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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
15.8307% of assessed value (varies by location due to overlapping districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Nebraska operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, municipalities, and various special districts. Property taxes in Washington County are based on actual value assessments, with the certified tax rate for 2025 set at 15.8307% of assessed value. This rate represents one of the primary funding mechanisms for public services throughout the county.

Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Washington County due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, natural resource districts, community college districts, and municipal levies. Property owners may see different effective rates depending on their specific location and which combination of taxing authorities serve their area. The county reassesses properties periodically to maintain current market valuations, and property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Total Certified Rate (2025)15.8307%Combined rate for all taxing authorities
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education funding
MunicipalityVariesCity/village services (if applicable)
Community CollegeVariesMetropolitan Community College District
Natural Resources DistrictVariesPapio-Missouri River NRD or Lower Platte North NRD
Other Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, etc.

Note: The 15.8307% rate applies to Fiscal Year 2025. Individual component rates vary by specific location within Washington County based on which taxing districts serve each property. Contact the Washington County Assessor for your specific district breakdown.

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 triggered when significant changes occur to a property after the annual assessment date but before the tax year begins. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, ownership changes that remove agricultural exemptions, or corrections to assessment errors. These supplemental assessments ensure that properties are taxed appropriately based on their current status and value.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the original and revised assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year affected. For example, if new construction worth $100,000 is completed halfway through the tax year, the supplemental tax would be approximately $791.54 ($100,000 × 15.8307% ÷ 2), added to the regular annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): Variable based on county average
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$290,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $290,000 × 15.8307% = $4,591
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $383

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): Variable based on county average
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$590,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $590,000 × 15.8307% = $4,340
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $779

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): Variable based on county average
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$990,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $990,000 × 15.8307% = $15,672
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,306

Note: Homestead exemption amounts vary and require annual application. These examples assume qualification and typical exemption amounts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and hold funds in escrow to pay annual tax bills on your behalf. The escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law.

Property tax bills in Washington County are typically due in two installments, and lenders usually pay these directly to the county treasurer when due. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making timely payments, as owners remain ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow. You can monitor payments through the Washington County Treasurer's online portal and should review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funding for any tax increases.

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

When are property taxes due for the current fiscal year?
Property taxes are typically due in two equal installments. Contact the Washington County Treasurer for specific due dates for 2025 taxes, as payment schedules vary by county in Nebraska.

What tax credits are available and do they require applications?
The primary tax credit is the Homestead Exemption, which requires annual application between February 2 and June 30, 2025. This credit is available for qualifying homeowners and disabled individuals. Additional credits may be available for veterans and elderly residents - all require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

How does the Homestead Exemption work?
The Homestead Exemption reduces your taxable assessed value up to the greater of $95,000 or 200% of the county's average assessed value for single-family homes. This is a tax credit that must be applied for annually using Form 458 filed with the Washington County Assessor.

When does the county reassess properties?
Nebraska law requires counties to reassess properties periodically. Contact the Washington County Assessor for the current assessment schedule and to learn when your property was last reassessed.

What are the penalties for late property tax payments?
Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Washington County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment grace periods.

Can I pay property taxes online?
Check the Washington County Treasurer's website for available online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees.

How do I appeal my property assessment?
Property owners can appeal assessments by filing with the Washington County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period. Contact the County Assessor for appeal deadlines, required forms, and procedures.

Why do tax rates vary within Washington County?
Tax rates differ based on which combination of special districts serve your property, including school districts, natural resource districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Your specific rate depends on your exact location within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Washington County Public Access > Property Detailwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
02
County
Washington County Public Access > Property Detailwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
03
Tax Doc
2025 Certificate of Taxes Levied Reports (CTL) as of ...revenue.nebraska.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Year 2025 Homestead Exemptionrevenue.nebraska.gov
05
Information Guide - Nebraska Department of Revenuerevenue.nebraska.gov
06
Nebraska Homestead Exemptionrevenue.nebraska.gov
07
County
Washington County, Nebraskaco.washington.ne.us
08
Bill Search Matchesnebraskalegislature.gov
09
State
STATE OF NEBRASKA PROPERTY TAX DIVISIONrevenue.nebraska.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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