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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Umatilla County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Around 20.85 mills ($20.85 per $1,000 assessed value), varies significantly by special taxing districts
1st Due
Nov 15
2nd Due
May 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Umatilla County, Oregon operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, public safety, road maintenance, and special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on your property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which is expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The effective tax rate varies significantly across different areas within Umatilla County due to the overlay of multiple special taxing districts.

For the 2025-26 tax year, property owners in Umatilla County can expect tax rates that vary by location, with some areas seeing rates around 20.8499 mills. Your actual rate depends on which special districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, ambulance services, and other local improvement districts. Unlike some states, Oregon does not have a statewide assessment cap, meaning your assessed value can increase based on market conditions and improvements to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Base County LevyVariesGeneral county operations, roads, public safety
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
Ambulance DistrictIncluded in 20.8499Umatilla County Ambulance Area Health District
Fire DistrictsVariesLocal fire protection services
Other Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, library, park districts as applicable
Sample Total Rate20.8499Levy Year 2025-26 (example area)

Note: This rate of 20.8499 mills applies specifically to properties within the Umatilla County Ambulance Area Health District for tax year 2025-26. Your actual rate will differ based on your property's location and the specific combination of taxing districts that serve your area. Contact the Umatilla County Assessor's office to determine your property's exact tax rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 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 Umatilla County are triggered when there are changes to your property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include ownership changes, new construction, completion of major improvements, or corrections to the assessment roll. When a supplemental assessment occurs, you'll receive an additional tax bill covering the difference between your original assessment and the new assessed value.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference in assessed values and multiplying it by your property's tax rate, then prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if your home was originally assessed at $400,000 but new construction increased the assessment to $500,000 in March, you would owe supplemental taxes on the additional $100,000 of assessed value for the remaining nine months of the tax year. County tax collectors must send out supplemental tax statements, and these follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Tax Credit (if eligible): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,000
  • Tax Rate: 20.8499 mills
  • Annual Tax: $6,234 ($299,000 × 0.0208499)
  • Monthly Escrow: $519

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,500
  • Tax Rate: 20.8499 mills
  • Annual Tax: $12,503 ($599,500 × 0.0208499)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,042

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applied Tax Credits: $0 (high-value properties typically don't qualify)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 20.8499 mills
  • Annual Tax: $20,850 ($1,000,000 × 0.0208499)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,738

Note: Tax credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Calculations use sample rate - your actual rate may differ based on location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Umatilla County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds in a separate escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting your monthly payment if necessary.

Since Umatilla County sends tax bills by October 25th each year, lenders usually receive and pay the taxes according to the county's payment schedule. The county offers quarterly payment options, with first-quarter taxes due February 15th and second-quarter taxes due April 15th. If your escrow account has a shortage, your lender may spread the deficit over 12 months while increasing your monthly payment. Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes on time to avoid penalties, and you can check payment status through the county's online portal.

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 Umatilla County for tax year 2025-26? A: First-quarter taxes are due February 15th, and second-quarter taxes are due April 15th. Tax statements are mailed by October 25th each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Oregon offers several tax credits including the Senior and Disabled Citizen Credit, Veterans' Disability Credit, and homestead credits. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must apply by April 15th each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit can limit assessment increases on your primary residence, not reduce the market value. Up to $250,000 of assessed value may be exempt in participating counties. You must file annually by April 15th, and this requires application - it's not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Oregon conducts annual assessments, but you can appeal your assessment if you believe it's incorrect. Appeal deadlines and procedures are included with your tax statement.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Umatilla County Tax Collector for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Umatilla County offers online payment options. Visit the county's official website for secure payment processing and account information.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax rates can change annually based on local budget needs, voter-approved bonds, and special district requirements. Even with the same assessment, rate increases will raise your tax bill.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my bill? A: Your location determines which fire district, school district, and other special districts serve your property. Each adds to your total tax rate, which is why rates vary significantly within the county.

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