HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wahkiakum County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 0.898% effective rate, varies significantly by special taxing districts
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Nov 30
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wahkiakum County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property owners in Wahkiakum County face an effective tax rate of approximately 0.898% for 2025, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and port authorities.

The county assessor determines property values based on market conditions, while various taxing jurisdictions set their individual levy rates. Property taxes are collected in two installments annually, with the first half due April 30th and second half due November 30th. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate with the county assessor, as rates can differ substantially between areas served by different combinations of special districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.245%Basic county services, administration
School District0.485%Local school district operations (varies by district)
Fire District0.068%Fire protection services (varies by district)
Library District0.042%County library system
Port District0.035%Port operations (where applicable)
Emergency Services0.023%911 and emergency medical services
Total Combined Rate0.898%FY 2025 estimated rate

Note: These rates apply to levy year 2025 and vary by specific taxing districts within Wahkiakum County. Properties in different areas may have different combinations of special district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wahkiakum County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Apr 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Nov 30
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 to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations, change of ownership, or discovery of previously omitted property. The Wahkiakum County Assessor determines if omitted property existed and was taxable in prior years and may supplement prior year tax rolls accordingly.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the added value for the remaining 6 months of the tax year at the applicable rate of 0.898%.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Exemption (if qualified): -$60,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $240,000
  • Annual Tax: $240,000 × 0.898% = $2,155
  • Monthly Payment: $179

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Disabled Person Exemption (if qualified): -$60,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $540,000
  • Annual Tax: $540,000 × 0.898% = $4,849
  • Monthly Payment: $404

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Exemption (if qualified): -$60,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $940,000
  • Annual Tax: $940,000 × 0.898% = $8,441
  • Monthly Payment: $703

Note: All exemptions require annual application and qualification verification.

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 require property tax escrow accounts for Wahkiakum County properties. Lenders collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, holding funds in escrow until tax payments are due. The lender pays property taxes directly to the county on the April 30th and November 30th due dates.

Property owners should verify their lender is making timely payments and that escrow calculations reflect current tax assessments. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, lenders may require additional escrow contributions or increase monthly payments. 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 Wahkiakum County? A: First half payment is due April 30th, second half is due November 30th for fiscal year 2025. If the first half is unpaid by April 30th, the entire annual bill becomes delinquent with interest and penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Senior citizens and disabled persons may qualify for exemptions that reduce assessed value. Applications must be filed annually with the county assessor's office by July 1st. These are not automatic and require proof of age, income, and disability status where applicable.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Washington State does not have a traditional homestead exemption. However, qualified senior citizens and disabled persons can receive exemptions that reduce the assessed value of their primary residence by up to $60,000, requiring annual application.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Washington requires annual assessment updates to reflect current market values. The county assessor reviews sales data and market conditions to determine assessed values for the following tax year.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. If the first half isn't paid by April 30th, the entire bill becomes delinquent immediately with accumulating interest until paid.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Wahkiakum County Treasurer's office directly at (360) 795-3219 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Your total tax bill includes levies from all applicable districts serving your property - county, school, fire, library, port, and emergency services. Rates vary by location depending on which districts serve your area.

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

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

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate