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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chittenden County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Chittenden County, VT. 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
1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value, varies by municipality and school district within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chittenden County, Vermont operates a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local municipal services, education, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is determined by local assessors and updated periodically to reflect current market conditions. The county encompasses multiple municipalities including Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, and other towns, each with its own local tax rate structure.

The effective property tax rates in Chittenden County typically range from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different municipal tax rates, school district levies, and special taxing districts. Vermont uses a statewide education tax system combined with local municipal taxes, creating variations in total tax burden across different communities within the county. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on their exact location and whether their property qualifies for homestead status.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (FY 2025-2026)Description
Non-Homestead Education Tax2.0637%Statewide education funding for non-homestead properties
Homestead Education TaxVaries by incomeIncome-based rate for qualifying primary residences
Municipal TaxVaries by townLocal services (police, fire, roads, municipal operations)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts, other local improvements

Note: Municipal tax rates vary significantly across Chittenden County towns. For example, Burlington's municipal rate differs from Essex or South Burlington. Special taxing districts within municipalities can add additional assessments for specific services like fire protection, water systems, or local improvement projects. Homestead properties benefit from income-based education tax rates that are typically lower than the non-homestead rate. Contact your local town assessor for exact rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Chittenden 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 Chittenden County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to a property's value or ownership during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, property splits or combinations, and corrections to assessment errors. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 addition to their home in January and the property's assessed value increases by $80,000, they would owe supplemental tax on that $80,000 increase for the remaining months of the fiscal year. At a 2% effective tax rate, this would result in approximately $1,600 in supplemental taxes. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Reduces effective education tax rate
  • Municipal Tax (1.2% estimated): $3,600
  • Education Tax (homestead rate ~1.0%): $3,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,600 | Monthly: $550

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Income-based education rate
  • Municipal Tax (1.2% estimated): $7,200
  • Education Tax (homestead rate ~1.0%): $6,000
  • Annual Tax: $13,200 | Monthly: $1,100

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

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Homestead Credit (rental/second home)
  • Municipal Tax (1.2% estimated): $12,000
  • Education Tax (2.0637%): $20,637
  • Annual Tax: $32,637 | Monthly: $2,720

Note: All credits require annual application and income verification. Rates are estimates and vary by specific municipality within Chittenden County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chittenden County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who choose this option for convenience. Lenders collect monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and hold these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the Burlington Treasury Department or your specific municipality when bills are due.

Property tax payments in Vermont are typically due in two installments: the first by September 15th and the second by March 16th of the following year (dates may vary slightly by municipality). Lenders usually pay these bills on your behalf before the due dates to avoid penalties. You can verify that payments have been made by checking your account online at https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/Treasury or contacting your town's treasurer. If you pay taxes independently, ensure payments are received by the due dates to avoid interest charges of 1% per month on unpaid balances.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Chittenden County for FY 2025-2026? A: Most municipalities have two installments: first due September 15, 2025, and second due March 16, 2026. Check with your specific town as dates may vary slightly.

Q: What is the homestead tax credit and how do I apply? A: The homestead credit provides income-based education tax rates for primary residences, typically lower than the 2.0637% non-homestead rate. You must file Form HS-122 annually by April 15th with the Vermont Department of Taxes. This is NOT automatic.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, veterans' exemptions, elderly/disabled credits, and charitable organization exemptions are available. All require specific applications filed with deadlines. Contact your local assessor for forms and requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Chittenden County? A: Most towns conduct reappraisals every 3-10 years, though some adjustments may occur annually. Your town assessor can provide the specific schedule for your municipality.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a grievance with your local Board of Civil Authority by the deadline posted on your tax bill (typically within 30 days). More information available at https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/CA/Assessing.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest charges of 1% per month (12% annually) apply to unpaid balances after the due date. Additional collection costs may be added for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, most Chittenden County municipalities offer online payment options. Visit https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/Treasury or your town's website for payment portals.

Q: How do special district taxes work in my area? A: Fire districts, water districts, and other special assessments appear as separate line items on your tax bill. Rates vary by location and services provided in your specific area within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2025-2026 Expense Revenue Budget FINAL.xlsxwestfordvt.us
02
Assessor | Underhill VTunderhillvt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Rates & Calculationsburlingtonvt.gov
04
Memorandumwinooskivt.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credittax.vermont.gov
06
Tax Doc
Your Vermont Property Tax Billtax.vermont.gov
07
Vermontirs.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionstax.vermont.gov
09
City of Winooskiwinooskivt.gov
10
Appendices onlyburlingtonvt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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