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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington County, MN. 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
5.00883240% county rate plus additional district rates (varies by location)
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Minnesota operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, parks, and county operations. For the 2025 tax year, the general county tax rate is 5.00883240% of market value, with additional rates for special districts like the Metro Surface and Groundwater Management Organization (MSCWMO) at 0.45088361%. The effective tax rate varies significantly based on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts including school districts, cities, townships, and special service areas.

Property taxes in Washington County are calculated by applying the combined tax rates of all applicable taxing jurisdictions to your property's assessed market value, minus any applicable tax credits. Your actual tax rate will differ from the base county rate depending on which municipality, school district, and special districts serve your property. The county assessor determines market value annually, while local government bodies set their levy amounts, which together determine the final tax rates applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
General County Levy5.00883240%Core county services, operations, and infrastructure
Road & Bridge FundVaries by districtCounty transportation infrastructure maintenance
MSCWMO0.45088361%Metro Surface and Groundwater Management Organization
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school district operations and debt service
Municipal LevyVaries by city/townshipCity or township services and operations
Special AssessmentsVaries by locationTIF districts, watershed districts, other special services

Rates shown are for taxes payable in 2025 (FY 2025-2026 levy year). Your total effective rate depends on which combination of taxing jurisdictions serve your specific property location within Washington County. Contact the County Assessor at (651) 430-6175 for your property-specific rate calculation.

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 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 15
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 triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, improvements, or other modifications that affect the property's assessed value during the tax year. When these changes occur, the county assessor recalculates the property's market value and applies the current tax rates to determine any additional taxes owed for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Common triggers include completing home additions, finishing basements, adding pools or decks, subdividing property, or change of ownership that removes previous exemptions. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, then prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home improvement is completed in July, and your total tax rate is 6%, you would owe approximately $1,500 ($50,000 × 6% ÷ 2) in supplemental taxes for the remaining half of the year.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home Example:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limits assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming full market value taxation)
  • Combined Tax Rate: ~6.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $18,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,500

$600,000 Home Example:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase protection
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: ~6.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $36,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,000

$1,000,000 Home Example:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limited benefit at higher values
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: ~6.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $60,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $5,000

Note: All tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within Washington County due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County collect property taxes through escrow accounts as part of your monthly mortgage payment. Your lender estimates the annual property tax amount and divides it by 12 months, adding this amount to your principal and interest payment. The lender maintains this money in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Washington County when they become due on May 15 (first half) and October 15 (second half).

Lenders are required to perform an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly payment may increase. Conversely, if taxes decrease or if the escrow account has excess funds, you may receive a refund or see a payment reduction. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking the Washington County property tax records online at www.washingtoncountymn.gov or by contacting the Treasury Department at (651) 430-6175. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for making timely payments to avoid penalties.

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: For the 2025 tax year, first half taxes are due May 15, 2025, and second half taxes are due October 15, 2025. Agricultural land has a special deadline of November 15, 2025.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence and may qualify you for the Property Tax Refund program. You must apply online through the Washington County website or submit form by December 15. This credit requires annual application and is not automatic.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties starting the day after the due date. Penalties compound monthly and can result in additional interest charges and potential tax forfeiture proceedings if left unpaid.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: Washington County assesses all properties annually. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March with values effective for the following tax year. You have until June 30 to appeal your assessment.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Washington County accepts online payments through FIS payment services. eCheck payments cost $0.75 per transaction. You can also use the green payment envelopes included with your tax statement.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on your location, you may pay additional taxes for school districts, watershed districts, tax increment financing (TIF) districts, or special service areas. These vary significantly by property location within the county.

Q: How do I apply for property tax exemptions or credits? A: Most tax credits require annual application through the Washington County Assessor's Office. Contact them at (651) 430-6175 or visit www.washingtoncountymn.gov for specific application forms and deadlines.

Q: What's the difference between market value and taxable value? A: Market value is the assessor's estimate of what your property would sell for. Taxable value is the amount actually subject to taxation after applying any qualifying tax credits or limitations, which must be applied for separately.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Rate Calculation by Authority 2025 (P).xlsmwashingtoncountymn.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 Property Tax Levy & Budgetcottagegrovemn.gov
03
State
TAX STATEMENT 2025web1.co.washington.mn.us
04
County
Property Tax Information | Washington County, MNwashingtoncountymn.gov
05
Tax Doc
New Homeowner Information - Property Taxwashingtoncountymn.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarwashingtoncountymn.gov
07
County
Homestead | Washington County, MN - Official Websitewashingtoncountymn.gov
08
State
TAX STATEMENT 2025web1.co.washington.mn.us
09
County
Washington County Real Estate Taxesnacdashboard.nara.gov
10
Tax Doc
PROPOSED TAXES 2025 1 2 3web1.co.washington.mn.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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