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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Barnes County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Barnes County, ND. 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
Approximately 1% of assessed value, varies by taxing district combination
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Barnes County, North Dakota operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Barnes County are calculated based on assessed values that represent 50% of the true and full market value of all taxable property, with tax rates applied to this assessed valuation.

The effective property tax rates in Barnes County typically range around the state average of approximately 1%, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. These districts may include school districts, park districts, water districts, and other local improvement districts that can add to your total tax burden. Property owners should expect their exact tax rate to differ based on which municipal boundaries and special assessment areas their property falls within.

Property tax rates are set annually based on local budget needs and are finalized closer to each tax year. The county uses these revenues to maintain rural roads, provide law enforcement, support the court system, and fund various county services that benefit all residents and property owners throughout Barnes County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General LevyTBDBasic county operations, roads, law enforcement
School District LevyVariesK-12 education funding (varies by district)
Township/Municipal LevyVariesLocal municipal services where applicable
Special Assessment DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, park districts as applicable
Total Effective Rate~1.0%Combined rate on assessed value

Note: Specific rates for FY 2025-2026 are set annually and finalized closer to the tax year. The total effective rate shown represents the approximate combined levy rate applied to assessed valuation (50% of market value). Your actual rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location.

Special district variations mean that two properties of identical value in different parts of Barnes County may have different total tax bills based on their specific combination of local taxing authorities and special assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Barnes 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 Barnes County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that alter the assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include the completion of new home construction, major renovations that add square footage or significantly improve property value, and certain types of ownership transfers that may affect exemption eligibility.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The supplemental bill covers the period from when the change became effective through the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in September that increases your assessed value by $25,000 (50% of market value), you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately 7 months (September through March) calculated as: $25,000 × current tax rate × 7/12 months. This supplemental amount would be due in addition to your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $150,000
  • Minus Homestead Credit (if eligible): Varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$150,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): ~$1,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$125

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $300,000
  • Minus Homestead Credit (if eligible): Varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): ~$3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $500,000
  • Minus Available Credits (if eligible): Limited at higher incomes
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$500,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): ~$5,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$417

Note: Homestead Property Tax Credit eligibility and amounts depend on income levels and require annual application. Credits are not automatic and must be filed with the county. Actual tax rates vary by special district combinations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Barnes County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though some borrowers choose escrow for convenience even when not required. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and holds these funds in a separate account to pay your property taxes when due.

Property taxes in Barnes County are typically due by April 15 each year, so lenders usually pay the county treasurer directly around this time using your accumulated escrow funds. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how much was collected, paid out, and any shortage or surplus in your account. If tax assessments increase significantly, you may need to increase your monthly escrow payment or pay a shortage amount.

It's important to verify that your lender pays your taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for the payment even when using escrow. You can check payment status through the Barnes County Treasurer's office or their online portal. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, remember that late payments after April 15 will incur penalties and interest charges that compound monthly.

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 Barnes County? A: Property taxes are typically due by April 15 each year. For the current FY 2025-2026 tax year, the deadline is April 15, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which requires annual application and is based on income eligibility. This credit must be filed - it is not automatic. Contact the Barnes County Assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit helps limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value directly. It caps how much your assessment can grow year-over-year and must be applied for annually. It does not automatically reduce your home's assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: North Dakota conducts property assessments annually, with values typically reflecting market conditions as of the assessment date. You'll receive notice of any assessment changes with appeal information.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment through the Barnes County Board of Equalization. Appeal deadlines and procedures will be included with your assessment notice.

Q: Are there penalties for late payment? A: Yes, late payments after April 15 incur penalties and monthly interest charges. Contact the Barnes County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Barnes County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Barnes County? A: Different areas fall under different combinations of school districts, municipal boundaries, and special assessment districts (water, sewer, parks), creating varying total tax rates across the county.

Q: What exemptions are available for seniors or disabled persons? A: Contact the Barnes County Assessor to inquire about available exemptions for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons. Most require application and income qualification.

Q: How do special assessments affect my tax bill? A: Special assessments for improvements like road work, water/sewer projects, or other infrastructure are added to your regular property tax bill and may be payable over several years depending on the project financing.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2680 - Barnes Countybarnescounty.us
02
2025 - RANSOM - DOPP.pdftax.nd.gov
03
County
Official Website of Barnes County, North Dakota -barnescounty.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Deadlinestax.nd.gov
05
State
Property Tax | North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissionertax.nd.gov
06
VALLEY CITY 2045valleycity.us
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Property Tax Credit and Renter's Refundtax.nd.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions & Creditstax.nd.gov
09
PDF TIFF Wrapperapps.irs.gov
10
Brandy Johnson, Author at City of Valley City – Page 38 of 48c02ctyweb.co.barnes.nd.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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