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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Douglas County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Douglas 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
0.913% effective rate (varies by location due to overlapping special taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Douglas County, Washington operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes fund essential local services including schools, roads, fire protection, and county operations. The county's effective property tax rate for the 2025 tax year is approximately 0.913%, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local service areas.

Property taxes in Douglas County are based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with taxes calculated by applying the combined levy rates of all applicable taxing districts to your property's assessed value. The county follows Washington State's payment schedule with multiple options for taxpayers, and various tax credits are available to qualifying property owners who submit the required applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County Current ExpenseVariableGeneral county operations and services
County RoadsVariableRoad maintenance and improvements
State LeviesVariableState-mandated property tax portions
School DistrictsVariableLocal school district operations and bonds
Fire DistrictsVariableFire protection and emergency services
Library DistrictsVariablePublic library services
Special DistrictsVariableVarious local improvement districts
Total Combined Rate~$9.13Varies by tax code area within county

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 and vary by specific tax code area. Contact the Douglas County Assessor at 509-745-8521 for your property's exact tax code area rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Douglas 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 property taxes in Douglas County are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year, primarily new construction, major improvements, or changes in ownership that remove existing tax credits. When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated on a prorated basis from the date the change occurred through the end of the fiscal year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in September, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value for the remaining months of the tax year. The Douglas County Treasurer will mail a separate supplemental tax bill, which follows different due dates than regular property tax bills and must be paid according to the schedule specified on the supplemental notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Senior Citizen Tax Credit (if applicable): -$64,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $236,000
  • Annual Tax ($236,000 × 0.00913): $2,155
  • Monthly Escrow: $179

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Disabled Veteran Credit (if applicable): -$40,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $560,000
  • Annual Tax ($560,000 × 0.00913): $5,113
  • Monthly Escrow: $426

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No credits applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax ($1,000,000 × 0.00913): $9,130
  • Monthly Escrow: $761

All tax credits require separate applications and approval. Contact the Douglas County Assessor for eligibility requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Douglas County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments that are held until tax bills are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax each month and may include a cushion of up to two months' payments as allowed by federal law.

Property tax bills are mailed directly to the property owner of record, even when taxes are paid through escrow. Your lender will receive a copy if they have filed the appropriate forms with the Douglas County Treasurer. It's important to verify that your escrow account has sufficient funds before the due dates, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even if your lender fails to pay on time. Contact your mortgage servicer if you notice discrepancies between your escrow analysis and actual tax bills.

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 Douglas County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: First half payment is due February 28, 2026. Second half payment is due June 15, 2026. Full payment option is due April 30, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Available tax credits include Senior Citizen/Disabled Person Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and others. ALL tax credits require separate applications filed with the Douglas County Assessor's Office by December 31st for the following tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Washington State does not have a traditional homestead exemption. However, senior and disabled person credits function similarly by reducing taxable assessed value, but require annual income qualification and application filing.

Q: When does the county assess property values? A: Douglas County assesses all properties annually with values reflecting market conditions as of January 1st of each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Douglas County Assessor at 509-745-8521 for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified in Washington State law, typically starting at 1% per month plus administrative fees.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Douglas County Treasurer's Office to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to voter-approved levies, new special district assessments, or changes in tax rates even when assessed values remain constant.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Douglas County Clerk Treasurer: Homecltr.douglascountynv.gov
02
County
Property tax ratios by county 2024 for 2025 taxesdor.wa.gov
03
County
Property tax residential values by county interactive data ...dor.wa.gov
04
County
2024 Review of the Douglas County Board of Equalizationdor.wa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Important Property Tax Datesdouglas.co.us
06
County
Douglas County - SAO Online Services - | WA.govportal.sao.wa.gov
07
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX STATISTICS 2025dor.wa.gov
08
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQdouglascountywa.gov
09
County
County Assessor - Washington Department of Revenuedor.wa.gov
10
Ch. 9, 951970 1st ex. sess. (41st Leqis. 2nd ...leg.wa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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