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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wells County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wells 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
Varies by district - base county rate plus school district and special assessments (typically 1.2% to 2.8% total)
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wells County, North Dakota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate, which varies based on your specific location within the county due to different special taxing districts such as school districts, townships, and special assessment areas.

The property tax system in Wells County is administered at the county level, with assessment and collection handled by the county assessor and treasurer's offices. Property owners should be aware that tax rates can vary significantly within the county boundaries depending on which special taxing districts serve their property. The county follows North Dakota's standard assessment practices, with most residential property assessed at full market value as determined by the county assessor.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on the adopted budget for levy year 2025, Wells County property tax rates include:

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
Operating Funds$7.01609General county operations and services
Special Road Tax$0.56572County road maintenance and improvements
Debt Service$0.09621County debt obligations
Base County Total$7.67802Combined county-only rate

Note: These rates apply only to county levies. Additional taxes from school districts, townships, cities, and other special taxing districts will be added to your total tax bill. Your actual total tax rate will be higher and varies by location within Wells County. Contact the Wells County Assessor's office for your specific total tax rate including all applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wells County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
May 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Wells County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are typically triggered by significant changes to your property such as new construction, major improvements, or changes in ownership that affect the property's assessed value during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in July, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated by applying your total tax rate to the $50,000 increase in assessed value, then prorating for July through December.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property taxes for Wells County properties, using the base county rate of $7.67802 per $1,000 of assessed value. Note: These examples do not include school district, city, or other special district taxes, which will significantly increase your actual tax bill.

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if eligible): Varies by application
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual County Tax: $2,303.41
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$192

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if eligible): Varies by application
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual County Tax: $4,606.81
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$384

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if eligible): Varies by application
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual County Tax: $7,678.02
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$640

Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Wells County Assessor for available credits and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wells County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects a monthly amount as part of your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to Wells County when they become due. The escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional buffer amount.

Property taxes in Wells County are due January 1st and can be paid in two equal installments with due dates of May 10th and November 10th for the current tax year (2026). If you have an escrow account, your lender will typically make the first payment by May 10th and the second payment by November 10th. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your monthly escrow amount is calculated and any adjustments needed based on actual tax bills.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Wells County? A: Property taxes are due January 1st each year. For the current tax year 2026, payments can be made in two equal installments due May 10, 2026 and November 10, 2026, or paid in full by May 10th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: North Dakota offers a Homestead Tax Credit that requires application. This credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Contact the Wells County Assessor's office for available credits, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines, as credits are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically limiting year-over-year taxable value growth. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic. Contact the county assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: North Dakota law requires properties to be assessed annually, though not all properties receive physical inspections each year. The county assessor reviews market data and may adjust assessments based on sales activity and market trends.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Wells County Board of Equalization. Appeals must typically be filed by a specific deadline after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Wells County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to interest and penalties as specified by North Dakota law. Contact the Wells County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if your taxes are delinquent.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Wells County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many North Dakota counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Wells County based on special taxing districts such as school districts, townships, cities, and special assessment areas. Properties in different locations may be served by different combinations of these districts, resulting in different total tax rates.

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
Property Tax Assessment Processtax.nd.gov
02
Treasurertreasurer.wellscounty90.us
03
Tax Doc
2025 SENATE FINANCE AND TAXATION SB 2320ndlegis.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Deadlinestax.nd.gov
05
Tax Doc
Treasurer Tax Informationweld.gov
06
Tax Doc
DLGF: Property Tax Due Datesin.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credits & Exemptionstax.nd.gov
08
Tax Doc
2025 HOUSE FINANCE AND TAXATION HB 1335ndlegis.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Property Tax Credit and Renter's Refundtax.nd.gov
10
County
WELLS COUNTY - Fessenden, North Dakotand.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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