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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Putnam County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Putnam 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
0.6% to 1.2% effective rate, varies by taxing district and municipal boundaries
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Putnam County operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, emergency services, roads, and county operations. Property taxes in Putnam County are based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor's Office, with tax rates applied as a percentage of the assessed value. The county follows West Virginia's assessment practices where property is typically assessed at approximately 60% of fair market value.

The effective tax rate in Putnam County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, municipal levies, and school district boundaries. Property owners can expect total effective rates ranging from approximately 0.6% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on their specific location and applicable district levies. Tax bills are mailed on July 15th each year and are payable in two installments to help manage the financial burden on property owners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed)Description
County General$0.2865Basic county operations and services
County Road$0.143Road maintenance and improvement
School Levy$1.43-$1.86Varies by school district within county
Municipal Levy$0.00-$0.85Applies only within incorporated areas
Emergency Services$0.095Fire and EMS services
Special DistrictsVariableVaries by location (water, sewer, lighting)

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2024-2025. Total effective rates typically range from $2.86 to $4.28 per $100 of assessed value depending on location within Putnam County. Special taxing districts and municipal boundaries create variations in total tax burden across different areas of the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Putnam 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 Putnam County are additional tax assessments that occur when property changes ownership, undergoes new construction, or experiences significant improvements during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

For example, if a property is sold in January and the new assessment increases the taxable value by $50,000, the new owner would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional tax on that $50,000 increase, calculated from the date of ownership change through the end of the current tax year. New construction that receives a certificate of occupancy mid-year would similarly trigger a supplemental assessment for the newly constructed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (60%): $180,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 assessment growth limitation
  • Net Taxable Value: $160,000
  • Annual Tax ($3.20 rate): $5,120
  • Monthly Escrow: $427

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (60%): $360,000
  • Senior/Disabled Credit Applied: -$50,000 assessment
  • Net Taxable Value: $310,000
  • Annual Tax ($3.65 rate): $11,315
  • Monthly Escrow: $943

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (60%): $600,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax ($4.28 rate): $25,680
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,140

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and approval. Rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Putnam County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill, plus any applicable homeowners insurance premiums. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay property taxes when they become due on September 1st and March 1st.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting monthly payments up or down based on actual tax bills and account balances. Property owners should verify that their lender has current assessment information, especially after applying for tax credits or following property improvements that might affect the tax bill.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Putnam County for the 2024-2025 tax year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by September 1st and second installment by March 1st of the following year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Putnam County offers Homestead Tax Credits for qualified residents, Senior/Disabled Tax Credits, and Farm Use Credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic - you must apply with the County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence rather than reducing market value. It caps assessment growth and requires annual filing between July 1st and December 1st to maintain eligibility.

Q: When does the County Assessor update property assessments? A: Putnam County follows a cyclical assessment schedule. Property owners can appeal assessments through the County Board of Equalization and Review, with appeal deadlines typically 30 days after assessment notices are mailed.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. After the March 1st deadline, unpaid taxes may result in tax lien procedures and potential property sale for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Putnam County offers online payment options through the County Clerk's office website. Credit card processing fees may apply for online payments.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special district taxes vary by location within Putnam County and fund services like water, sewer, fire protection, or street lighting. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: What triggers a property tax reassessment? A: Reassessments occur with ownership changes, new construction, major renovations, or during countywide reappraisal cycles. Property transfers always trigger a review of assessed value.

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
the commercial property return - for tax year 2025putnamcountywv.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Rates - West Virginia Tax Divisiontax.wv.gov
03
County
Putnam County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
04
County
Tax Division - Putnam County Sheriff's Officeputnamcountywv.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Dates - West Virginia Tax Division - WV.govtax.wv.gov
06
County
Putnam County Assessor's Officeputnamcountywv.gov
07
County
Putnam County Taxes Wvnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
Tax Doc
article 6b. homestead property tax exemption.wvlegislature.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Modernization Amendmentwvlegislature.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax Modernization Amendmentwvlegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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