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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bennington County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$2.3747 per $100 (homestead), $2.5719 per $100 (non-homestead), varies by municipality
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bennington County, Vermont operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local services including education, municipal operations, and county services. Property taxes in Bennington County are calculated based on the property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies by municipality and property type within the county.

The effective property tax rates in Bennington County vary significantly by location due to different municipal rates, school district assessments, and special taxing districts. For 2025, homestead properties face a base rate of $2.3747 per $100 of assessed value, while non-homestead properties are taxed at $2.5719 per $100. However, your actual rate will depend on your specific municipality within Bennington County, as each town sets its own local rates in addition to county and state assessments. Property owners should verify their exact rate with their local town clerk or assessor's office, as additional special district taxes may apply depending on location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentHomestead RateNon-Homestead RateDescription
Base Property Tax$2.3747$2.5719Per $100 of assessed value for FY 2025
Municipal RateVariesVariesSet by individual towns within Bennington County
School DistrictIncluded in baseIncluded in baseEducation funding component
Special DistrictsVariesVariesFire districts, water districts, etc. (where applicable)

Note: Rates shown are for FY 2025 and represent the county-level assessment. Your total effective rate will include additional municipal charges that vary by town within Bennington County. Contact your local assessor for complete rate information including any special district assessments that may apply to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bennington 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 Vermont are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur during the tax year. When these events happen, the assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the additional tax liability for the current fiscal year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year from when the change occurred. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and your tax rate is $2.37 per $100 of assessed value, you would owe approximately $2,370 in supplemental taxes, prorated for the remaining months of the fiscal year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 60-90 days of the triggering event.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property (Homestead)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Varies (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.3747 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $7,124
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $594

Example 2: $600,000 Property (Homestead)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Varies (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.3747 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $14,248
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,187

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (Non-Homestead)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Property Tax Credit: May qualify (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.5719 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $25,719
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $2,143

Note: These calculations use county-level rates only. Municipal rates will increase these amounts. Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bennington County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion as required by federal law.

Property tax bills in Vermont are typically issued in late summer or early fall, with payment due dates varying by municipality within Bennington County. Most towns have due dates between August and November. Your lender will receive the tax bill directly and make payment on your behalf from your escrow account. Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments, and they must adjust your monthly escrow payment if there's a shortage or surplus. You can verify that payments were made correctly by checking with your town clerk's office or through online property tax lookup systems where available.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Bennington County? A: Due dates vary by municipality within Bennington County. Most towns have due dates between August and November for FY 2025. Contact your specific town clerk for exact due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Vermont offers property tax credits including the Homestead Declaration credit and Property Tax Credit Claim. These require annual application using Form HS-122 by April 15 (or October 15 with extension). Credits are NOT automatic and must be applied for each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Declaration work? A: The Homestead Declaration doesn't reduce your property's market value but may limit assessment increases and provide tax credits. You must file Form HS-122 annually by April 15 to qualify. This caps certain assessment growth rather than reducing the assessed value itself.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Bennington County? A: Reassessment schedules vary by town within Bennington County. Most towns conduct reappraisals every 4-6 years, though some may do so more frequently. Check with your local assessor for your town's specific schedule.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Civil Authority within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact your town clerk for specific procedures and forms.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties vary by municipality but typically include interest charges of 1-1.5% per month plus potential collection fees. Some towns may also charge flat penalty fees.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment availability varies by town within Bennington County. Many towns now offer online payment through their websites or third-party services. Contact your town clerk or check your town's website for available payment methods.

Q: What additional taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on location, you may be subject to special district taxes for fire protection, water districts, or other services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by district.

Q: What's the difference between homestead and non-homestead tax rates? A: Homestead rates ($2.3747 for 2025) apply to your primary residence where you live year-round. Non-homestead rates ($2.5719 for 2025) apply to vacation homes, rental properties, and commercial properties. You must file a Homestead Declaration to qualify for the lower rate.

Q: When does the current tax year end? A: Vermont's property tax fiscal year typically runs from July 1 to June 30, though billing and payment schedules vary by municipality within Bennington County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Town Treasurer - Pawlet, Vermontpawlet.vt.gov
02
Town of Shaftsbury Select Board Meetingshaftsburyvt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Education Property Tax Ratestax.vermont.gov
04
Vermontirs.gov
05
Case 13-01019 Doc 38 Filed 07/23/15 Entered ...vtb.uscourts.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionstax.vermont.gov
07
State
State of Vermontvermonttreasurer.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credittax.vermont.gov
09
Modeling Based Off of the Pupil Weighting Factors Report - Vermont ...legislature.vt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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