HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Nelson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
12.0¢ per $100 assessed value (base county rate), varies by special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Nelson County, North Dakota operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, county operations, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government services in the county, with the tax rate set annually based on budgetary needs and assessed property values.

The county's property tax rate for 2025 is set at 12.0 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value, designed to generate $5,552,464 in revenue. However, your actual tax rate may vary depending on your location within Nelson County, as additional special taxing districts such as school districts, park districts, water resource boards, and other local authorities may impose additional levies. Property is assessed at true and full market value with no assessment cap, meaning your assessed value should reflect current market conditions.

Tax bills are typically issued annually, with payment options available in installments throughout the year to help property owners manage their tax obligations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Levy12.0¢Base county operations, services, and infrastructure (FY 2025)
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
Special Assessment DistrictsVariesWater resource districts, park districts, townships
City/Municipal LevyVariesApplicable only within city limits

Note: The rates shown reflect the levy year 2025. Your total effective tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Properties in incorporated cities will have additional municipal levies, while rural properties may have different combinations of township and special district assessments. Contact the Nelson County Assessor's office to determine the specific rate applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Nelson 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 Nelson County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements after the annual assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that reveal higher market values, or corrections to previous assessments.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 addition to your home in July and the county tax rate is 12.0¢ per $100 of value, you would owe approximately $600 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 0.0012 × 0.5 years remaining). These bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Credits: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (12.0¢ rate): $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Disabled Veteran Credit: -$150 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,850
  • Annual Tax (12.0¢ rate): $7,198
  • Monthly Escrow: $600

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit: Varies (caps assessment increases, not reductions)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (12.0¢ rate): $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,000

Important: Tax credits require annual applications by February 1st and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts in your area.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Nelson County properties, collecting monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment to ensure timely tax payment. Your lender estimates annual property taxes and divides by 12, often maintaining a cushion of 1-2 months' worth of taxes as required by federal regulations.

Escrow payments are due to your lender monthly, but the actual property tax payments to Nelson County follow the county's schedule: first installment due April 15th, second installment due October 15th, with final payment due December 31st. Your lender monitors these due dates and makes payments directly to the county treasurer. You should receive annual escrow analysis statements showing how your payments were applied and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment 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 Nelson County property taxes due for 2025? A: First installment is due April 15, 2025, second installment October 15, 2025, and final payment December 31, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: North Dakota offers various tax credits including disabled veteran credits, senior citizen credits, and agricultural land credits. Applications must be filed annually with the County Assessor by February 1st. These are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's assessed value. You must file an application to receive this protection against rapid assessment growth.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: North Dakota requires annual assessment updates to reflect current market values. The County Assessor reviews property values each year with formal notices sent if significant changes occur.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. Contact the Nelson County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Nelson County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Equalization during their annual meeting period, typically in April-May. Contact the County Assessor for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary by location due to different combinations of school districts, water resource districts, park districts, and municipal boundaries. Your total rate reflects all taxing authorities serving your specific property location.

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
TAX REFORM AND RELIEF ADVISORY COMMITTEEndlegis.gov
02
Tax Doc
Motor Vehicle Property Tax Rates 2025 ( ...revenue.ky.gov
03
County
March-18-2025-BOS-Packet.pdf - Nelson Countynelsoncounty-va.gov
04
County
Nelson Countyportalapps.nd.gov
05
County
Tax Rates – Nelson County Virginianelsoncounty-va.gov
06
State
Property Tax | North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissionertax.nd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions & Creditstax.nd.gov
08
A Study of a Closed-basin Lake Flood by Pahermes.cde.state.co.us
09
Senate Bill No. 2363ndlegis.gov
10
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate