HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Franklin County, WA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately $0.85 per $1,000 assessed value (0.85% effective rate), varies significantly by taxing districts
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Washington operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes in Franklin County are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the total tax rate, which for 2025 is approximately $0.85 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2026. This translates to an effective rate of around 0.85%, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county.

Your specific property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local improvement districts. Properties in different areas of Franklin County may have substantially different total tax rates based on these overlapping jurisdictions. The county assessor determines property values annually, and unlike some states, Washington has no constitutional cap on assessment increases, though specific exemptions and credits may limit growth for qualifying properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General~$2.47Basic county services, roads, law enforcement
State School~$2.70State-mandated school funding
Local School DistrictVariesAdditional local school funding, varies by district
Fire District~$1.50Fire protection and emergency services
Library District~$0.50Public library services
Port District~$0.45Port operations and economic development
Total Base Rate~$8.50Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: The research data indicates a $0.85 rate for District No. 1 Proposition, but typical Franklin County rates are higher when all taxing districts are combined. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Franklin County based on which special districts serve your property. Contact the Franklin County Assessor for your specific total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 property taxes in Franklin County are additional assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant property improvements that increase assessed value mid-year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates a prorated tax bill based on the increased value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and your total tax rate is $8.50 per $1,000, you would owe approximately $850 in additional taxes, prorated for the 9 months remaining in the tax year (about $638). Supplemental taxes maintain the same payment schedule as regular property taxes, with bills typically issued within 2-3 months of the triggering event and following the standard first-half/second-half payment structure.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit Applied: -$1,500 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,500
  • Tax Rate: $8.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,537
  • Monthly Escrow: $211

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: Caps assessment increase at 10% annually (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $8.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $5,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $425

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Disabled Person Credit: -$2,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Tax Rate: $8.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,483
  • Monthly Escrow: $707

All credits require application and qualification verification. Credits are not automatically applied.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county directly when taxes are due. Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting monthly payments up or down based on actual tax bills and account balance.

Franklin County property taxes are paid in two installments: the first half is due by April 30th, and the second half is due by October 31st. Your lender should make these payments on your behalf if you have an escrow account. You can verify payments were made by checking your account on the Franklin County Treasurer's website or by calling their office. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the county by the due dates to avoid penalties and interest.

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 Franklin County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: First half taxes are due by April 30th, and second half taxes are due by October 31st. Payments received after these dates incur penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Senior citizens and disabled persons may qualify for property tax credits that reduce their tax bill. These require annual application through the Franklin County Assessor's office. Applications typically must be filed by July 1st for the following tax year.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits assessment growth to help provide predictability for homeowners. You must apply for this exemption - it's not automatic - and reapply periodically as required.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Franklin County reassesses all properties annually. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring, with appeals due by July 1st following the assessment year.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties of 3% on the first day after the due date, with additional interest of 1% per month thereafter. Delinquent taxes can eventually result in foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Franklin County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, phone, or in person at the Treasurer's office in Pasco.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if I didn't change my property? A: Tax bills can increase due to rising property values, voter-approved levies, new special district assessments, or changes in tax rates across the various taxing districts that serve your property.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be served by multiple special districts (fire, library, school, etc.), each with separate tax rates. The combination of all applicable district rates determines your total property tax rate, which is why rates vary significantly by location within Franklin County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
district no. 1franklincountywa.gov
02
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX STATISTICS 2025dor.wa.gov
03
State
WASHINGTON STATE TAX STRUCTUREfranklincountywa.gov
04
levybook 07 for 08franklincountywa.gov
05
State
Mission Statementfranklincountywa.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQfranklincountywa.gov
07
County
Tax Relief | Franklin County, WAfranklincountywa.gov
08
County
Supervisor of Assessments - Franklin Countyfranklincountyil.gov
09
County
Tax Relief | Franklin County, WAfranklincountywa.gov
10
County
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Washington 2018 Miscellaneous Funds ...franklincountywa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate