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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Orange County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.15% average effective rate (varies significantly by municipality and school district)
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Orange County, New York operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local governments and school districts throughout the county. The effective tax rate in Orange County averages around 1.15% for 2025, though this represents a combined rate that includes county taxes, school taxes, and municipal taxes that vary significantly by location.

Actual property tax rates differ considerably across Orange County due to the overlay of multiple taxing jurisdictions and special districts. Residents may pay taxes to the county, their local municipality (city, town, or village), school district, fire district, and other special purpose districts. This layered system means that two properties of identical value in different parts of Orange County can have substantially different tax bills based on their specific location and the services provided by their local taxing districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Orange County0.25% - 0.35%County operations, sheriff, health services
School Districts0.60% - 0.85%Local school district operations and capital
Municipal0.15% - 0.30%City, town, or village services
Fire Districts0.05% - 0.15%Fire protection and emergency services
Library Districts0.02% - 0.08%Public library operations
Total Combined1.07% - 1.73%Varies by specific location

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year. The total effective rate of approximately 1.15% applies to properties receiving maximum available tax credits. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts and jurisdictions throughout Orange County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Orange 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 property taxes in Orange County are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year. The primary triggers include change of ownership (sale or transfer), completion of new construction, or improvements that increase the property's value. When these events occur, a supplemental assessment is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values.

The supplemental tax calculation uses the same tax rate as the regular property tax bill but applies it only to the increased assessed value for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a property sells in January and the new assessment increases the value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $50,000 × 1.15% × (remaining months ÷ 12). The supplemental bill is typically issued 2-4 months after the triggering event and has its own payment due date separate from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$350 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,650
  • Tax Rate: 1.15%
  • Annual Tax: $3,446
  • Monthly Escrow: $287

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$350 (requires application)
  • Senior Citizens Credit: -$200 (requires application, if eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,450
  • Tax Rate: 1.15%
  • Annual Tax: $6,894
  • Monthly Escrow: $574

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • STAR Credit Applied: -$350 (requires application)
  • Veterans Credit: -$150 (requires application, if eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,500
  • Tax Rate: 1.15%
  • Annual Tax: $11,494
  • Monthly Escrow: $958

All tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatically applied. Calculations use the average county rate and actual taxes will vary based on specific district rates.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Orange County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. The lender collects 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, plus an additional cushion typically equal to 2-3 months of tax payments. Orange County's payment schedule varies by municipality, with most areas having installments due November 1st for the first payment, and additional payments due December 10th and April 10th.

Lenders typically pay property tax bills directly to the Orange County tax collector on behalf of homeowners. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct tax bill amount, as supplemental assessments or changes in tax rates can affect the required escrow amount. Homeowners should review their annual escrow analysis statement and can request documentation of tax payments made on their behalf. If you're responsible for paying taxes directly (without escrow), ensure you understand your specific municipality's due dates as they can vary throughout Orange County.

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 Orange County for FY 2024-2025? A: Payment due dates vary by municipality. Most areas have a first installment due November 1st, with subsequent payments due December 10th and April 10th. Contact your specific municipality for exact due dates as they can differ between cities, towns, and villages.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: The main credit is the STAR (School Tax Relief) program which provides up to $350 in school tax relief. Senior Citizens and Veterans may qualify for additional credits. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must apply through your local assessor's office.

Q: How does the STAR Homestead credit work? A: The STAR program provides a credit against school taxes only, not total property taxes. Basic STAR provides a credit on the first $30,000 of assessed value for school tax purposes. Enhanced STAR is available for seniors with income under $90,550. You must apply annually by the deadline set by your municipality.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Orange County? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Orange County. Most towns and cities reassess every 3-6 years, though some areas have annual updates. Contact your local assessor's office for your specific reassessment schedule and current assessment roll information.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can file a grievance with their local Board of Assessment Review. The filing period is typically May 1-31, but varies by municipality. You must file in person or by mail with supporting documentation showing your property's value is less than the assessed amount.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payment penalties vary by municipality but typically range from 5-10% of the unpaid amount, plus interest charges that accrue monthly. Some jurisdictions charge additional fees for processing late payments.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Most municipalities in Orange County offer online payment options through their websites or third-party services. Contact your specific tax collector's office for available payment methods, as options vary between different cities, towns, and villages.

Q: Why do my taxes include charges from multiple districts? A: Orange County properties are typically located within multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions including the county, school district, municipality (city/town/village), fire district, and potentially library or other special districts. Each provides different services and sets their own tax rate, resulting in a combined total on your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
Buying or Selling Property?ocassessor.gov
02
2025 final STAR credit and exemption savings amountstax.ny.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Tax Base Growth Factors for Cities and Townstax.ny.gov
04
County
Deadline to switch to STAR by municipality: Orange Countytax.ny.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Datesnyc.gov
06
Dates To Rememberocassessor.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Search | OC Treasurer-Tax Collectortaxbill.octreasurer.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Billsnyc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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