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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington County, ME. 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
Approximately 1% base rate, varies significantly by municipality and special taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Maine operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including public schools, road maintenance, emergency services, and county administration. Property taxes in Washington County are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property, with the state valuation for 2025 set at $3,224,350,000. The effective tax rate in Maine typically hovers around the state base rate of approximately 1%, though actual rates vary significantly by municipality and special taxing districts within Washington County.

Property tax rates in Washington County vary by location due to different municipal needs, school district requirements, and special assessments for services like fire protection or library districts. Each municipality within the county sets its own mil rate based on local budget requirements and the total assessed value of property within its boundaries. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on their exact location within the county and which special taxing districts serve their property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Base LevyVaries by MunicipalityBasic county services and administration
School District AssessmentVaries by DistrictLocal school operations and facilities
Municipal ServicesVaries by MunicipalityTown/city services, roads, public safety
Special DistrictsVaries by LocationFire districts, library districts, other special assessments

Note: Specific mil rates for FY 2025-2026 vary by municipality within Washington County. Contact your local tax assessor for exact rates applicable to your property location. The total effective rate typically ranges from 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value depending on your specific municipality and special district combinations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 typically assessed when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase the assessed value of a property after the annual assessment date of April 1st. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes are properly allocated based on current ownership and property conditions throughout the tax year.

When a property changes ownership or undergoes significant improvements, the assessor may issue a supplemental tax bill to account for any difference between the previous assessment and the current taxable value. For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition after April 1st, they may receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessed value at the applicable municipal tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $3,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $275

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $6,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $575

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $11,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $975

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and 12-month Maine residency. Tax rates vary by municipality - examples use estimated 1.2% effective rate.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pay property taxes directly to the county on behalf of the property owner. The escrow payment is calculated by dividing the annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion to account for potential increases.

Property tax statements in Washington County are mailed by October 25th each year, with the first half payment due July 15th and the full payment due by November 15th. Lenders typically receive tax bills directly and make payments from escrow accounts before the due dates. Property owners should verify that their lender has current mailing address information with the Washington County tax assessor's office and review their annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected for property tax obligations.

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 Washington County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax statements are mailed by October 25, with the first half due July 15 and full payment due November 15. For the current tax year, statements were mailed between October 17-21.

Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Exemption provides up to $25,000 reduction in assessed value for qualifying Maine residents. You must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence for at least 12 months. Applications are available at your municipality or on the state Property Tax Forms page and must be filed with your local assessor.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, Maine offers several property tax exemptions including Blind Person's Property Tax Exemption, Business Equipment Tax Exemption, Veterans' Exemptions, and Renewable Energy Equipment exemptions. All require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements.

Q: Can I have multiple exemptions on my property? A: Yes, you may qualify for multiple exemptions if you meet the specific criteria for each program. However, each exemption requires a separate application and approval process.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Washington County? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Washington County. Contact your local assessor's office for specific reassessment timelines and procedures in your area.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by individual municipalities. Contact your local tax collector for specific penalty information and payment options.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Assessment Review within specific timeframes after receiving your tax bill. Contact your municipal assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality within Washington County. Check with your local tax collector's office or municipal website for available electronic payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
Summary, 2025 State Valuation asmaine.gov
02
State
2025-26 Property Tax Statementwashingtoncountyor.gov
03
County
Washington County Proposed Budget FY 2025-26 Questions ...washingtoncountyor.gov
04
County
Washington County Public Access > Homewashcotax.co.washington.or.us
05
General Information and Frequently Asked Questionswashingtoncountyor.gov
06
Homestead Exemption Program FAQmaine.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief | Maine Revenue Servicesmaine.gov
08
Homestead Exemptionsleg.colorado.gov
09
Tax Doc
Assessment and Taxation Officewascocountyor.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms | Maine Revenue Servicesmaine.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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