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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Harrison County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Harrison County, WV. 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
0.5% to 1.2% effective rate (varies by taxing district and municipality)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Harrison County, West Virginia operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows West Virginia's property tax structure with a base assessment rate around 1% of market value, though actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries.

Property taxes in Harrison County are administered by the county assessor's office for valuation and the sheriff's office for collection. Tax rates are capped at 104% of the previous year's rate to limit year-over-year increases. The effective tax rate typically ranges from 0.5% to 1.2% of market value depending on your specific location and applicable special districts. Residents in incorporated areas may pay additional municipal taxes, while those in school districts with approved bond issues face higher rates to service that debt.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General$57.20Base county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
Municipal*VariesCity/town taxes (if applicable)
Fire District*VariesSpecial fire protection districts
Library District*VariesPublic library funding (if applicable)
Bond Issues*VariesVoter-approved debt service

*Rates apply only in specific geographic areas within Harrison County

These rates apply to the 2024-2025 levy year. The 2025-2026 rates are capped at 104% of these amounts but final rates have not yet been published. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Harrison County Assessor's office at (304) 624-8525 to determine your specific district assignments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Harrison 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 Harrison County are triggered by ownership changes, new construction, or property improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional tax liability based on 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 December that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $250,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $50,000 increase for the final 4 months of that tax year. The calculation would be: ($50,000 ÷ 1,000) × applicable tax rate × (4 months ÷ 12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and become due 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $280,000
  • Tax Rate: $70.00 per $1,000 (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $1,960
  • Monthly Escrow: $163

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $580,000
  • Tax Rate: $75.00 per $1,000 (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $4,350
  • Monthly Escrow: $363

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $980,000
  • Tax Rate: $80.00 per $1,000 (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $7,840
  • Monthly Escrow: $653

Note: Homestead and other credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within Harrison County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Harrison County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. The lender pays your property tax bills directly to the Harrison County Sheriff's office when due.

Property taxes in Harrison County are payable in two installments: the first half is due September 1st of the tax year, and the second half is due March 1st of the following year. Lenders typically pay both installments on time to avoid penalties. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account balance and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly, usually with a 60-day notice.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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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 Harrison County for the 2025-2026 tax year? A: The first installment is due September 1, 2025, and the second installment is due March 1, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit ($20,000 assessed value reduction for owner-occupied homes). This requires annual application with the county assessor by July 1st. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans but all require separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your assessed value by $20,000 and may also cap annual assessment increases. You must apply annually before July 1st with proof of occupancy. This is NOT automatic and must be renewed each year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Harrison County? A: West Virginia law requires properties to be appraised at least once every three years, though Harrison County may conduct more frequent assessments in areas with significant market changes.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing at 1% per month on unpaid balances after the due dates. Properties with delinquent taxes exceeding one year may be subject to tax sale.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Harrison County Sheriff's office at (304) 624-8611 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Harrison County Board of Equalization and Review by the deadline specified on your assessment notice, typically within 30 days.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Harrison County? A: Different areas are served by various special districts (fire, library, municipal) and school districts with different funding needs and approved bond issues, creating location-specific tax rates.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Harrison County Assessor at (304) 624-8525 for assessment questions or the Sheriff's office at (304) 624-8611 for payment and collection issues.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Harrison BOE – 2025 [PDF]wvde.us
02
Tax Doc
CLASSIFIED ASSESSED VALUATIONS TAXES LEVIEDtax.wv.gov
03
County
Harrison County: Property Tax Calculation - Treasurertreasurer.harrisoncounty31.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Dates - West Virginia Tax Division - WV.govtax.wv.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Calendar January 2026 - West Virginia Tax Divisiontax.wv.gov
06
State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Tax Statements: Payments:harrisoncountywv.gov
07
Tax Doc
article 6b. homestead property tax exemption.wvlegislature.gov
08
HB 3113 Textwvlegislature.gov
09
State
Real Estate: Taxes, Appraisal, Reduction Programsharrisoncountyohio.gov
10
stc1232c.pdftax.wv.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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