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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Benton County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.50% to 1%+ of assessed value (varies by taxing districts)
1st Due
Nov 15
2nd Due
Feb 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Benton County, Oregon operates under Oregon's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. The county's effective property tax rate varies by location within the county, typically ranging from approximately 0.50% to over 1% of assessed value, depending on the specific taxing districts that serve each property. Oregon uses a real market value assessment system with periodic revaluations to maintain current property values.

Property tax bills in Benton County reflect a combination of county-wide levies and local special district assessments. Since Oregon has numerous special taxing districts for services like schools, fire departments, water districts, and library systems, your actual tax rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location. The county assessor determines assessed values, while individual taxing districts set their levy rates to fund their operations and approved bond measures.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate~0.50%Core county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operational levies and bonds
Fire/EMS DistrictsVariesFire protection and emergency medical services
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library system funding
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, park, and other local service districts
Soil & Water Conservation0.0000500Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2025-26. Your total effective rate depends on which combination of taxing districts serve your property location. Most properties see total rates between 0.50% and 1.20% of assessed value. Contact the Benton County Assessor for your specific district combination and exact rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 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 Benton County are triggered by events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year, most commonly ownership transfers or completion of new construction/major improvements. When these events occur, the county assessor establishes a new assessed value, and supplemental taxes are calculated on the difference between the old and new assessments for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $400,000 but sells for $600,000, the assessor may increase the assessed value to reflect current market value. You would owe supplemental taxes on the $200,000 increase, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. If this occurs in January with 10 months remaining and your total tax rate is 1%, you would owe approximately $1,667 in supplemental taxes ($200,000 × 1% × 10/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$600 (if qualified and applied)
  • Effective Tax Rate: 1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $2,994
  • Monthly Escrow: $249.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$600 (if qualified and applied)
  • Effective Tax Rate: 1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $5,994
  • Monthly Escrow: $499.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$600 (if qualified and applied)
  • Effective Tax Rate: 1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $9,994
  • Monthly Escrow: $832.83

Note: Homestead credit requires annual application and is not automatic. Actual tax rates vary significantly based on your property's specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Benton County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment to ensure taxes are paid on time. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential increases. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Benton County by the November 15 deadline.

Each year, your lender must provide an escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking your account online at the Benton County website or calling the tax office. If you pay off your mortgage, you become responsible for making property tax payments directly to the county by the November 15 deadline.

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 Benton County? A: Property taxes are due November 15th each year. Full payment by this date qualifies for a 3% discount. For Tax Year 2025-26, the deadline is November 15, 2025.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available? A: Benton County residents may qualify for up to $600 in homestead tax credit if their primary residence is in the county. This credit requires annual application and is not automatic - you must file paperwork to receive it regardless of age or income level.

Q: How does Oregon's homestead exemption work? A: Oregon's homestead exemption limits assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping annual growth at 3%. This prevents dramatic tax increases when market values rise quickly, but you must file an application to receive this protection.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments after November 15 incur interest charges. Contact the Benton County Tax Office at (541) 766-6756 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, you can pay online through the county website or by calling (866) 898-2918. In-person payments are accepted at 4500 SW Research Way.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Oregon law requires properties to be assessed at real market value. Benton County conducts regular revaluations to maintain current assessments, with major reappraisal cycles occurring periodically.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Benton County Board of Property Tax Appeals. Contact the Assessor's Office for forms, deadlines, and procedures for challenging your assessed value.

Q: Where can I view my property tax information online? A: Access certified property values and tax statements at https://apps.benton-or.helioncloud.com/PSO/ on the County Assessor's website.

Q: Do senior citizens qualify for additional tax relief? A: Oregon offers various senior property tax deferral and exemption programs. Contact the Benton County Assessor's office to learn about age-based credits and deferrals that require separate applications.

Q: What if my property is in multiple taxing districts? A: Your tax bill will include all applicable district levies based on your property's location. The total rate varies significantly across Benton County depending on which combination of school, fire, library, and other special districts serve your area.

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