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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lewis County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lewis 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
0.8%-1.4% of assessed value (varies by district and special assessments)
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lewis County, Washington operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and various special districts. Property taxes in Lewis County are collected annually and represent a significant revenue source for county operations, municipal services, and educational funding. The tax system is administered by the Lewis County Assessor and Treasurer's offices, working in coordination with state guidelines.

The effective property tax rate in Lewis County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners can expect rates to range broadly depending on their specific address, as each property may be subject to different combinations of levies from cities, school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special purpose districts. The county-wide average rate fluctuates annually based on approved levies and assessed valuations.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary considerably throughout Lewis County based on the specific taxing districts that serve each property. A property in Centralia will have different rates than one in Chehalis or in unincorporated areas, depending on which school district, fire district, library district, and other special districts provide services to that location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for Tax Year 2025 (due in 2026), Lewis County property tax rates include the following major components:

ComponentDescription
County GeneralBasic county operations and services
County RoadsRoad maintenance and transportation infrastructure
School DistrictsK-12 education funding (varies by district)
Cities and TownsMunicipal services (applies only within city limits)
Special DistrictsFire, library, hospital, cemetery, and other local districts
State LeviesState-mandated property tax portions

Note: The research data indicates a 90.5% rate figure, but this appears to be incomplete or potentially referring to a collection rate rather than the tax rate itself. Property tax rates in Washington typically range from 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value.

The specific rate for any property depends on its location and which combination of taxing districts serve that address. Each property receives an annual tax statement showing the breakdown of all applicable levies. Rates are set annually and may change based on voter-approved measures and budget requirements of each taxing jurisdiction.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lewis 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 Lewis County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, ownership changes that prompt reassessment, or corrections to assessment errors. When supplemental taxes are issued, they cover the period from when the change took effect through the end of the current tax year.

The calculation for supplemental taxes involves determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The resulting amount is prorated based on how many months remain in the tax year. For example, if a home improvement is completed and adds $50,000 to the assessed value in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 6 months of the tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular annual tax statements and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when undertaking major improvements or when purchasing newly constructed properties that may not have been fully assessed in the regular assessment cycle.

Example Calculation

Here are three examples of annual property tax calculations in Lewis County, using an estimated effective rate of 1.2% (actual rates vary by location and special districts):

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2%): $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow Amount: $300

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2%): $7,200
  • Monthly Escrow Amount: $600

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits: -$0 (most require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2%): $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow Amount: $1,000

Important Notes: These calculations use estimated rates for illustration. Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location and applicable taxing districts. Most tax credits require annual application and have specific eligibility requirements. Contact the Lewis County Assessor's office for your exact rate and available credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lewis County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Lewis County when they become due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property tax payments in Lewis County are due in two installments: the first half is due April 15th, and the second half is due November 15th for taxes payable in 2026. Lenders usually pay each installment before the due date to avoid penalties. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or new levies, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly escrow amount.

Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statement carefully and verify that their lender is paying the correct amount. You can check payment status on the Lewis County Treasurer's website or contact the Treasurer's office directly. If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), make sure to budget for both payment dates and consider the potential for supplemental tax bills throughout the year.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lewis County? A: For Tax Year 2025 (payable in 2026), the first half is due April 15, 2026, and the second half is due November 15, 2026. These dates are subject to change if they fall on weekends or holidays.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Washington State offers several tax credits including Senior Citizen/Disabled Person Credit and other property tax relief programs. Most credits require annual application with specific deadlines, typically by December 31st of the tax year. Contact the Lewis County Assessor's office for current applications and eligibility requirements.

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 state does offer various property tax relief programs for qualifying seniors and disabled persons that may limit tax increases. These programs require application and income qualification.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lewis County? A: Washington State requires annual revaluation of all properties. The Lewis County Assessor reviews market data and adjusts assessed values yearly to reflect current market conditions as of January 1st of each year.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as set by state law. Interest begins accruing on the day after the due date, and additional penalties may apply for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Lewis County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Check with the Lewis County Treasurer's office for current online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do my taxes vary from my neighbor's even with similar home values? A: Properties may be served by different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, library districts, etc.), resulting in different total tax rates even within the same neighborhood.

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

Q: What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? A: Unpaid property taxes become a lien against the property and may eventually result in tax foreclosure proceedings. It's important to contact the Treasurer's office immediately if you're having difficulty making payments to discuss possible payment arrangements.

Q: Are there special considerations for new construction? A: New construction is typically assessed when completed and may result in supplemental tax bills. The assessment is based on the completed value and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after completion.

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
Tax Doc
Property Taxeslewiscountywa.gov
04
Press Release April 7th, 2020 To respond to the economic ...lewiscountywa.gov
05
County
2022 Lewis County Levy Auditdor.wa.gov
06
County
2024 Lewis County Property Tax Administration Reviewdor.wa.gov
07
Exemptionslewiscountywa.gov
08
Real Propertylewiscountywa.gov
09
Chapter 6.13 RCW: HOMESTEADSapp.leg.wa.gov
10
Tax Doc
Appendix B - Tax Levies/Staffing Summary/Glossarylewiscountywa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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