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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington County, IN. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
21.9692 mills (approximately 2.197% base rate), varies by school district and taxing districts
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Indiana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and various special districts. Property taxes are assessed annually and collected in two installments to support these vital community services. The county mails approximately 207,000 property tax statements to property owners each October, representing a significant portion of local government revenue.

The effective property tax rate in Washington County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. For the current tax year, the base real estate tax rate is 21.9692 mills (or approximately 2.197%), though your actual rate may differ based on which school district, fire district, library district, and other special taxing units serve your property. Personal property is taxed at a lower rate of 2.3200 mills. Property owners should note that actual tax bills depend on assessed value, applicable tax credits, and the specific combination of taxing districts for their location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Real Estate Base Rate21.9692Standard rate for real property throughout Washington County
Personal Property Rate2.3200Rate applied to business personal property and mobile homes
School District LeviesVariesAdditional assessments vary by school district boundaries
Fire District AssessmentsVariesRates differ based on fire protection district
Library District LeviesVariesAdditional assessment for library services where applicable
Special AssessmentsVariesMay include drainage districts, conservancy districts, or TIF areas

Note: These rates apply to the current levy year. Your actual total tax rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts serving your property location. Total effective rates typically range from approximately 2.0% to 2.5% of assessed value, but can vary significantly based on special district participation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
May 10
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Nov 10
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Washington County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These supplements ensure that tax liability is properly adjusted for mid-year changes that affect property value or ownership status. Common triggers include property sales with significant value changes, completion of new construction projects, additions or major improvements to existing structures, or corrections to previous assessments.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in January and increases the assessed value by $40,000, the supplemental tax would be approximately $878 annually ($40,000 × 0.021969 rate), typically billed in the next regular tax cycle. Property owners receive separate billing statements for supplemental assessments, which follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$45,000 (Standard Deduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Annual Tax: $5,502 ($255,000 × 0.021969)
  • Monthly Equivalent: $458

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$45,000 (Standard Deduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $555,000
  • Annual Tax: $12,193 ($555,000 × 0.021969)
  • Monthly Equivalent: $1,016

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$45,000 (Standard Deduction)
  • Over 65 Credit (if applicable): -$12,480 (Additional credit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $942,520
  • Annual Tax: $20,708 ($942,520 × 0.021969)
  • Monthly Equivalent: $1,726

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates may vary based on your specific taxing districts. Homestead credits also include assessment increase limitations that cap annual growth.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County collect property taxes through escrow accounts, spreading the annual tax burden across 12 monthly payments included with your mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax each month, plus additional amounts to build a reserve cushion as required by federal regulations. Since Washington County taxes are due in two installments (May 10th and November 10th), your lender will pay these amounts from your escrow account on your behalf.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should review their annual escrow analysis statement carefully, as it shows projected tax amounts for the coming year and any required adjustments to monthly payments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Lenders are required to pay your taxes on time to avoid penalties, but you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring adequate funds are maintained in escrow. You can verify tax payments and current balances by contacting your lender or checking with the Washington County Tax Department.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Washington County? A: Property taxes are due twice yearly on May 10th and November 10th. For the current year payments, taxes are considered on time if postmarked by November 15th for the second installment.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Washington County offers several tax credits including the Homestead Standard/Supplemental Deduction and Over 65 Deduction. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic. Applications are due by March 2nd each year, with the application period opening February 1st.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides both an assessment deduction and caps annual assessment increases. This credit limits how much your assessed value can increase each year (typically 5% for qualified homesteads) and provides a standard deduction. You must file an application to receive these benefits.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Indiana conducts annual assessments, but major reassessments occur cyclically. Property owners receive assessment notices before the tax year begins and have appeal rights if they disagree with the assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Washington County Tax Department for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Washington County offers online payment options. Visit the county's official website or contact the Tax Department for available electronic payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas of Washington County are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, library districts, and special taxing units, creating varying total tax rates depending on your property's location.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts like fire protection, libraries, or conservancy districts add additional millage to your base tax rate. These appear as separate line items on your tax statement and fund specific local services in your area.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
State
2025-26 Property Tax Statementwashingtoncountyor.gov
02
County
Washington County Public Access > Property Detailwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
03
County
notice to taxpayers of washington countywashingtoncounty.in.gov
04
County
Washington County Treasurer - IN.govwashingtoncounty.in.gov
05
County
Washington County Public Access > Homewashcotax.co.washington.or.us
06
Tax Doc
DLGF: Property Tax Due Datesin.gov
07
County
Auditor - Washington County Indiana - IN.govwashingtoncounty.in.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionwashingtoncountyor.gov
09
County
Homestead | Washington County, MN - Official Websitewashingtoncountymn.gov
10
State
7/1/19 TO 6/30/20 REAL PROPERTY TAX STATEMENTwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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