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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Skamania County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Skamania 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
$1.50 per $1,000 assessed value base rate, varies by district with additional levies
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Skamania County, Washington operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, fire protection, and county operations. Property taxes in Skamania County are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

For the 2025 tax year, Skamania County has established a base rate of $1.50 per thousand dollars of assessed value, as certified by HB 1166. However, your actual effective tax rate will likely be higher when including school district levies, fire district assessments, and other special district taxes that apply to your specific property location. Property owners should expect total effective rates to vary significantly across different areas of the county, with most residential properties experiencing rates between $8-$15 per $1,000 of assessed value when all applicable district taxes are combined.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
Skamania County Base$1.50General county operations, certified for 2025 levy year
School District LevyVariesDepends on specific school district location
Road DistrictVariesLocal road maintenance and improvements
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection and emergency services
Special LeviesVariesVoter-approved bonds and special assessments
State LeviesVariesState-mandated property tax components

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes due in 2025). Your actual total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. The county legislative authority certifies these rates annually, and rates can vary significantly between different areas within Skamania County based on the combination of districts that provide services to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Skamania 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 Skamania County are additional assessments that may be levied when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or corrections to prior year assessments. These supplemental assessments can be imposed for current and prior tax years when previously unassessed improvements or value increases are discovered.

Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same tax rate structure that applies to regular property taxes, but are prorated based on the timing of the triggering event during the tax year. For example, if a new home is completed and occupied in July, the supplemental tax would cover the remaining months of that tax year. These taxes are billed separately from regular property tax bills and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the date of billing.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $12.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Property Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $300

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $12.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Property Tax: $7,200
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $600

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $12.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Property Tax: $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $1,000

Important Notes: These examples use estimated combined rates including all typical district taxes. Actual rates vary by specific property location within the county. Available tax credits (such as senior/disability credits) require separate application and are not automatically applied. Credits can reduce the final tax amount but must be applied for annually through the Skamania County Assessor's office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Skamania County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill plus a small cushion for rate increases.

Property tax payments in Skamania County are generally due by January each year, with final payment deadlines typically in February. Your lender will receive the tax bill directly and make payment on your behalf from your escrow account. It's important to verify that payments are made timely, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow. Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses and may adjust your monthly payment if tax amounts change significantly from year to year.

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 Skamania County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 levy year are typically due by January, with final payment deadlines usually in February. Senior citizens and disabled persons have until 30 days before the tax is due to claim deferments.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Washington State offers property tax credits for seniors, disabled persons, and qualifying veterans. These credits require annual application through the Skamania County Assessor's office and are based on income eligibility. Credits are not automatic - you must qualify and apply each year.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that limits assessment increases? A: Washington does not have a traditional homestead exemption that caps assessment growth. However, certain tax credits may be available for qualifying homeowners. Contact the Skamania County Assessor to discuss available programs and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties assessed? A: Washington law requires annual assessment of all property at market value. The Skamania County Assessor determines assessed values each year based on market conditions and property characteristics as of January 1st.

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

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest are imposed on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Skamania County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Skamania County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary across the county? A: Different areas of Skamania County are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, and other special taxing districts. Your total tax rate depends on which districts provide services to your specific property location.

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
2025 Tax Year Skamania County Levy Auditdor.wa.gov
03
Untitledauditor.co.skamania.wa.us
04
Tax Doc
Understanding the Affordable Housing Sales Tax Creditsequimwa.gov
05
Tax Doc
2026 Property Tax Calendar Due Datesdor.wa.gov
06
BOOK13 PAGE 477auditor.co.skamania.wa.us
07
County
Skamania County, WAauditor.co.skamania.wa.us
08
Tax Doc
Property tax exemption for seniors, people retired due to ...dor.wa.gov
09
Untitledauditor.co.skamania.wa.us
10
County
Skamania County, WAauditor.co.skamania.wa.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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