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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Orange County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Orange 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
Municipal: 0.6886%, Education: 72.36% (rates vary by municipality within county)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Orange County, Vermont operates under the state's property tax system, which funds both municipal services and education through a combination of municipal and education property taxes. For the 2025 tax year, Orange County has a general fund rate of 0.6886%, while the education rate for FY2026 is significantly higher at 72.36%. These rates are applied to assessed values that are regularly updated through Vermont's equalization studies to maintain alignment with fair market value.

Property tax rates can vary within Orange County depending on your specific municipality and any special taxing districts that may apply to your property. The Vermont Department of Taxes conducts annual equalization studies to ensure consistent assessment practices across all towns in the county. Property owners should verify their specific municipal rates and any applicable district assessments, as these components combine to determine your total effective tax rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
General Fund (Municipal)0.6886%FY2025 county general operations, services
Education Tax72.36%FY2026 statewide education funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer (if applicable)
Total Effective Rate~73.05%Combined rate before credits/exemptions

Note: The education tax rate of 72.36% appears to be expressed in a different format than the municipal rate. Verify current rates with your local assessor as rates vary by municipality within Orange County and may include additional special district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Orange 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

Vermont does not typically issue supplemental tax bills in the same manner as other states. However, properties may be subject to additional assessments during the tax year if there are significant improvements or changes in ownership that trigger a reassessment. When new construction is completed or major renovations are finished, the property may be revalued and additional taxes calculated on a pro-rated basis for the remainder of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and it increases your assessed value by that amount, you may receive an additional tax bill for the remaining nine months of the tax year calculated at the current tax rate on the additional $100,000 in assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: (Varies, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$290,000 (estimated after credits)
  • Annual Tax: ~$21,185 (at 73.05% combined rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,765

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Credits Applied: (Limited at higher values, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$595,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$43,465
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$3,622

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: (Minimal at this level)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$73,050
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$6,088

Note: Tax credits require annual application and eligibility varies. Consult with your local assessor for specific credit amounts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Orange County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender will collect monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. The escrow account must maintain a minimum balance, typically 2-3 months of payments, to ensure funds are available when taxes are due.

Property taxes in Orange County have varying due dates, with the first installment typically due by December 10th. Your lender will receive tax bills directly and make payments on your behalf. You should receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were applied and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly.

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 Orange County? A: The first installment is due by December 10th for FY2026. Unsecured property taxes are due by October 15th. Contact your local town office for specific payment schedules as they may vary by municipality.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Vermont offers property tax credits including the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which requires filing Form HS-122 by April 15th (or October 15th with extension). Disabled veterans may qualify for specific exemptions with proper application. All credits require annual application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Declaration work? A: The Homestead Declaration (Form HS-122) must be filed annually by April 15th and caps your assessment increases while providing potential tax credits based on income. This does not reduce your property's market value but limits how much your taxable assessment can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Vermont conducts annual equalization studies, but individual municipalities set their own reappraisal schedules. Contact your local lister or assessor for your town's specific reassessment timeline.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The specific penalty rate varies by municipality, so contact your local tax collector for exact penalty calculations and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality within Orange County. Contact your local town office or check their website for available electronic payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Civil Authority. Specific deadlines and procedures vary by town, but generally must be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What if I receive a property tax credit claim that seems incorrect? A: Contact the Vermont Department of Taxes Property Tax Division at (802) 828-2865 or your local assessor immediately if you believe your Property Tax Credit Claim contains errors. File Form HS-122 by March 15th of the following year if you missed the original deadline.

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
Equalization Study - Vermont Department of Taxestax.vermont.gov
02
GENERAL FUND - DEPARTMENT BUDGETSfairleevt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Education Property Tax Ratestax.vermont.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credittax.vermont.gov
05
Tax Doc
OC Treasurer-Tax Collectoroctreasurer.gov
06
Individual and Property Owner Due Datestax.vermont.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionstax.vermont.gov
08
Tax Doc
Tax Credits for Vermontersbrattleboro.gov
09
SB 1275 Senate Bill - Bill Analysisleginfo.ca.gov
10
BILL AS INTRODUCED H.488 2025 Page 1 of 22legislature.vermont.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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