Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Sherman County

Property taxes in Sherman County are determined by a combination of the Assessed Value (AV) of the property and the local millage rates. The assessment process is managed by the county assessor, who determines the value of the property based on state guidelines. In Oregon, the Assessed Value is typically capped to prevent drastic spikes in taxes, meaning the value generally only increases based on the maximum allowable annual growth or through new construction and significant renovations.

Millage rates represent the amount of tax paid per $1,000 of assessed value. These rates are set by various local taxing districts, including the county government, school districts, and fire protection services. To calculate your estimated tax, the Assessed Value is multiplied by the total combined millage rate for your specific tax lot.

Available Exemptions

Oregon offers several programs to reduce the tax burden for eligible homeowners. These exemptions can significantly lower the taxable value of a primary residence:

• Homestead Exemption: While Oregon does not have a flat-dollar homestead deduction, designating a property as a primary residence protects it from certain assessment increases.
• Senior Citizen Freeze: Eligible homeowners aged 65 or older may apply to freeze the assessed value of their home, preventing further increases in property taxes.
• Disabled Veterans: Qualified veterans with a service-connected disability may be eligible for a full or partial exemption from property taxes.
• Property Tax Deferrals: Low-income seniors or disabled individuals may defer payment of property taxes until the property is sold or the owner passes away.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Sherman County are billed annually, but payments are typically split into two installments to make the cost more manageable:

• First Installment: Due November 1st.
• Second Installment: Due February 1st.

Property owners may choose to pay in full or utilize an escrow account through their mortgage lender. It is critical to adhere to these deadlines; payments received after the due date will incur late penalties and interest. If taxes remain unpaid for an extended period, the county may initiate a foreclosure process to recover the debt.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal the assessment. This process must be initiated shortly after you receive your Notice of Assessed Value. To appeal, you must file a formal petition with the County Board of Property Tax Appeals. You will be required to provide evidence—such as recent appraisals or data on comparable sales of similar properties in your area—to support your claim that the assessment is inaccurate.