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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Walla Walla County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Walla Walla 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
9.25%-9.54% of assessed value (varies by taxing district location)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

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

The effective property tax rate in Walla Walla County ranges from approximately 9.25% to 9.54% of assessed value for 2025, though this varies by specific location and the taxing districts that serve each property. Unlike some states, Washington does not cap annual assessment increases at the state level, meaning property values can increase to full market value each year. Property owners should note that most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General Fund~1.8‰Basic county services and operations
School District Levy~3.5‰Local school district operations and bonds
Fire District~1.2‰Fire protection and emergency services
Hospital District~0.7‰Local hospital district services
Library District~0.4‰Public library system
Port District~0.3‰Port authority operations
Cemetery District~0.1‰Cemetery maintenance
Other Special Districts~1.4‰Various utility and service districts
Total Rate Range9.25-9.54‰Varies by taxing district combination

Rates shown are per $1,000 of assessed value for Levy Year 2025. Actual rates vary by property location within the county based on which special taxing districts serve the area. Contact the Walla Walla County Assessor for your specific district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Walla Walla County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or major improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor issues a supplemental assessment for the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $250,000 but sells for $400,000, the assessor may issue a supplemental tax bill based on the $150,000 increase in assessed value. This supplemental tax would apply for the remaining 6 months of the tax year (July through December) at the applicable tax rate. The supplemental bill is separate from regular tax installments and typically has its own due date, usually 30 days from the date of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit (if eligible): -$1,429 maximum
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (credits reduce tax, not assessed value)
  • Annual Tax (9.54%): $2,862
  • Less Senior Credit: $1,433
  • Monthly Escrow: $119

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Disabled Veterans Credit (if eligible): -$2,859 maximum
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (9.54%): $5,724
  • Less Veterans Credit: $2,865
  • Monthly Escrow: $238

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No credits applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (9.54%): $9,540
  • Monthly Escrow: $795

Note: Tax credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Rates shown are approximate and vary by specific taxing district combination.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Walla Walla County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments as part of the mortgage payment and paying taxes directly to the county when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion of up to two months' worth of payments as required by federal law.

Property taxes in Walla Walla County are due in two installments: the first half by April 30th and the second half by October 31st. Lenders monitor these due dates and make payments on behalf of homeowners. Property owners should verify that their lender has current mailing address information with the County Treasurer to ensure tax bills are received and paid on time. Even with escrow accounts, homeowners are ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid, so it's important to review annual escrow statements and contact your lender if you notice any discrepancies.

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  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Walla Walla County? A: Property taxes for the current year are due in two installments: first half by April 30th and second half by October 31st. These dates apply to the 2025 tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common tax credits include Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief (reducing taxes up to $1,429 annually), Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit, and property tax deferrals for qualifying seniors and disabled persons. All credits require annual application through the Walla Walla County Assessor's office by December 31st for the following tax year.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that limits assessment increases? A: Washington State does not have a traditional homestead credit that caps assessment growth. However, qualifying senior citizens and disabled persons may apply for property tax deferrals that allow taxes to be postponed. Application must be made annually with the county assessor.

Q: How often are properties assessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually based on market value as of January 1st. Assessment notices are mailed by April 30th. Property owners have 60 days from the notice date to file an appeal with the Walla Walla County Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest and penalties begin accruing immediately after the due dates (April 30th and October 31st). Contact the Walla Walla County Treasurer at (509) 524-2530 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Walla Walla County offers online payment options through their website. Contact the County Treasurer's office for available electronic payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Tax rates vary based on the combination of special taxing districts serving each property, including school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, library districts, and other local service areas. Each district sets its own levy rate approved by voters.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental assessments occur when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or major improvements are made that increase the property's assessed value during the tax year. These result in additional tax bills prorated for the remaining months of the tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Property Details - 13 USA GOVERNMENT for Year 2025 - 2026propertysearch.co.walla-walla.wa.us
02
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX STATISTICS 2025dor.wa.gov
03
County
2971 WI WALLA WALLA COUNTY WA LLC for Year 2024 - 2025propertysearch.co.walla-walla.wa.us
04
Treasurerwwcowa.gov
05
County
Land Title of Walla Walla County, inc.apps.ecology.wa.gov
06
State
Tax Statementswwcowa.gov
07
Senior Exemptionwwcowa.gov
08
County
Walla Walla County Department of Human Services ...dch.co.walla-walla.wa.us
09
Other Exemptionswwcowa.gov
10
County
walla walla county budgetco.walla-walla.wa.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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