HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Skagit County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Skagit 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
~1.0% ($10 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by district combinations
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Skagit County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

The effective tax rate in Skagit County for the 2025 levy year is approximately $10.00 per $1,000 of assessed value (1.0%), though this varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county. Properties may be subject to additional levies from school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special purpose districts, which can increase the total effective rate. The county budget includes a one percent increase for 2025, with new rates taking effect in 2026.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $1,000Description
County Regular Levy~$3.00-4.00General county operations, services
Road District Levy~$2.00-3.00Road maintenance and improvement
School District Levy~$4.00-6.00Local school district operations and bonds
Fire District Levy~$1.00-2.00Fire protection and emergency services
Other Special Districts~$0.50-1.50Libraries, parks, ports, utilities
Total Effective Rate~$10.50-16.50Varies by taxing district combination

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and vary significantly based on your property's specific location within Skagit County's various taxing districts. Contact the Skagit County Assessor's Office at (360) 416-1920 for your exact rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Skagit 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 are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Skagit County in July that was previously assessed at $400,000 but sells for $500,000, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 increase in assessed value, calculated from July through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be approximately $525 ($100,000 × $10.50/$1,000 × 6 months/12 months), due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior/Disabled Exemption Applied: -$75,000 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $225,000
  • Annual Tax: $225,000 × $10.50/$1,000 = $2,363
  • Monthly Escrow: $197

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase capped (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × $10.50/$1,000 = $6,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $525

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $1,000,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × $10.50/$1,000 = $10,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $875

Note: All credits and exemptions require separate applications and approval. Contact the Skagit County Assessor at (360) 416-1920 for eligibility requirements.

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 Skagit County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, plus a cushion typically equal to 2-3 months of tax payments. The escrow account pays your property taxes directly to Skagit County on the April 30 and October 31 due dates.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing deposits, payments, and any shortage or surplus. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your monthly escrow payment will adjust accordingly. You can verify that your taxes were paid correctly by checking the Skagit County Treasurer's online payment system or calling (360) 416-1210. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid 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 Skagit County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by April 30, 2024, and second half by October 31, 2024. If these dates fall on weekends, payment is due the next business day.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Skagit County offers several tax credits including Senior/Disabled Persons exemption, Veterans exemption, and Homestead credit. ALL require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Applications are typically due by December 31 for the following tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value (typically to 10% or less), rather than reducing the market value itself. You must file a Declaration of Homestead with the county and reapply periodically to maintain this protection.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Skagit County? A: Washington State requires annual revaluation of all properties. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring, with appeal deadlines in July. Contact the Assessor's Office at (360) 416-1920 for specific dates.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. First half payments made after April 30 accrue interest at 1% per month. Second half payments after October 31 also accrue 1% monthly interest.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Skagit County offers online payment options through their official website. Credit card payments may incur additional processing fees. Contact the Treasurer's Office at (360) 416-1210 for payment options.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Skagit County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (fire, school, library, etc.). Your total tax rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Skagit County Board of Equalization, typically by July 1 following the assessment notice. Forms and procedures are available through the Assessor's Office at (360) 416-1920.

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
Skagit County Local Voters' Pamphletskagitcountywa.gov
03
FIRE - 101skagitcountywa.gov
04
Welcome to the Treasurer's Officeskagitcountywa.gov
05
Business Personal Property - Assessor's Officeskagitcountywa.gov
06
Tax Doc
PAY YOUR TAXES BY AUTOPAYskagitcountywa.gov
07
Assessor's Officeskagitcountywa.gov
08
Chapter 6.13 RCW: HOMESTEADSapp.leg.wa.gov
09
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION - Assessor's Officeskagitcountywa.gov
10
exhibit410conformedsec.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