Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Hood River County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Hood River County

In Oregon, property taxes are determined by the assessed value of your property multiplied by the local tax rate. The Hood River County Assessor’s Office determines your property’s Real Market Value (RMV) based on comparable sales and property characteristics. However, your tax bill is calculated using the Assessed Value (AV), which is the lesser of the RMV or the Maximum Assessed Value (MAV). Oregon’s tax structure, governed by Measure 50, limits the growth of the MAV to 3% annually, unless significant improvements are made to the property. The total tax rate is a composite of various local taxing districts, including schools, the county, the city, and special districts like fire or library services, expressed as a rate per $1,000 of assessed value.

Available Exemptions

Oregon offers several programs to assist qualifying homeowners in reducing their property tax burden. Eligibility often depends on income, age, or military service status:

• Senior/Disabled Deferral: This program allows qualified seniors (62+) or individuals with disabilities to defer payment of property taxes until the property is sold or the owner passes away.
• Veterans’ Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected disability or their surviving spouses may qualify for a reduction in the assessed value of their primary residence.
• Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption: A specific exemption for veterans with a 40% or greater service-connected disability rating.
• Active Duty Military: Members of the military serving in combat zones may be eligible for tax deferrals.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax statements are mailed in late October each year. To manage your tax obligation, Oregon law provides a structured payment schedule:

• November 15: The full amount is due. If you pay in full by this date, you receive a 3% discount.
• Installment Options: If you choose not to pay in full, you may pay in three equal installments due on November 15, February 15, and May 15. No discount is applied to installment payments.

Failure to pay by the specified deadlines will result in interest charges accruing at a rate of 1% per month. If taxes remain unpaid for three years, the property may be subject to foreclosure proceedings by the county.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with the Hood River County Board of Property Tax Appeals (BOPTA). Appeals must generally be filed between the date the tax statements are mailed and December 31. You must provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent independent appraisals or documentation of comparable property sales that suggest a lower market value. If you are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, you may further appeal to the Oregon Tax Court’s Magistrate Division.