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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Grand Isle County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Grand Isle 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
Around 1% of assessed value, varies significantly by town and school district within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Grand Isle County operates on Vermont's unique property tax system, where property taxes primarily fund local education and municipal services. The county's effective tax rate typically ranges around 1% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by location within the county due to different school districts and municipal tax rates. Property assessments are conducted at the local town level, with each municipality responsible for maintaining current fair market valuations.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on your specific location within Grand Isle County, as different towns have varying municipal rates and belong to different school districts with their own educational tax rates. Additionally, Vermont's complex education funding formula means that tax rates can fluctuate based on state legislative decisions and local spending approvals. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate with their local town clerk or assessor, as rates can differ substantially between neighboring communities within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
State Education TaxTBDSet annually by Vermont legislature (2025 rate pending)
Local Municipal RateVaries by townFunding for town services, varies significantly by municipality
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts where applicable
Total Effective Rate~1.0-1.5%Combined rate varies by specific location

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Grand Isle County are not yet finalized and will be determined by the Vermont legislature. Final rates will be announced following legislative decisions. Rates shown apply to the upcoming fiscal year and vary significantly between the different towns within Grand Isle County (Alburgh, Grand Isle, Isle La Motte, North Hero, South Hero). Contact your local town clerk for specific municipal components.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Grand Isle 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 Grand Isle County are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the additional tax owed based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and your local tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe approximately $1,200 in additional annual taxes. Since this occurred early in the tax year, you'd be responsible for nearly the full additional amount. The supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular tax bill and typically has its own due date, usually 30-60 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Education Tax Credit (if eligible): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2%): $3,600
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $300

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Education Tax Credit (if eligible): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2%): $7,200
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $600

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available tax credits (if eligible): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2%): $12,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,000

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and are not automatic. Homestead credits provide assessment growth caps rather than direct reductions. Contact your local assessor for current credit availability and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Grand Isle County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the appropriate town when due, typically on the April 15th, July 15th, and October 15th due dates.

Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing collected funds, tax payments made, and any surplus or shortage. If your property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly, usually with 60 days' notice. You can verify that your lender has made timely payments by checking with your local town clerk or through online tax payment portals where available. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Grand Isle County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due on April 15th, July 15th, and October 15th. Check with your specific town clerk for exact dates, as some municipalities may have slightly different schedules.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Vermont offers several tax credits including the Homestead Education Tax Credit and veterans' credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Contact your local assessor or visit the Vermont Department of Taxes website for current application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: The Homestead credit doesn't reduce your home's market value but instead caps the growth in your education tax assessment and may provide income-based tax adjustments. You must file a Homestead Declaration with your Vermont income tax return to qualify.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Grand Isle County? A: Assessment schedules vary by town within the county. Most towns conduct revaluations every 4-6 years or when the state determines assessments have strayed significantly from fair market value. Contact your local assessor for your town's specific schedule.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Appeals must be filed with your local Board of Civil Authority, typically within 14 days of receiving your assessment notice. The exact deadline and process vary by town, so contact your town clerk immediately if you wish to appeal.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges starting the day after the due date. Interest rates are set by state law and compound monthly. Contact your town treasurer for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment availability varies by town within Grand Isle County. Check your town's official website or contact the town clerk to determine available payment methods including online, mail, or in-person options.

Q: Do special districts add extra taxes to my bill? A: Yes, properties located in fire districts, water districts, or other special service areas may have additional taxes beyond the basic municipal and education taxes. These will appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

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
Tax Data - North Hero, VTnorthherovt.gov
02
item-b-5-letter-to-governor-and-legislative-delegation- ...stowevt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Education Property Tax Ratestax.vermont.gov
04
Lister and Assessor Handbookbradford-vt.us
05
Vermont Deadline Nears for SBA Physical Disaster Loanssba.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Colchester, VTcolchestervt.gov
07
Vermontirs.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionstax.vermont.gov
09
The Vermont Statutes Onlinelegislature.vermont.gov
10
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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