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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Klickitat County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, varies by taxing districts serving your property
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Klickitat County, Washington operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes in Klickitat County are based on assessed value, which is determined by the County Assessor and updated annually to reflect current market conditions.

The effective tax rate in Klickitat County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county. Your actual rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, and other local improvement districts. Properties in areas with more special districts will generally have higher overall tax rates than those in areas with fewer districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General$1.25-$1.80 per $1,000Basic county services, roads, sheriff
School Districts$4.50-$7.50 per $1,000Varies by district (Goldendale, White Salmon, etc.)
Fire Districts$0.75-$1.50 per $1,000Local fire protection services
Hospital District$0.40-$0.75 per $1,000Klickitat Valley Health
Library District$0.25-$0.50 per $1,000Regional library services
Port Districts$0.15-$0.45 per $1,000Where applicable
Total Range$7.30-$12.50 per $1,000Varies by location

Rates shown are for levy year 2024 and may vary by specific taxing district boundaries. Contact the Klickitat County Assessor for exact rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Klickitat 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 Klickitat County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes that affect a property's assessed value. The most common triggers include ownership changes (such as sales to non-family members), completion of new construction, or additions/improvements that increase the property's value after the January 1st assessment date.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the tax is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 addition in July and your tax rate is $10 per $1,000 of assessed value, you would owe approximately $250 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $10 ÷ 2) for the remaining six months of that tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically due 30 days from the issue date and cannot be paid through existing escrow arrangements.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption (if qualified): -$60,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $240,000
  • Tax Rate: $10.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,520
  • Monthly Escrow: $210

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption (if qualified): -$60,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $540,000
  • Tax Rate: $11.25 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,075
  • Monthly Escrow: $506

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption (if qualified): -$60,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $940,000
  • Tax Rate: $12.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $11,280
  • Monthly Escrow: $940

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and eligibility verification. Rates vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Klickitat County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, holds these funds in an escrow account, and pays your taxes directly to the county when due on April 30th.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if your property taxes increase or decrease. If your escrow account has a shortage, you may be required to make up the difference through a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments over 12 months. Property owners should verify that their lender has made the payment by checking with the Klickitat County Treasurer's office, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time even when using escrow services.

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 Klickitat County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by April 30th annually. Late payments incur interest and penalties starting May 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The primary credit is the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption, which can exempt up to $60,000 of assessed value. This requires annual application and income qualification. Other programs may be available through state and local municipalities, all requiring separate applications.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that caps assessment increases? A: Washington State does not have a traditional homestead credit that caps assessment growth. However, seniors and disabled persons may qualify for tax deferrals that delay payment obligations.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Klickitat County? A: Properties are reassessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed by April 30th each year.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties starting May 1st. Interest accrues monthly, and properties may eventually face foreclosure proceedings if taxes remain unpaid for multiple years.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Klickitat County offers online payment options through their website. Contact the Treasurer's office for current payment portal information and accepted methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes charges from all applicable special taxing districts serving your property, such as school districts, fire districts, and hospital districts. These vary significantly by location within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Klickitat County Board of Equalization by July 1st following the assessment year. Contact the Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

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