HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washoe County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.7002% effective rate for 2024-2025 (varies by district and location)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washoe County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, public safety, roads, libraries, and county operations. The county uses an ad valorem tax system where property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate. For the 2024-2025 tax year, the effective tax rate is approximately 2.7002% of assessed value, though this represents just one tax district configuration.

Property tax rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within Washoe County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and voter-approved bond measures. Properties in Reno, Sparks, or unincorporated areas each have different rate structures. The Nevada Constitution caps total property taxes at $5.00 per $100 of assessed valuation (5%), with an additional 3% cap on assessment increases for primary residences. Most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy~1.0000%Core county services, constitutionally limited
School District~1.2000%Washoe County School District operations
Reno Public Safety0.1684%Municipal public safety services (Reno only)
Reno Road & Street0.2298%Street improvements, expires 6/30/2038 (Reno only)
Reno Fire Facilities0.0715%Fire equipment, expires 6/30/2027 (Reno only)
Sparks Public Safety0.1105%Municipal public safety services (Sparks only)
Senior Citizens Center0.0100%County-wide senior services
Child Protection0.0400%County-wide child protective services

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 and vary by special taxing district. Your specific rate depends on municipal boundaries, school districts, and local improvement districts. Total rates typically range from 2.4% to 3.2% depending on location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washoe 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 are additional property tax bills issued when property ownership changes or new construction is completed during the tax year. These occur because Nevada assesses property annually as of July 1st, but changes happening after that date still generate tax liability for the current year. Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing home additions, or finishing new construction projects.

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a $500,000 home in January that was previously assessed at $300,000, you'd receive a supplemental bill for the $200,000 difference multiplied by your tax rate and prorated for the remaining 5 months of the fiscal year (through June 30th). Supplemental tax bills are due within 30 days of receipt and become delinquent if not paid within that timeframe.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Unincorporated Washoe County)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$3,000 (assessment increase cap benefit)
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.40%
  • Annual Tax: $7,128
  • Monthly Escrow: $594

Example 2: $600,000 Home (City of Reno)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Veteran Credits: -$2,400 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,600
  • Tax Rate: 2.70%
  • Annual Tax: $16,135
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,345

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (City of Sparks)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (assessment growth limitation)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.55%
  • Annual Tax: $25,373
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,114

All credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific tax district location.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county directly when taxes are due. Washoe County property taxes are typically due in four quarterly installments, though specific due dates vary by fiscal year.

Lenders may maintain escrow cushions and conduct annual analyses that can result in escrow payment adjustments. You can verify your property's tax amount and payment status through the Washoe County Treasurer's website at https://www.washoecounty.gov/treasurer/, which provides online payment options and tax history. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, ensure you budget for the full annual amount and understand the quarterly payment schedule to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Washoe County? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are typically due in four quarterly installments. Exact due dates are posted annually on the Treasurer's website. Late payments incur 10% penalty plus 1% interest per month.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Available tax credits include Homestead (caps assessment increases to 3% annually), Senior Citizens, Veterans with disabilities, and Blind exemptions. ALL require annual application through the Assessor's Office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual assessment increases to 3% for your primary residence. It does NOT reduce your home's market value but caps how much your taxable assessment can increase each year. You must apply annually with the Assessor's Office.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Washoe County conducts annual assessments with values effective July 1st each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late winter/early spring with appeal deadlines in early summer.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the County Board of Equalization during the posted appeal period (typically March-April). Contact the Assessor's Office at 775-328-2277 for specific deadlines and forms.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the Treasurer's website at https://www.washoecounty.gov/treasurer/. Credit card processing fees may apply.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Washoe County? A: Tax rates depend on special districts, municipal boundaries, and voter-approved bonds. Reno and Sparks residents pay additional municipal taxes, while rural areas may have different special district assessments.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Property ownership changes, new construction completion, or major improvements trigger supplemental taxes. These bills are due within 30 days and cover the tax difference for the remaining fiscal year.

For detailed information and applications, visit https://www.washoecounty.gov/assessor/ or call 775-328-2277.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Washoe County Assessorwashoecounty.gov
02
Tax Doc
local government finance - property tax rates for nevada ...tax.nv.gov
03
County
TAX RATES FOR 2025/26 WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADAwashoecounty.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025/2026 PROPERTY TAX CAP CLAIM FORMwashoecounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxeswashoecounty.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questionswashoecounty.gov
07
PART III - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONshpo.nv.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate