Mark November 15 on your calendar. Pay on time in The Dalles and you can keep discounts, avoid interest, and make future resale paperwork easy. Use this simple guide to plan your payments and stay organized all year.
Oregon tax timeline at a glance
Oregon counties mail annual property tax statements on or before October 25. State law confirms the mailing deadline.
You have three standard ways to pay under ORS 311.505:
- Pay in full by November 15 for a 3% discount.
- Pay two thirds by November 15 for a 2% discount on that payment.
- Pay in three installments with no discount: one third by November 15, one third by February 15, and the final third by May 15.
If a due date lands on a weekend or legal holiday, counties typically post an adjusted business-day deadline. Check the posted date each fall on the county site or by phone. Here is a common county example of that practice.
Interest on late amounts is set by statute at 1 1/3% per month until paid. See ORS 311.505 for details.
Wasco County payment options
Wasco County follows the statewide schedule for statement mailing and the November, February, and May due dates. Local notices also outline mailing instructions and where to send on-time versus late payments. See a recent county notice example.
You can typically pay by mail, online, or by phone. Wasco County has used a third-party portal (Point & Pay) for e-check and card payments. Third-party processors generally charge a convenience fee, so confirm the current portal link and fees before paying. Local notices describe these options.
Need to verify addresses, hours, or drop box details? Contact the Wasco County Taxation Office at the County Courthouse, 511 Washington St., The Dalles. Main assessor: 541-506-2510. Taxation/collector: 541-506-2777. Find the office listing here.
Choose how to pay
Pay in full by Nov. 15
You get the biggest savings with the 3% discount. This option simplifies your bookkeeping and removes the risk of missing later installments. It does require a larger one-time payment.
Pay two thirds by Nov. 15
This keeps the 2% discount on the two-thirds portion and lowers your upfront cash need versus paying in full. You will still owe the remainder by May 15.
Pay in three installments
Installments are due in November, February, and May with no discount. This spreads out cash flow, which can help a seasonal or variable income. If you miss a due date, the unpaid amount accrues interest at the statutory rate.
Avoid interest and fees
- Use the address the county designates for on-time payments. Some counties direct on-time mail to a processing center and late payments to the county office. Keep your USPS receipt or accepted carrier proof. Local notices explain this practice.
- Confirm the adjusted due date if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. Counties publish any adjustments.
- Set calendar reminders for Nov. 15, Feb. 15, and May 15. If you pay online, review convenience fees in advance. Oregon’s payment pages note typical fees and options.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact the county early to discuss options. The Oregon Department of Revenue outlines payment resources.
If your mortgage is escrowed
If your lender pays taxes from an escrow account, confirm who receives the tax bill and whether the servicer will take any early-pay discount. Here is a clear escrow overview from the CFPB.
Some counties flag statements to show a lender request for the bill. Colors and notations vary by county. See an example of county statement markings, then verify what Wasco County uses when your statement arrives.
Watch your November mortgage and county notices to confirm timely payment. If a servicer misses a payment, act quickly and follow CFPB guidance to file a notice of error if needed. CFPB explains the steps.
Keep records for resale
At closing, taxes are usually prorated between buyer and seller based on the closing date, and any escrow balance on your old loan is typically refunded after payoff. Here is a straightforward explanation of tax prorations.
To keep your file clean:
- Save each year’s tax statement and payment receipts.
- Keep escrow analyses and any correspondence with your servicer.
- Pull a county tax certificate or parcel payment history if a buyer or lender requests proof of no delinquencies. The county office can confirm current procedures.
Quick checklist for The Dalles
- Early October: confirm your mailing address with the county and ask about e-statements.
- When your bill arrives by Oct. 25: choose full pay for the 3% discount, two-thirds for the 2% discount, or the three-installment plan. See the statute for options.
- If mailing: use the county’s on-time address and save your postmark receipt. If paying online or by phone, confirm fees and processing times. Local notices outline these channels.
- If escrowed: confirm your servicer will pay and check that it posted after Nov. 15. CFPB offers guidance on handling issues.
- Before resale: gather receipts and request a county verification if needed. Share documents with your closing team.
Ready to plan your payments or prep for a smooth sale in The Dalles? Reach out for local guidance, reminders, and a tidy paper trail from now through closing. Connect with Tiffany Hillman for personal help with your property goals.
FAQs
When will my tax statement arrive?
- By law, counties mail statements on or before October 25. If yours has not arrived by early November, call the county. See ORS 311.250.
What dates should I calendar?
- November 15, February 15, and May 15. Counties post any adjusted dates if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. See ORS 311.505.
What happens if I pay late?
- Unpaid amounts accrue interest at 1 1/3% per month until paid, calculated under state law. See ORS 311.505.
Can I pay online or by phone?
- Yes. Wasco County has used a third-party portal for e-check and card payments, which typically include a convenience fee. Confirm the current link and fees. See a local notice.
My lender pays taxes. Do I still need to check?
- Yes. Confirm the servicer requested the bill and will pay by the deadline. If there is a problem, follow CFPB steps to resolve it. Start here.
How do taxes affect my sale this year?
- Closing agents typically prorate taxes based on your closing date, and any escrow balance is handled per your servicer’s process. Learn the basics.
