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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Garfield County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Garfield 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
Varies by district - base county levy plus school, fire, and special district assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Garfield County, Washington operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county operations, roads, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes in Garfield County are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real property as of January 1st each year, with taxes becoming due in the following year.

The effective property tax rate in Garfield County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. While the county maintains a base levy structure, individual properties may be subject to additional assessments from school bonds, emergency medical services, library districts, and other special purpose districts. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the taxing districts that serve their area.

Property tax bills in Garfield County typically reflect assessments from multiple entities, with the largest portions generally going to school districts and county operations. The tax system operates on a calendar year basis, with assessments made in the current year and taxes due the following year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County Regular LevyVariesGeneral county operations and services
Road District LevyVariesCounty road maintenance and improvements
School District RegularVariesBasic school district operations
School District SpecialVariesVoter-approved school bonds and levies
State LeviesVariesState-mandated property taxes
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection and emergency services
Other Special DistrictsVariesLibraries, parks, emergency medical services
Combined Rate~$8.00Approximate total rate (varies by location)

Note: These rates apply to tax year 2025 (due 2025). The combined rate of approximately $8.00 per $1,000 of assessed value can vary significantly based on your property's location within Garfield County and which special taxing districts serve your area. Contact the Garfield County Assessor's office for your specific rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Garfield 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 Garfield County are triggered when there is a change in property ownership or when new construction is completed and added to the tax rolls. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes are properly allocated based on current ownership and property improvements throughout the tax year.

When property changes hands, the new assessed value is prorated from the date of ownership transfer through the end of the tax year. For example, if a property is sold on July 1st with a higher assessed value than the previous assessment, the new owner would be responsible for supplemental taxes on the increased value for the remaining six months of the tax year. Similarly, newly completed construction projects receive supplemental assessments based on the completion date and added value.

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days after the triggering event is recorded with the county. These taxes are due immediately upon receipt and become delinquent if not paid within 30 days of the bill date, potentially resulting in penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Senior Citizen Exemption: -$0 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax ($8.00/$1,000): $2,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $200

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Disabled Person Exemption: -$0 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax ($8.00/$1,000): $4,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $400

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Available Credits: -$0 (most properties)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax ($8.00/$1,000): $8,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $667

Note: Tax credits for seniors and disabled persons require annual application and income qualifications. Credits are not automatically applied and eligibility must be verified through the Garfield County Assessor's office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Garfield County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then remit annual property tax payments directly to Garfield County on behalf of the homeowner.

Property tax payments in Garfield County are typically due in two equal installments during the year, with the first half due by April 30th and the second half due by October 31st. Lenders usually pay these installments from the accumulated escrow funds, ensuring timely payment and avoiding delinquency penalties. Homeowners should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender showing how funds are collected and disbursed.

Homeowners without escrow accounts are responsible for making payments directly to Garfield County Treasurer's office. It's important to verify that tax payments have been properly credited, whether paid through escrow or directly, and to maintain records of all payments for tax filing purposes.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Garfield County for tax year 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments: first half by April 30th, 2025, and second half by October 31st, 2025. Full payment may be made with the first installment if preferred.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Senior citizens (61+), disabled persons, and qualifying veterans may be eligible for tax credits that require annual application by December 31st of the assessment year. Applications must be filed with the Garfield County Assessor's office and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work in Washington state? A: Washington does not offer a traditional homestead exemption. However, qualified seniors and disabled persons can apply for deferrals that postpone tax payments until the property is sold or transferred.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Garfield County? A: All properties are assessed annually as of January 1st each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring, with appeals due to the Board of Equalization by July 1st of the assessment year.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent property taxes incur interest and penalties starting the day after the due date. Contact the Garfield County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Garfield County Treasurer's office directly at (509) 843-1411 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, school bonds, library districts, or other special service areas. These vary by location within the county and appear as separate line items on your tax statement.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Garfield County Board of Equalization by July 1st of the assessment year using the complete appeal petition form. Late appeals are generally not accepted.

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
PROPERTY TAX STATISTICS 2025dor.wa.gov
02
County
Property tax ratios by county 2024 for 2025 taxesdor.wa.gov
03
County
2025 Garfield County Levy Audit Follow-updor.wa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Appeals - Board of Equalizationgarfieldcountywa.gov
05
Tax Doc
2026 Property Tax Calendar Due Datesdor.wa.gov
06
County
County Assessor's Manualdor.wa.gov
07
3751garfieldcountywa.gov
08
State
Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit (RCW 82.45 WAC 458-61A)garfieldcountywa.gov
09
CHAPTER 458-61A WACgarfieldcountywa.gov
10
State
Washington Stategarfieldcountywa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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