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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hettinger County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate plus local district additions, varies by specific location within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hettinger County, North Dakota operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on market value, with North Dakota's average effective rate around 1% of assessed value. However, your actual tax rate in Hettinger County will vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas.

Property taxes in Hettinger County are collected on a calendar year basis, with assessments typically conducted annually. The county assessor determines your property's market value as of the assessment date, and various taxing entities within the county set their mill levies to generate revenue for local services. Property owners should note that several tax credits are available to reduce your tax burden, but these require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your assessment.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate (Mills)Description
County General25-35General county operations and services
School District120-180K-12 education funding (varies by district)
Township/City10-30Local municipal services
Fire District5-15Fire protection services
Special Assessments5-20Road districts, drainage, other special projects
Total Estimated165-280Combined rate varies by location

Note: These rates are estimates for FY 2024-2025 and vary significantly based on your specific taxing districts within Hettinger County. Contact the Hettinger County Assessor's office for exact rates applicable to your property location. Rates are expressed in mills, where 1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hettinger 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 Hettinger County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to your property during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, completion of additions or improvements, ownership transfers that result in reassessment, or discovery of previously unreported improvements. Unlike the regular annual assessment, supplemental taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year when the change occurred.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, and your combined tax rate is 200 mills (20%), you would owe approximately $500 in supplemental taxes (($50,000 ÷ 1,000) × 200 mills × 6/12 months remaining). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from your regular property tax payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Primary Residence Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Tax Rate: 200 mills (20%)
  • Annual Tax: $5,940
  • Monthly Escrow: $495

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Primary Residence Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (caps assessment growth): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$590,000
  • Tax Rate: 220 mills (22%)
  • Annual Tax: $12,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,082

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Primary Residence Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (assessment growth cap): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$990,000
  • Tax Rate: 240 mills (24%)
  • Annual Tax: $23,760
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,980

Note: All credits require separate applications. Primary Residence Credit application period is January 1 through March 31 annually.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hettinger County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of your property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment and deposits these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Hettinger County when they become due on April 15 and September 15.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing collections, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment. You can request to pay your own property taxes if you have sufficient equity in your home (typically 20% or more), but this requires lender approval and may affect your loan terms. Always verify that your lender has made the required payments by checking with the Hettinger County Treasurer's office.

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 Hettinger County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due April 15 and September 15. You can pay the full amount by the first due date or split the payment between both dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Primary Residence Credit is available for qualifying homeowners but requires an annual application between January 1 and March 31. Additional credits may be available for disabled veterans, elderly residents, or agricultural property. All credits require separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping growth at a certain percentage. This credit does not reduce your home's market value but limits how much your taxable assessment can increase year-over-year. You must apply annually during the application period.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: North Dakota requires annual assessment, but Hettinger County may conduct physical inspections on a rotating cycle. Market value adjustments occur annually based on local real estate trends and sales data.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Hettinger County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you miss the due dates.

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

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must typically be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Hettinger County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Why do my neighbors pay different rates on similar homes? A: Tax rates vary based on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Different school districts, fire districts, and special assessment areas within Hettinger County can result in different total tax rates even for similar properties.

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