Q: When are Klamath County property taxes due for FY 2024-2025?
A: Property taxes are due November 15th each year. For the current tax year, payments must be postmarked by November 15, 2024, to avoid interest charges and maintain any available discounts.
Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply?
A: Oregon offers several tax credits that require annual application, including the Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program, Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption, and the Homestead Property Tax Exemption. None of these are automatic - you must apply through the Klamath County Assessor's Office by April 1st of each year.
Q: How does the Homestead Property Tax Exemption work?
A: The Homestead Exemption can exempt up to $250,000 of assessed value for qualifying homeowners, but requires annual application and income verification. This is a true exemption that reduces your taxable assessed value, not just a credit against taxes owed.
Q: When are properties reassessed in Klamath County?
A: Oregon law requires all properties to be assessed annually based on real market value as of January 1st each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring, with appeal deadlines in early fall.
Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments?
A: Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes after November 15th at a rate set annually by the state. Properties become delinquent if taxes remain unpaid by May 15th of the following year, potentially leading to foreclosure proceedings.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Yes, Klamath County offers online payment options through their website. You can also pay by mail, in person at the county offices, or authorize your mortgage company to pay through escrow.
Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill?
A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all special districts serving your property, such as fire districts, library districts, school bonds, and local improvement districts. The combination varies by location within the county, which is why tax rates differ between neighborhoods.
Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment?
A: Major events that can trigger supplemental taxes include property sales, completion of new construction, significant remodeling that adds value, or subdivision of land. The supplemental tax covers the difference in assessed value for the remaining portion of the current tax year.
