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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington County, RI. 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
1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value (varies by municipality and special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Rhode Island operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, public schools, municipal operations, and county services. Property taxes in Washington County are administered at the municipal level, with each town and city within the county responsible for assessment, billing, and collection. The effective tax rates across Washington County municipalities typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by location.

Property tax rates within Washington County vary considerably depending on your specific municipality and the special taxing districts that serve your property. Each town sets its own tax rate based on local budget needs, and additional assessments may apply for school districts, fire districts, or other special service areas. The county uses a market value assessment system with periodic revaluations to ensure properties are assessed at fair market value. Unlike some states, Rhode Island does not impose a statewide assessment cap, allowing local assessors to adjust values based on current market conditions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
General Revenue$0.23-47Municipal operations, public safety, infrastructure
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding (rates vary significantly by municipality)
Fire DistrictVaries by districtFire protection services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesSewer, water, or other district services
Total Effective Rate$10.00-$15.00+Combined rate varies by location within county

Note: Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026. Actual rates vary significantly by municipality within Washington County. Contact your local tax assessor for precise current rates. Special taxing districts can add substantial amounts to your total tax bill depending on your property's location and the services provided.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Washington County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment roll is completed, a supplemental assessment is issued to capture the additional tax liability for the remaining portion of the tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, applying the current tax rate to that difference, and prorating it for the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in January valued at $500,000, but the previous assessed value for the vacant lot was $100,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $400,000 difference for the full tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$15,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $285,000
  • Annual Tax (at $12.50/$1,000): $3,562.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $297

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$30,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $570,000
  • Annual Tax (at $12.50/$1,000): $7,125.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $594

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$50,000 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Annual Tax (at $12.50/$1,000): $11,875.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $990

Note: Homestead and other credits require annual application and are not automatic. Tax rates used are examples - actual rates vary by municipality and special districts within Washington County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the appropriate municipality when bills become due in November.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly escrow amount. You have the right to receive detailed escrow statements and can request elimination of escrow requirements once you reach 20% equity in your home, though lenders may require proof of timely tax payments. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow services.

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 Washington County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax bills are mailed by October 25th and are due by November 15th. Payments must be postmarked on or before November 15th to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Tax Credit, which provides up to 5% off the assessed value for owner-occupied primary residences. This credit requires annual application with proof of residency. Veterans, elderly, and disabled property owners may qualify for additional credits, but all require separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your property's assessed value by up to 5%, not the actual tax bill amount. You must file an annual application with three forms of residency proof. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value, and is not automatic - you must apply each year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Washington County? A: Reassessment schedules vary by municipality within the county. Most towns conduct statistical updates annually with full revaluations every 3-9 years. Contact your local assessor for your municipality's specific schedule.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges of 1% per month, with additional penalties possible. Some municipalities may place liens on properties with severely delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality within Washington County. Check with your specific town or city for available electronic payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes for fire districts, sewer districts, or other special services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary significantly based on your property's location and the services provided.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must typically be filed within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice. Contact your local assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines, which vary by municipality within Washington County.

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
RI Division of Taxation: Welcometax.ri.gov
02
Tax Doc
FY 2025 Rhode Island Tax Rates by Class of Propertymunicipalfinance.ri.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County: Washingtonauditor.mo.gov
04
County
Washington County Public Access > Homewashcotax.co.washington.or.us
05
Tax Doc
rhode island tax newsgo.usa.gov
06
Tax Doc
RHODE ISLAND TAX NEWS - RI Division of Taxation - RI.govtax.ri.gov
07
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONnorthkingstownri.gov
08
Homestead Exemption Informationeastprovidenceri.gov
09
TOWN MANAGER PROPOSED FISCAL 2026 BUDGET ...coventryri.gov
10
Tax Doc
Make a Payment Online | RI Division of Taxation - RI.govtax.ri.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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