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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Gilmer County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate varies by district, typically 1.2-1.8% of assessed value including county, school, and municipal levies
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Gilmer County, West Virginia operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as a primary funding source for local government services, schools, and infrastructure. Property taxes in West Virginia are administered at the county level, with the Gilmer County Assessor determining property values and the Sheriff's Office collecting payments. The effective tax rate in Gilmer County varies depending on your specific location within the county due to different special taxing districts and municipal boundaries.

Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and reassessed periodically. The total tax rate consists of multiple components including county general funds, school levies, municipal taxes (if applicable), and special district assessments such as fire protection or library services. Actual tax rates can vary significantly within Gilmer County depending on which taxing districts apply to your specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 levy year rates are not yet available. The following represents the general structure - contact Gilmer County Assessor for current rates.

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General LevyVariesBasic county operations and services
School LevyVariesLocal school district funding
Municipal LevyVaries*City/town services (if applicable)
Fire ProtectionVaries*Fire department and emergency services
Library LevyVaries*Public library services
Special DistrictsVaries*Additional local improvement districts

*Applies only to properties within specific municipal boundaries or special taxing districts. Your total rate depends on which combination of these levies applies to your property location. Contact the Gilmer County Assessor's Office for your specific tax rate and applicable levy year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Gilmer 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 Gilmer County 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, property improvements, changes in exemption status, or corrections to the original assessment. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the remaining months in the tax year after the change occurs.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and the improvement is assessed in March, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the increased assessment from March through the end of the current tax year. The supplemental amount would be calculated by applying the current tax rate to the $50,000 increase in assessed value, then prorated for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Note: These examples use estimated rates for illustration. Actual rates vary by location and levy year.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (assessment cap benefit)*
  • Net Taxable Value: $280,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $3,360
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$280

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$30,000 (assessment cap benefit)*
  • Net Taxable Value: $570,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $6,840
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$570

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$40,000 (assessment cap benefit)*
  • Net Taxable Value: $960,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $11,520
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$960

*Homestead exemption requires application and limits annual assessment increases. Benefits shown are illustrative.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Gilmer County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office when due. Escrow payments are typically calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, plus a cushion for potential increases.

Property tax bills in Gilmer County are payable in two installments: the first installment is due September 1st of the tax year, and the second installment is due March 1st of the following year. Your lender will typically pay each installment before the due date to avoid interest charges. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments to your monthly escrow payment. It's important to verify that payments are made on time, as delinquent taxes begin accruing interest on October 1st and April 1st respectively.

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 Gilmer County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: September 1st (first half) and March 1st of the following year (second half). Interest begins accruing on October 1st and April 1st for late payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: West Virginia offers a Homestead Exemption that must be applied for annually. This credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons. All credits require separate applications - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption limits annual increases in your home's assessed value, typically capping increases at a certain percentage. You must file an application with the County Assessor's Office by a specific deadline each year to maintain this benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Gilmer County? A: West Virginia law requires periodic reassessment of all properties. Contact the Gilmer County Assessor's Office for the current reassessment schedule and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest from October 1st (first installment) and April 1st (second installment). Additional penalties may apply for extended delinquency, and properties can eventually be subject to tax sale.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why might my tax rate be different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Gilmer County based on municipal boundaries and special taxing districts such as fire protection, library services, or improvement districts. Your specific location determines which combination of levies applies to your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment through the Gilmer County Board of Equalization and Review. Contact the County Assessor's Office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation.

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