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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cavalier County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate plus overlapping districts (varies by location within county)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cavalier County, North Dakota operates under the state's property tax system with a base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value. Property taxes in Cavalier County fund essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county conducts periodic countywide property tax reappraisals to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions.

Effective tax rates in Cavalier County vary by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, water resource districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners may see different rates depending on which combination of taxing jurisdictions their property falls within. North Dakota does not impose an assessment cap, meaning property values can increase to full market value during reappraisal years.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding and operations
Special DistrictsVariesWater districts, fire districts, other local services
Total Effective Rate~1.0%Combined rate of all applicable districts

Note: Specific levy rates for the current fiscal year are not available in public records. Tax rates vary significantly by property location within Cavalier County based on which special taxing districts apply. Contact the Cavalier County Assessor's office for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cavalier 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 Cavalier County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine additional taxes owed.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and your property is reassessed, you would owe supplemental taxes on that increased value for the remainder of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 increase × applicable tax rate) × (months remaining in tax year ÷ 12 months). These supplemental taxes are billed separately from regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): ~$3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): ~$6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): ~$10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$833

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatic. Contact the Cavalier County Assessor for available credits and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cavalier County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due. The lender estimates your annual tax liability and divides it by 12 for monthly collection.

Property taxes in Cavalier County are typically due in late spring, with specific due dates varying by year. Lenders usually pay taxes before the due date to avoid penalties. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reappraisal or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly.

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 Cavalier County? A: Property tax due dates are typically in May, though specific dates may vary by year. Check with the Cavalier County Treasurer's office for current year due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: North Dakota offers a homestead property tax credit for eligible residents. This credit requires a separate application and is not automatic. Contact the Cavalier County Assessor's office for application forms and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit in North Dakota helps limit property tax increases for qualifying homeowners. It requires annual application and has specific eligibility criteria including residency requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Cavalier County? A: Cavalier County conducts periodic countywide property tax reappraisals. The frequency varies, but reappraisals typically occur every few years to ensure assessments reflect current market values.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can appeal to the local board of equalization. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines following assessment notices.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to overdue property taxes. Contact the Cavalier County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

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

Q: Why did my taxes increase even though rates didn't change? A: Tax increases can result from property reappraisal, new special district assessments, or changes in local government budgets that affect tax rates within your specific taxing districts.

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