If you own property in the Portland metro area, October brings one predictable piece of mail: your property tax statement. This quick guide explains what the colors mean (green vs. yellow), key dates and discounts, how Oregon’s tax year works, and where to find appeal information for Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties.
Oregon’s Property Tax Year: Why It Starts in July
Oregon uses a fiscal property tax year that runs from July 1 to June 30. The bill you receive this October covers the period beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. If you’d like a refresher on why Oregon uses this schedule (and what it means for planning), see our explainer: Why Oregon’s Property Tax Year Starts in July and What It Means for You.
Green vs. Yellow: What Your Envelope Color Means
- Green bills: You pay the county directly. This is common if you’ve paid off your mortgage or do not escrow taxes with your lender.
- Yellow bills: Your mortgage servicer pays from your escrow account. The statement is for your records, but you should still review it closely.
Regardless of color, verify your name, mailing address, property description, and tax account number. If something looks off, contact your county assessment & taxation office promptly.
Key Dates, Discounts, and Payment Options
Statements typically mail in mid-October. For the 2025–2026 tax year, the first due date is November 15, 2025. Oregon offers three ways to pay:
- Pay in full by November 15 — 3% discount.
- Pay two-thirds by November 15 — 2% discount; the remaining one-third is due by May 15, 2026.
- Pay one-third by November 15 — no discount; the second and third installments are due by February 15, 2026 and May 15, 2026.
If you mail your payment, it must be postmarked by November 15 to receive any discount. You can also pay online via your county’s portal; review any convenience fees before submitting.
Where Your Property Taxes Go
Your tax dollars fund local services across the Portland metro: city and county operations, libraries, public safety, parks, and infrastructure. Your statement itemizes each taxing district so you can see how funds are allocated. While the mix varies by address and county, the core idea is the same: these dollars stay local.
How to Appeal Your Property Value (Portland Metro)
If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can appeal. Appeals in our region go through the county’s Board of Property Tax Appeals (BOPTA). The filing window generally opens in late October and closes on December 31. Appeals focus on your property’s value as of January 1, 2025, so gather objective evidence (comparable sales, appraisal, photos, etc.).
- Multnomah County – How to Appeal Your Property Value
- Washington County – Appeal Your Property Value
- Clackamas County – Property Value Appeals
Tip: Start early. You’ll need time to compile supporting documentation and complete county forms.
FAQs and County Resources
For common billing and payment questions (online payment methods, partial payments, late fees, and more), see:
Washington and Clackamas Counties provide similar resources on their assessment & taxation pages.
Smart Moves Before You Pay
- Review your bill. Confirm owner name, mailing address, and legal description.
- Compare to last year. Note changes to assessed value (AV) and real market value (RMV).
- Plan for discounts. If cash flow allows, paying in full by November 15 can save 3%.
- Calendar the installment dates. Missing one can add interest and penalties.
- Keep records. Your statement may be needed for income tax preparation or refinancing.