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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington County, NY. 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
$5.56 per $1,000 assessed value average, varies significantly by municipality and special districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, New York operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including county government operations, public schools, town services, fire protection, and highway maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these jurisdictions, with tax bills reflecting a combination of county, school district, town, and special district levies that vary by location within the county.

The effective property tax rate in Washington County averages approximately $5.56 per $1,000 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, though actual rates vary significantly by municipality and special taxing districts. For example, properties in Cambridge face different rates than those in Argyle or Dresden due to varying local service needs and equalization rates. Property owners receive a single tax bill that combines all applicable jurisdictions, making Washington County's system relatively straightforward compared to other New York counties.

Property assessments are based on market value as of the annual taxable status date of March 1st, with assessment rolls filed by May 1st. The county's Real Property Tax Services department coordinates assessment information across all municipalities and provides taxpayer assistance at 518-746-2130.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

2025 Tax Year Rates (per $1,000 assessed value):

ComponentExample Rate RangeDescription
County Rate$5.22 - $6.41Washington County operations, services
Town Rate$2.37 - $3.33Municipal services, varies by town
Highway Rate$0.72 - $0.95Road maintenance (outside villages)
Fire Protection$0.32 - $0.46Fire district services where applicable
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations

Note: Rates shown are examples from Argyle and Cambridge for the 2025 levy year. Your actual rate depends on your specific location and applicable special districts. Equalization rates also affect the final calculation, ranging from 83% to 100% depending on the municipality. Contact Washington County Real Property Tax Services at 518-746-2130 for your specific rate combination.

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 by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the March 1st taxable status date. When these events happen, the county assessor determines the additional assessed value and applies the current tax rates to calculate the supplemental amount.

The supplemental tax covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in July, you would receive a supplemental bill for the increased assessed value from July through the following May when the regular tax year ends. The calculation uses the same tax rates as your regular bill but applies only to the net increase in assessed value.

Supplemental bills are issued separately from regular tax bills and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date. These taxes are in addition to, not instead of, your regular property tax obligations.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Tax Credits: STAR Basic ($1,000 estimated savings)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (STAR reduces school tax portion)
  • Tax Rate: $5.56 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,668 - $1,000 STAR = $1,668
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $139

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Applicable Tax Credits: STAR Basic ($1,000 estimated savings)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $5.56 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $3,336 - $1,000 STAR = $3,336
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $278

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Applicable Tax Credits: Enhanced STAR (if age 65+, income qualified)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $5.56 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $5,560 (minus applicable STAR savings)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $463

Note: STAR program credits require annual application and reduce school tax portions specifically. Actual rates vary by location within Washington County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for loans exceeding 80% loan-to-value ratio. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill plus insurance premiums, holding these funds in a non-interest-bearing escrow account until taxes are due.

Lenders typically pay property taxes directly to Washington County before the due dates to avoid penalties. You should receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. Since tax rates can change annually, your monthly escrow payment may increase or decrease based on actual tax bills and assessment changes.

If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for making payments by the due dates established by your specific municipality. Contact your town or village office for exact payment schedules, as these vary throughout Washington County. Late payments typically incur interest charges and potential penalties that can affect your credit rating.

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: Due dates vary by municipality within Washington County. Contact your local town or village office for specific payment schedules, as they differ across the county.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The STAR program provides school tax relief and requires annual application. Senior Citizens Exemption and Veterans Exemption are also available but require separate applications with specific deadlines. Contact Real Property Tax Services at 518-746-2130 for applications.

Q: When is the deadline for exemption applications? A: March 1st is the deadline for all exemption applications, which is also the taxable status date for assessments.

Q: How does the assessment process work? A: Property assessments are based on market value as of March 1st annually. The tentative assessment roll is filed by May 1st. Property owners can review and challenge assessments during the grievance period following assessment roll filing.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and potential penalties. Exact penalty structures vary by municipality within Washington County. Contact your local tax collector for specific late payment policies.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by municipality within Washington County. Contact your local tax collector or visit the Washington County website to determine available online payment options for your specific location.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase even though tax rates stayed the same? A: Your property's assessed value may have increased due to market changes, improvements, or reassessment. Even with stable tax rates, higher assessed values result in higher tax bills.

Q: What is an equalization rate and how does it affect my taxes? A: Equalization rates ensure fair distribution of county and school taxes across municipalities with different assessment practices. Washington County municipalities have equalization rates ranging from 83% to 100%, which affects how your local assessment translates to taxable value for certain tax components.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
TOWN TAX PURPOSE 2024 2025washingtoncountyny.gov
02
County
Washington County Public Access > Property Detailwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
03
2025 Budget Packetwashingtoncountyny.gov
04
County
Important Dates | Washington County, NY - Official Websitewashingtoncountyny.gov
05
Tax Doc
2020 Are you missing out on tax advantages? Be Aware ...washingtoncountyny.gov
06
State
Form ST-100 New York State and Local Quarterly ... - Tax.NY.govtax.ny.gov
07
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax Servicewashingtoncountyny.gov
08
County
Money Matters | Washington County, NY - Official Websitewashingtoncountyny.gov
09
County
WASHINGTON COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICESwashingtoncountyny.gov
10
County
News Flash • Washington County, NY • CivicEngagewashingtoncountyny.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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