Oregon Property Tax Bills Are Here: What Homeowners and Buyers Need to Know for 2026-27

Why are property taxes increasing?

Oregon has rules limiting how quickly taxable property values can increase, but those rules are often misunderstood.

Many homeowners have heard that Oregon property taxes can only increase by 3% annually. That is not quite correct.

Oregon generally limits annual increases in a property's Maximum Assessed Value to 3%, with exceptions for certain property changes. The final property tax bill, however, can increase by more than that amount.

According to Washington County's 2026-27 property tax announcement, this year's increase in total taxes reflects several factors, including new construction, industrial development, changes in property values, and new or increased local taxing district levies.

The county reports that approximately 195,000 property tax accounts will see higher bills this year. About 165,000 accounts will see increases between 0% and 5%, while approximately 30,000 will see increases greater than 5%. Meanwhile, around 9,000 accounts will see a reduction.

The important takeaway is simple: your property's tax bill depends on more than broad housing market movements.

Understanding your property's assessed value

One of the most confusing parts of an Oregon property tax statement is the difference between market value and assessed value.

Real Market Value, or RMV, is the county assessor's estimate of what your property would sell for under typical market conditions as of January 1, 2026.

Maximum Assessed Value, or MAV, is a separate value established under Oregon's property tax system. It generally cannot increase by more than 3% annually unless certain changes affect the property.

Assessed Value, or AV, is the lower of the RMV or MAV and is generally the value used to calculate property taxes.

For example, if your home's market value decreased this year, that does not necessarily mean your tax bill will decrease. Your assessed value may still increase under Oregon's system, and changes in local tax rates or levies can affect the final amount.

This is why comparing your annual tax statement with an online home value estimate does not always tell the whole story.

An important November deadline for Oregon homeowners

For the 2026-27 tax year, the first property tax payment is due Monday, November 16, 2026. Washington County and Multnomah County both confirm that deadline.

Homeowners can pay the entire bill by November 16 and qualify for a 3% discount, pay two-thirds by November 16 and qualify for a 2% discount under the applicable payment rules, or pay in three installments without the early-payment discount on November 16, 2026, February 16, 2027, and May 17, 2027.

For homeowners who pay property taxes directly, reviewing these options before the deadline can make a difference.

If your property taxes are paid through a mortgage escrow account, check with your mortgage servicer before submitting a separate payment. Washington County specifically advises homeowners to verify their payment arrangements to avoid duplicate payments or missed deadlines.

Official payment information is available through Washington County Assessment & Taxation and Multnomah County Property Taxes.

What this means for homebuyers in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard

Property taxes are an important part of the monthly cost of homeownership, but they are sometimes overlooked when buyers first begin shopping.

Most people naturally focus on the purchase price, mortgage interest rate, and down payment. However, the complete monthly housing payment may also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA dues when applicable.

When comparing homes in Washington County, it is important to review the actual property tax information for each address.

Two similarly priced homes in nearby neighborhoods may have different property tax bills because they are located in different taxing districts or have different assessed values.

Washington County currently has 360 separate property tax code areas, illustrating how much taxes can vary by location.

A buyer considering homes in Beaverton, South Hillsboro, or Tigard should not assume that identical purchase prices will produce identical property tax expenses.

Before making an offer, review the property's tax history and ask your lender to include an appropriate property tax estimate in the monthly payment calculation. Also remember that property taxes can change in future years. Today's tax bill should not be treated as a guaranteed amount for the entire period of ownership.

What sellers should know before listing their homes

Property tax information can also matter when preparing to sell.

Buyers frequently ask about the annual property tax amount because it affects affordability.

Having a recent tax statement available, along with accurate information about any HOA dues and other ownership costs, can make it easier to answer questions and present the property clearly.

Sellers should also be aware that property taxes are generally addressed through prorations and settlement adjustments at closing, depending on the contract and transaction details.

The goal is to avoid surprises for either party.

And if you are considering selling in 2027, reviewing your current tax statement is also a useful part of assessing your home's annual carrying costs while you decide on your timeline.

Can you appeal your property's value?

Yes. Oregon provides an appeal process for homeowners who believe their property's assessed or real market value is incorrect.

For the 2026-27 tax year, Washington County property valuation appeals must be submitted by December 31, 2026.

However, there is an important distinction. The Property Value Appeals Board reviews evidence concerning property valuations. It does not simply reduce a tax bill because a homeowner believes the amount is too high.

An appeal also does not automatically produce tax savings. For example, reducing the county's estimated market value may not lower the amount owed if the property's assessed value remains below that market value.

Homeowners considering an appeal should review their property information carefully and consult the county's official property value appeals guidance.

Washington County's Appraisal Division can be reached at 503-846-8826 for questions about valuations.

The bigger picture for Portland Metro homeowners

Property taxes are one piece of the broader affordability conversation across the Pacific Northwest.

Mortgage rates, home prices, insurance premiums, maintenance, and local taxes all influence the true cost of owning a home.

For existing homeowners, understanding annual expenses helps with household budgeting and long-term planning.

For buyers, reviewing those expenses before making an offer can prevent financial surprises.

And for sellers, providing accurate information about the property's ownership costs helps buyers make better-informed decisions.

The most useful approach is not to focus only on whether property taxes have increased. It is to understand what your property costs to own, why those costs change, and how they fit into your plans.

Planning a move in the Portland Metro area?

Whether you are considering buying, selling, or simply exploring your options in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Portland, or surrounding communities, understanding the full cost of homeownership is an important part of the process.

I help clients evaluate homes beyond the listing price, including neighborhood conditions, recent sales, property-specific considerations, and important questions to review before making a decision.

Connect with Vanessa Agrawal to start a personalized real estate conversation.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not tax or legal advice. For questions about assessments, exemptions, payment arrangements, or appeals, consult the appropriate county tax office or a qualified professional.

Sources

Washington County: 2026-27 Property Tax Statement, October 16, 2026

Washington County: Property Value Appeals

Multnomah County: Property Tax Payments Due November 16, 2026

Oregon Department of Revenue: Property Assessment and Taxation