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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington 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
5.803% education property tax rate (varies by municipality for additional local taxes)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Vermont operates under the state's education property tax system, where property taxes primarily fund local schools and municipal services. For the 2025-2026 tax year (FY2026), the county has an education property tax rate of 5.803% that applies to both homestead and non-homestead properties. Properties are assessed at a common level of appraisal of 74.26%, meaning assessed values represent approximately three-quarters of market value.

Property tax rates can vary within Washington County depending on your specific municipality and any special taxing districts that may apply to your property. The state education tax is levied on July 1st and collected by local municipalities as part of your annual property tax bill. Property owners should be aware that various tax credits are available but require application - they are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Education Property Tax5.803%State-mandated rate for FY2026 applied to both homestead and non-homestead properties
Municipal TaxVaries by townLocal municipal services, varies by specific municipality within Washington County
Special DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional assessments for fire districts, water districts, or other special services where applicable

Note: These rates apply to the 2025-2026 property tax year (FY2026). Your actual effective rate may differ based on your specific municipality and any special taxing districts that serve your property. Contact your local assessor for municipality-specific rates and special district information.

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 Vermont typically occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When new construction is completed or major improvements are made, the assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is then prorated based on how many months remain in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed in January and the tax rate is 5.803%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $5,803 for the full year, but prorated based on when the improvement was completed and assessable.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (74.26% ratio): $222,780
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible and applied for): Varies based on income
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$222,780
  • Annual Tax (5.803%): $1,292
  • Monthly Escrow: $108

$600,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (74.26% ratio): $445,560
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible and applied for): Varies based on income
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$445,560
  • Annual Tax (5.803%): $2,586
  • Monthly Escrow: $216

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (74.26% ratio): $742,600
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible and applied for): Varies based on income
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$742,600
  • Annual Tax (5.803%): $4,309
  • Monthly Escrow: $359

Note: Tax credits require application via Form HS-122 and are not automatic. Actual credits depend on income and other eligibility factors.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and maintain a cushion of 2-3 months of payments. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to the municipality when they become due on November 15th.

Annual escrow analysis statements are provided by your lender, usually in late fall, which may result in payment adjustments if your property taxes have changed. Since Vermont property tax statements are mailed by October 25th, lenders have time to verify the correct amount before the November 15th due date. Property owners should verify their escrow payments match their actual tax bills and contact their lender immediately if there are discrepancies.

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 Washington County property taxes due for FY2026? A: Property tax payments are due November 15th and must be postmarked by that date to avoid penalties. Tax statements are mailed by October 25th.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead Tax Credits are available through Form HS-122, due April 15th. Veterans with disabilities may qualify for property tax exemptions. Public, charitable, or religious organizations may qualify for exemptions via Form PVR-317. All credits and exemptions require application.

Q: How does the Homestead Declaration work? A: The Homestead Declaration (Form HS-122) must be filed by April 15th and caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This is a tax credit that requires annual application and is based on income eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Washington County? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Washington County. Contact your local assessor for your specific town's reassessment cycle and current assessment practices.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by individual municipalities. Contact your town clerk or treasurer for specific penalty amounts and interest rates that apply after November 15th.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality within Washington County. Check with your specific town's website or contact the town clerk for available electronic payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Civil Authority. Contact your town clerk for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures specific to your municipality.

Q: Are there special district taxes in Washington County? A: Yes, some areas may have additional taxes for fire districts, water districts, or other special services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location 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
Tax Doc
Education Property Tax Ratestax.vermont.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxes - Marshfield, Vermontmarshfieldvt.gov
03
Mike Hogan, Fred Ducharme, Jenn Miner, Skip Bothfcabotvt.us
04
County
Washington County Public Access > Homewashcotax.co.washington.or.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credittax.vermont.gov
06
Vermont Deadline Nears for SBA Physical Disaster Loanssba.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionstax.vermont.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Reduction and Relief Programstn.gov
09
Bill Status H.887 (Act 183)legislature.vermont.gov
10
State
State of Vermontvermonttreasurer.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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