AppealDesk

Washington County Property Tax Appeal — Oregon

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Washington County is Oregon's second-most populous county with approximately 600,000 residents and serves as a vital part of the Portland metropolitan area. The county seat is Hillsboro, with other major cities including Beaverton, Tigard, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Cornelius, and North Plains. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Washington County due to its above-average tax burden—the median home value of $610,700 is the highest in Oregon, while the effective tax rate of 0.84% exceeds both the state average of 0.78% and approaches the national average. The median annual property tax bill of $5,122 is significantly higher than Oregon's statewide median of $3,895, making it crucial for homeowners to ensure their assessments are accurate.

Notable cities: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Cornelius, Tualatin

Median Home

$610,700

Tax Rate

0.84%

Annual Tax

$5,122

Population

600,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: December 31, 2026

Appeals must be filed no later than December 31 of the current tax year. If December 31 falls on a weekend or holiday, the filing deadline extends to the next business day. The filing period opens when tax statements are mailed in late October.

Property in Washington County, Oregon — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Washington County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Washington County Department of Assessment and Taxation

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: October

In Oregon, properties are assessed at 100% of their Real Market Value (RMV) as of January 1 each year. However, due to Measure 50 passed in 1997, your actual tax bill is based on the lower of either your RMV or your Maximum Assessed Value (MAV), which can only increase by 3% annually. For example, if your home's market value is $610,700 (the county median), your assessed value at Oregon's 100% assessment ratio would be $610,700, but your taxable assessed value may be lower if protected by the MAV limitation. At Washington County's effective rate of 0.84%, this would result in approximately $5,130 in annual property taxes on the full market value.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB). PVAB hearings are informal proceedings where you present your case to independent citizen board members appointed by the County Commissioners. The board will review evidence and make a decision based on market value, not the amount of taxes you pay, and you are not required to have an attorney present.

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Step 1: Review your property tax statement received in late October and compare your property's Real Market Value (RMV) and Assessed Value (AV) to similar properties in your neighborhood to determine if an appeal is warranted.

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Step 2: Contact the county appraisal office at(503) 846-8826 before filing an appeal to discuss your concerns and gather information about how your value was determined—many issues can be resolved through this informal conversation.

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Step 3: Gather supporting evidence including recent comparable sales (within the past 6-12 months), photographs showing property condition, repair estimates for any defects, and a professional appraisal if available.

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Step 4: Complete and submit the Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) petition form along with all supporting documentation by mail or in-person before the December 31 deadline—there is no fee to file with the PVAB.

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Step 5: Attend your informal PVAB hearing (typically scheduled February through April 15) where you'll present your evidence to independent board members, or elect to have the board decide based on your written petition alone.

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Step 6: If dissatisfied with the PVAB decision, file an appeal with the Oregon Tax Court Magistrate Division within the allowed timeframe (with a $50 filing fee), and if needed, further appeal to the Tax Court Regular Division.

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Step 7: As a final option, decisions from the Tax Court Regular Division may be appealed directly to the Oregon Supreme Court.

Required form: Property Value Appeals Board Petition (Form 150-310-063 or Washington County PVAB petition form)

Filing Methods

mail:Washington County Property Value Appeals Board, 155 N. First Ave., Suite 130-MS9, Hillsboro, OR 97124
in-person:Department of Assessment & Taxation, 155 N First Avenue, Suite 130, MS 9, Hillsboro, OR 97124 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
phone:Call(503) 846-3854 for forms and filing assistance

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable property salesPhotographs of property conditionProfessional appraisal reportRepair estimates for defectsProperty condition documentationMarket analysis data

Washington County Assessor Contact

Washington County Department of Assessment and Taxation

Phone: (503) 846-8741

Address: 155 N First Avenue, Suite 130, MS 9, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Website: https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/at

Online Portal: https://washcotax.co.washington.or.us/

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Washington County

Disabled Veteran Exemption

$26,303 (non-service connected) or $31,565 (service-connected)

Veterans with a disability rating of at least 40% or their surviving spouse may receive a reduction in assessed value on their primary residence.

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with 40% or higher disability rating certified by VA or Armed Forces, or surviving unremarried spouse; must own and occupy the homestead propertyDeadline: April 1

Active Military Service Member Exemption

$108,367 (2026-26 tax year, increases 3% annually)

Oregon National Guard or Reserve members deployed to federal active duty may exempt a portion of their primary residence's assessed value.

Eligibility: Must be Oregon resident serving in Oregon National Guard or military reserves, ordered to federal active duty (Title 10) or deployed under Emergency Management Assistance Compact for more than 178 consecutive daysDeadline: August 1 following the tax year

Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral

Full property tax deferral (with 6% interest lien)

Oregon homeowners age 62 or older, or those receiving federal Social Security disability benefits, may defer property taxes as a loan from the state at 6% interest.

Eligibility: Must be Oregon homeowner age 62+ or receiving federal Social Security disability; household income must be below program limits; must have sufficient equity to secure state's interestDeadline: April 15

Official Resources

Washington County Assessment and Taxation Official Website →

Official county department site with information on property appraisals, appeals, exemptions, tax payments, and contact information.

Washington County Property Tax Search and Online Access →

Search property records, view assessments, check account balances, and access your property tax information online.

Oregon Department of Revenue Property Tax Division →

State-level property tax information including exemption programs, forms, publications, and guidance on Oregon's property tax system.

Washington County Property Value Appeals Information and Forms →

Download PVAB petition forms, view filing instructions, and find detailed information about the property value appeals process.

Check Your Washington County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Washington County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Washington County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax appeal with the Washington County Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) is December 31, 2026. If December 31 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline automatically extends to the next business day. The filing period opens when property tax statements are mailed out in late October. You must submit your completed PVAB petition form and supporting documentation by this deadline—there is no fee to file. Missing this deadline means you'll have to wait until the next tax year to appeal your property value.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Washington County?
To file a property tax appeal in Washington County, you must complete a Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) petition form, which can be downloaded from the county website or obtained by calling(503) 846-3854. Submit the completed form along with supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photos, and appraisals to the Washington County PVAB at 155 N. First Ave., Suite 130-MS9, Hillsboro, OR 97124. You can file by mail or in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM). There is no filing fee for PVAB appeals. Before filing, consider calling the appraisal office at(503) 846-8826 to discuss your concerns, as many issues can be resolved informally.
Does Oregon have a homestead exemption for property taxes?
No, Oregon does not currently have a traditional homestead exemption that reduces property taxes for all homeowners. Unlike many other states, Oregon law does not provide a general property tax exemption based solely on owner-occupancy, age, or income level. However, Oregon does offer specific exemptions for qualifying individuals, including disabled veterans (up to $31,565 in assessed value reduction), active military members deployed on federal orders (up to $108,367 exemption), and certain public safety officers' surviving spouses. Oregon also provides a property tax deferral program for seniors and disabled homeowners that allows them to postpone payment with a 6% interest lien rather than reducing the tax amount owed.
What evidence do I need to win my Washington County property tax appeal?
To successfully appeal your property tax in Washington County, you need clear, convincing evidence that your property's assessed Real Market Value (RMV) exceeds its actual market value. The most powerful evidence includes recent comparable sales (within the past 6-12 months) of similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value. Additional strong evidence includes a professional appraisal conducted by a licensed appraiser, photographs documenting property defects or condition issues, written repair estimates for needed work, and any factors that negatively impact value such as environmental hazards or easements. The burden of proof is on you as the taxpayer, so thoroughly document all evidence and be prepared to present it clearly at your PVAB hearing.
What happens at a Property Value Appeals Board hearing in Washington County?
A Washington County PVAB hearing is an informal proceeding typically scheduled between February and April where you present your case to a panel of independent citizens appointed by the County Commissioners. You do not need an attorney—you can represent yourself and present evidence showing why your property's assessed value should be reduced. The board members will review your evidence, listen to the county assessor's position, and ask questions to understand the market value issue. They can sustain the current value, reduce it, or in some cases increase it based on the evidence presented. The board's decision focuses solely on determining the correct market value of your property, not the amount of taxes you pay. You'll receive a written decision after the hearing.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Washington County?
The amount you can save from a successful property tax appeal in Washington County depends on how much your assessed value is reduced and the tax rate applicable to your property. With Washington County's effective tax rate of 0.84%, every $10,000 reduction in your property's Real Market Value (RMV) saves you approximately $84 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully argue your home is worth $550,000 instead of the assessed $610,700 (the county median), that's a $60,700 reduction, saving you about $510 annually. These savings continue year after year as long as the reduced value remains in effect. Given that property tax assessments can contain errors and the median Washington County homeowner pays over $5,122 annually, even modest reductions can result in significant long-term savings.
Can I appeal my Washington County property taxes if I disagree with the tax amount but not the value?
No, the Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) in Washington County can only hear appeals regarding your property's assessed value (Real Market Value or Maximum Assessed Value), not the total amount of taxes you owe. The PVAB has no authority to reduce your tax bill if the assessed value is correct. Your tax amount is determined by applying the tax rates set by various local taxing districts (schools, cities, special districts) to your assessed value, and those rates are established by voters and governing bodies, not the assessor. However, if you believe your assessed value is too high compared to similar properties or recent sales, successfully appealing the value will automatically reduce your tax bill proportionally. For questions about tax rates, levies, or how your bill is calculated, contact the Tax Collections office at(503) 846-8801.
What is the difference between Real Market Value and Assessed Value in Washington County?
In Washington County, Oregon, the Real Market Value (RMV) is the county assessor's estimate of what your property would sell for on the open market as of January 1, essentially the current fair market value. The Assessed Value (AV) is the value actually used to calculate your property taxes and is determined by taking the lower of either your RMV or your Maximum Assessed Value (MAV). The MAV, established by Measure 50 in 1997, can only increase by 3% per year regardless of how much your market value increases, providing tax stability for long-term homeowners. For example, if your home's RMV is $610,700 but your MAV is only $450,000 due to years of the 3% cap, you'll pay taxes on the lower $450,000 assessed value. When you appeal, you're typically challenging the RMV determination, which sets the ceiling for your potential tax liability.

For state-wide appeal information including Oregon's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Oregon Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Oregon Counties

Clackamas County (Oregon City)Multnomah County (Portland)
← All Oregon property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/at | https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/at/appraisal | https://smartasset.com/taxes/washington-county-oregon-property-tax-calculator | https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/property/pages/exemptions.aspx | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_County,_Oregon

Last verified: 2026-02-16