In less than two weeks the property tax man cometh.

For the county’s largest taxpayers like, PacifiCorp, the tax bill is nearly $2.6 million with the first installment due Nov. 15.

Lonza Bend Inc. is the No. 5 largest taxpayer, according to the Deschutes County assessor’s report. Its total tax bill is about $1.2 million.

What’s the median property tax payment?

According to SmartAsset, a consumer-focused financial website, the median annual property tax payment in Deschutes County is $3,390 — the fifth highest in the state. In Crook County the median annual property tax payment is $2,147. In Jefferson County, the median annual property tax payment is $2,226, according to SmartAsset.

Deschutes County’s top 10 property tax bills

1. PACIFICORP, $2,594,052.90

2. CROWDSTRIKE INC., $2,347,102.93

3. TDS BAJA BROADBAND LLC, $2,092,116.93

4. CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORP.,$ 1,336,227.54

5. LONZA BEND, $1,233,303.59

6. DESCHUTES BREWERY INC., $1,007,054.17

7. GAS TRANSMISSION NORTHWEST CORP. $949,915.70

8. TOUCHMARK AT MT. BACHELOR VILLAGE, $900,510.39

9. PCC STRUCTURALS INC., $898,025.61

10. SUTERRA LLC, $835,129.66

How much are property owners paying for bonds, measures?

This year, each city’s property taxes are affected by voter approved measures that were either new or renewed, according to the county assessor’s office.

• A $249.7 million 25-year bond benefiting the Bend-La Pine School District

• A 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed value assessment that will last five years for the Sisters School District

• A 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for five years for the Sisters Park and Recreation District

• A $49 million bond for 21 years to support the Redmond Area Parks and Recreation District

• A 64 cents per $1,000 assessed value for five years for the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District levy, in addition to a new school bond, county rate, a countywide law enforcement bond and rural law enforcement rate.

Where the property taxes go in Deschutes County

In the city of Bend, Deschutes County distributes property taxes to be divided up to fund a variety of programs, according to the county assessor’s office.

• 45.4% goes to schools
• 20.2% goes to the city of Bend
• 9.9% goes to the county sheriff’s office, 911 and the jail
• 9.8% goes to support Bend parks
• 8% supports the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center and 4-H programs
• 6.7% goes to urban renewal and libraries 

Source: 2023-2024 Tax and Assessment Survey

“Tax rates vary greatly between counties and within counties — as do average assessed values,” said Deschutes County Assessor Scot Langton. “In comparing to Multnomah County/ Portland they have overall significantly higher tax rates than those in Deschutes County.”

How high can property taxes increase?

Property tax bills are governed by two state laws that cap property taxes. So even though property values have skyrocketed in Deschutes County, property taxes will remain relatively stable. Most Oregonians will see their property tax bills not rise more than the 3% over last year, which is spelled out in a 1997 law intended to curb tax bills. In Oregon, property taxes are calculated based on either the market value or the maximum assessed value, whichever is lower.

The increase is limited to a 3% annual increase. Added on top of that are levies and bonds approved by voters in the districts.

Different kinds of properties pay share of taxes

Each property type contributes to the county’s collection of real estate taxes. Here’s a breakdown of where the taxes come from, according to the county assessor’s office.

• 65.7% comes from residential properties
• 13.2 % comes from recreational properties (resorts, golf courses and hotels)
• 13.1% comes from commercial and industrial properties 
• 8% comes from personal property, farms and forestland, utilities and manufactured homes

Source: Deschutes County Assessor

Key dates to pay Deschutes County on time

Typically, once tax bills are mailed out Oct. 20, the assessor’s office ups the staff to handle call volumes, Langton said.

Even with the increases this year, the call volume from taxpayers has been about the same as last, he said.

Property taxes are paid on a trimester basis with the first payment due postmarked by Nov. 15. The other two payment dates are Feb. 15 and May 15.

Those who pay the property tax bill in full by the first deadline, Nov. 15, receive a 3% discount.

Land, buildings, fixed machinery, equipment, manufactured homes and personal property used in businesses are the kinds of property subject to taxation, according to the Oregon Department of Revenue.