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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chelan County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Chelan County, WA. 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
0.820% effective rate (varies by special taxing districts within county)
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chelan County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, parks, and county operations. The property tax system is based on assessed value, which is determined by the Chelan County Assessor's Office and updated annually. Property owners receive tax bills that reflect both county-wide levies and additional assessments from special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and port authorities.

The effective property tax rate in Chelan County is approximately 0.820% for the 2025 tax year, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Properties in areas with multiple special districts may see higher effective rates, while those in areas with fewer districts will have lower rates. The Chelan County Assessor's Office, located at 350 Orondo Ave, Suite 206 in Wenatchee, manages property assessments and can be reached at (509) 667-6365 or assessor@co.chelan.wa.us.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariableBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariableLocal school district funding
Fire DistrictsVariableFire protection and emergency services
Port DistrictsVariablePort authority operations (where applicable)
Library DistrictsVariablePublic library services
Hospital DistrictsVariablePublic hospital services (where applicable)
Combined Average0.820%FY 2025 effective rate

Note: Individual property tax rates vary by specific location within Chelan County based on which special taxing districts serve that area. The 0.820% rate represents the average combined rate for 2025. Property owners should refer to their individual tax statements for their specific rate calculation, as some areas may have significantly higher or lower rates depending on local district participation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Chelan County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Apr 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Chelan County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant property improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date. When these changes happen, the Assessor's Office issues a supplemental assessment to capture the difference between the old and new assessed values for the remainder of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $400,000 but now has a market value of $500,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 difference prorated for the remaining seven months of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($100,000 × 0.820% × 7/12 months = approximately $478 in supplemental taxes). Supplemental tax bills are separate from regular property tax bills and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Exemption (if qualified): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.820% = $2,460
  • Monthly Escrow: $205

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Property Tax Exemption (if qualified): $60,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $540,000
  • Annual Tax: $540,000 × 0.820% = $4,428
  • Monthly Escrow: $369

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available exemptions (if qualified): $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.820% = $8,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $683

Note: Tax credits and exemptions require application and qualification. The senior/disabled exemption freezes assessed value at the qualification year and requires annual income verification.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chelan County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly property tax payments are collected along with principal and interest payments. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion of up to two months' worth of taxes as required by federal law.

Property taxes in Chelan County are paid in two installments: the first half is due April 30th, and the second half is due October 31st. Lenders usually pay these installments directly to the Chelan County Treasurer on behalf of homeowners. Property owners should verify that their lender has made payments on time, as the homeowner remains ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid. The Chelan County Treasurer's office can confirm payment status, and homeowners can check their escrow account activity through their mortgage servicer's online portal or monthly statements.

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 Chelan County for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half due April 30, 2025, and second half due October 31, 2025, per RCW 84.56.020.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax relief program is the Senior/Disabled Person Property Tax Exemption, which freezes your assessed value at the year you qualify. This program requires application and annual income verification. Contact Anna Kirkpatrick, the Senior/Disabled Exemption Specialist, at the Assessor's Office for details.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that limits assessment increases? A: Washington State does not have a traditional homestead exemption that caps assessment growth. However, the senior/disabled exemption effectively caps assessed value at the qualification year for eligible applicants.

Q: When does the Assessor update property values? A: Property assessments are updated annually with values as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring, with appeal deadlines clearly marked on the notices.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Chelan County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Chelan County offers online payment options through the Treasurer's office. Visit the county website at www.co.chelan.wa.us for payment portal access.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates can change due to new levies, bond measures, or changes in special district boundaries. Different areas within Chelan County have different combinations of taxing districts, affecting individual property tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed within the deadline specified on your assessment notice. Contact the Assessor's Office at (509) 667-6365 for appeal procedures and required documentation.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
PROPERTY TAX SUMMARY REPORT - Chelan Countyco.chelan.wa.us
02
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX STATISTICS 2025dor.wa.gov
03
County
Property tax ratios by county 2024 for 2025 taxesdor.wa.gov
04
County
Watch for your Chelan County property tax statement in mid ...co.chelan.wa.us
05
County
Chelan County Assessor - Important Assessment Datesco.chelan.wa.us
06
County
Chelan County Treasurer - Property Taxesco.chelan.wa.us
07
County
Property Tax Summary Report - Chelan Countyco.chelan.wa.us
08
Paper on Homeownership - April 12, 2002dor.wa.gov
09
County
Skip Moore, Auditor, Chelan County, WA. AFN # 2336266acclaim.co.chelan.wa.us
10
County
General Questions - Chelan Countyco.chelan.wa.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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