 RCW 7.28.080: Color of title to vacant and unoccupied land.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S080.md)
- [RCW 7.28.083 RCW 7.28.083: Adverse possession—Reimbursement of taxes or assessments—Payment of unpaid taxes or assessments—Awarding of costs and attorneys' fees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S083.md)
- [RCW 7.28.085 RCW 7.28.085: Adverse possession—Forestland—Additional requirements—Exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S085.md)
- [RCW 7.28.090 RCW 7.28.090: Adverse possession—Public lands—Adverse title in minors, persons under guardianship or conservatorship.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S090.md)
- [RCW 7.28.100 RCW 7.28.100: Construction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S100.md)
- [RCW 7.28.110 RCW 7.28.110: Substitution of landlord in action against tenant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S110.md)
- [RCW 7.28.120 RCW 7.28.120: Pleadings—Superior title prevails.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S120.md)
- [RCW 7.28.130 RCW 7.28.130: Defendant must plead nature of his or her estate or right to possession.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S130.md)
- [RCW 7.28.140 RCW 7.28.140: Verdict of jury.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S140.md)
- [RCW 7.28.150 RCW 7.28.150: Damages—Limitation—Permanent improvements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S150.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T7_C28_S083. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.