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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Multnomah County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.4% of assessed value
1st Due
Nov 15
2nd Due
Feb 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Multnomah County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, fire protection, parks, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes in Multnomah County are collected annually and calculated based on the assessed value of real property within the county boundaries. The county encompasses Portland and surrounding communities, making it Oregon's most populous county with diverse property tax needs.

The effective property tax rate in Multnomah County typically ranges from 1.0% to 1.4% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and the various taxing districts that serve your property. Unlike some states, Oregon does not have a statewide assessment cap, allowing property values to be reassessed annually based on current market conditions. Tax statements are mailed before October 25 each year, with the county offering multiple payment options to accommodate different taxpayer preferences.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Multnomah County Base~$4.58 per $1,000Core county services, administration, public safety
School Districts$5.00-$8.00 per $1,000Local school district operations and bonds
Fire Districts$1.50-$3.00 per $1,000Fire protection and emergency services
Library District~$0.80 per $1,000Multnomah County Library system
Parks & Recreation$0.50-$1.50 per $1,000Local parks and recreation services
Soil & Water Conservation~$0.05 per $1,000Environmental conservation programs
Urban Renewal Districts$0.50-$2.00 per $1,000Development and infrastructure improvements
Port of Portland~$0.20 per $1,000Airport and marine facilities (select areas)

Note: Actual rates vary by specific levy code area within Multnomah County. Total combined rates typically range from $10.00-$14.00 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Multnomah 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 Multnomah County are triggered by significant changes to property during the tax year, primarily ownership changes and new construction or major improvements. When you purchase property or complete substantial renovations, the county assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the current tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on how many months remain in the tax year after the change occurred. For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $400,000 but now has a market value of $500,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $100,000 difference for the remaining 11 months of the tax year. At a rate of $12 per $1,000, this would result in approximately $1,100 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 ÷ 1,000 × $12 × 11/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homeowner Exemptions: $0 (check with assessor for available exemptions)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $12.00 per $1,000 (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homeowner Exemptions: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $12.50 per $1,000 (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $7,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $625

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homeowner Exemptions: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $13.00 per $1,000 (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $13,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,083

Note: Actual tax rates vary by location within Multnomah County based on your specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Multnomah County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill and holds these funds in escrow until taxes become due. Multnomah County tax bills are typically mailed before October 25, with taxes due in three installments on November 15, February 15, and May 15.

It's important to verify that your lender receives and pays your tax bills correctly, as you remain ultimately responsible for timely payment even when using escrow. You can monitor your property tax account and verify payments through the county's online system. If you pay your mortgage off or no longer have an escrow account, you'll need to make payments directly to the county.

For detailed payment options and methods, visit the official Multnomah County payment portal at: https://multco.us/assessment-taxation/property-tax-payment-options

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 Multnomah County? A: Property taxes are typically due in three installments: November 15, February 15, and May 15, following the October mailing of tax statements.

Q: How do I pay my property taxes online? A: You can pay online through the county's partnership with Point and Pay, using your bank account or credit card. Visit the payment portal for secure online payments.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. If taxes remain unpaid, the county may initiate collection actions including potential tax lien procedures.

Q: How is my property's assessed value determined? A: Multnomah County assesses property annually based on market value, considering recent sales of comparable properties, property characteristics, and market conditions.

Q: Can I appeal my property tax assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal if you believe your assessment is incorrect. Appeals must be filed by a specific deadline, typically in December following the tax year.

Q: Are there any exemptions available for homeowners? A: Various exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, and other qualifying situations. Contact the county assessor's office to determine eligibility.

Q: How do I look up my property tax information? A: Use the county's online property lookup system at multcoproptax.com to view your property account, values, and tax information.

Q: What if I can't afford to pay my property taxes? A: Multnomah County may offer payment plan options for qualifying taxpayers. Contact the Assessment, Recording & Taxation department to discuss available options.

For more information and resources, visit: https://multco.us/assessment-taxation

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