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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Windsor County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Windsor 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
1.0%-2.5% of assessed value, varies by town and education funding decisions
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Windsor County, Vermont operates under a property tax system that primarily funds local education and municipal services through education property taxes set at the town level. Property taxes in Windsor County are administered by individual town listers and assessors, with rates varying significantly between the county's 24 towns based on local school budgets and voter decisions made at annual town meetings in March. The effective property tax rates in Windsor County typically range from approximately 1.0% to 2.5% of assessed value, depending on the specific municipality and any applicable homestead credits.

Property tax rates in Windsor County are composed primarily of education property taxes, which fund local schools and are set annually by town voters. Additional components may include municipal taxes, fire district assessments, and other special district levies that vary by location within the county. All property in Vermont is assessed at fair market value with no assessment caps, and homestead properties may qualify for tax credits that help limit the impact of tax increases, though these credits require annual application and filing.

The tax year in Windsor County runs from April 1 to March 31, with most towns setting their final rates after March town meetings for the upcoming fiscal year. Property owners should be aware that actual tax obligations can vary significantly even within Windsor County due to different town rates and the presence of various special taxing districts for services like fire protection or water systems.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Education Property Tax (Homestead)$0.80-$1.60 per $100Primary tax funding local schools, varies by town and voter approval
Education Property Tax (Non-Homestead)$1.50-$2.20 per $100Higher rate for non-homestead properties including second homes and commercial
Municipal Tax$0.10-$0.40 per $100Local government services, varies significantly by town
Fire District Tax$0.02-$0.15 per $100Fire protection services where applicable
Special AssessmentsVariesWater districts, lighting districts, or other local improvements

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 and vary significantly by individual town within Windsor County. Final education property tax rates for FY 2026 will be set by town meetings in March 2025.

Note: Actual tax rates vary considerably between Windsor County's 24 towns, with some municipalities having significantly higher or lower rates based on local school budgets, municipal spending, and special district assessments. Property owners should verify their specific town's rates with their local town clerk or assessor.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Windsor 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 Windsor County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, assessed value, or taxable status that occur after the main tax roll has been established for the fiscal year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, substantial property improvements, changes in exemption status, or correction of assessment errors discovered mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining when the change became effective. For example, if a $100,000 addition to a home is completed and assessed on October 1st (halfway through the tax year), the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 × applicable tax rate) × 0.5 (remaining portion of tax year).

Example: A homeowner in Hartford, VT completes a $150,000 home addition on September 1st. With a combined tax rate of $1.75 per $100 of assessed value, the supplemental tax would be approximately: ($150,000 ÷ 100) × $1.75 × 0.58 (7 months remaining) = $1,523. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from the regular April tax bill and typically has its own due date 30-60 days after issuance.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Education Credit Applied: -$22,000 (requires annual homestead declaration)
  • Net Taxable Value: $278,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.45 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,031
  • Monthly Escrow: $336

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Education Credit Applied: -$22,000 (requires annual homestead declaration)
  • Net Taxable Value: $578,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.45 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $8,381
  • Monthly Escrow: $698

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Education Credit Applied: -$22,000 (requires annual homestead declaration)
  • Net Taxable Value: $978,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.45 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $14,181
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,182

All examples assume homestead property with typical Windsor County town rate. Homestead credits require annual filing of homestead declaration by April 15th deadline. Non-homestead properties pay significantly higher rates and do not qualify for homestead credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Windsor County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus any applicable insurance premiums, holding these funds in a separate escrow account until tax payments are due.

Property taxes in Windsor County are typically due on April 15th annually, though some towns may offer semi-annual payment options with due dates in April and October. Lenders usually pay the tax bill directly to the town collector approximately 30 days before the due date to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. Property owners with escrow accounts will receive copies of their tax bills for review but should not pay them directly.

The lender must provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, monthly escrow payments may be adjusted upward with proper notice. Property owners can request to remove escrow requirements once they reach sufficient equity (typically 20-22%) and demonstrate a history of timely tax payments, though the lender may charge a fee for this service.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Windsor County for FY 2026? A: Most towns in Windsor County have property taxes due on April 15, 2025 for FY 2026, though some towns may offer split payment options with due dates in April and October. Check with your specific town clerk for exact due dates and payment options.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Vermont homestead properties may qualify for education tax credits that help limit tax increases. You must file a Homestead Declaration (Form HS-122) annually by April 15th with the Vermont Department of Taxes. This is NOT automatic and requires annual application. The credit helps cap assessment growth impacts but does not reduce your property's market value.

Q: Are there property tax credits for veterans or seniors? A: Disabled veterans who own their homes in fee simple may qualify for a property tax exemption that reduces assessed value by a minimum of $10,000. This requires application through your town listers. Some towns may offer additional local credits for seniors or other qualifying groups - contact your town assessor for specific programs and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Windsor County? A: Vermont law requires towns to conduct reappraisals when the Common Level of Appraisal falls below 80% or exceeds 120% of fair market value. Most Windsor County towns conduct full reappraisals every 5-10 years, with annual updates for new construction and major improvements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a written appeal with your town's Board of Civil Authority within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. The appeal must include specific reasons why you believe the assessment is incorrect. If unsatisfied with the local decision, you may appeal to the Vermont Property Valuation and Review Division.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Late payments in Windsor County typically incur interest charges of 1% per month (12% annually) starting the day after the due date. Some towns may also charge additional penalty fees. Interest compounds monthly until the full balance is paid.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many Windsor County towns now offer online payment options through their websites or third-party processors. Contact your town clerk or check your town's website for available payment methods. Some towns may charge convenience fees for electronic payments.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Windsor County? A: Properties located within special districts (fire districts, water districts, etc.) pay additional taxes for those services. These taxes appear as separate line items on your tax bill and are set by the respective district boards. Rates and services vary significantly 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
Tax Rates and Chartstax.vermont.gov
03
Tax Doc
Your Vermont Property Tax Billtax.vermont.gov
04
Individual and Property Owner Due Datestax.vermont.gov
05
2024 Springfield, Vermont All-Hazards Mitigation Plan ...anrweb.vt.gov
06
Resources for Homeowners (Incl. Mobile Homes)accd.vermont.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionstax.vermont.gov
08
Homestead Declarationtax.vermont.gov
09
POMFRET, VERMONTpomfretvt.us
10
Bill Status H.887 (Act 183)legislature.vermont.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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