How Oregon Property Taxes Work In Springfield

Property taxes in Oregon can feel confusing, especially when you hear terms like RMV, LAV, levies, and compression. If you are buying or selling in Springfield, you want a clear picture of what you will owe now and what might change after closing. In this guide, you will learn how Oregon’s rules apply in Lane County, what shows up on a Springfield tax bill, and how proration works in a sale. You will also find practical steps to check your numbers and avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.

Oregon property tax basics

Oregon uses two key values. Real market value (RMV) is the appraised fair-market value at a point in time. Limited assessed value (LAV), often called assessed value, is the capped value used to calculate your taxes.

Under Measure 50, LAV typically resets to RMV after a qualifying sale or new construction is added. In later years, your LAV can increase by no more than a statutory cap, commonly up to 3 percent per year, unless another revaluation event occurs. This separation means your tax bill does not always rise or fall with the market.

How Springfield values are set

The Lane County Assessor sets RMV, computes assessed values, and mails assessment notices each year. RMV can change annually with market conditions, while LAV follows the statutory growth limits unless it resets after a sale or new construction.

When you buy a home or complete qualifying new construction, your LAV is generally reset to the RMV established at that time. New construction is added in the year it is completed and reported. The Lane County Tax Collector prepares and issues tax statements and collects payments.

Notices and appeals

Each year, you receive notices that explain your RMV and LAV and how they were determined. If you disagree with a value or classification, start by contacting the Lane County Assessor for an informal review.

If you are not satisfied, you can file a formal appeal within the county’s published deadline. In some cases, further appeal options include state-level review or tax court. Always confirm current deadlines with the Assessor.

Tax rates and levies in Springfield

Your tax rate is a combination of several components from overlapping local taxing districts. These include permanent rates set by your county, city, and special districts.

You may also see voter-approved local option levies for operations and separate bond levies that repay long-term projects like schools or public safety facilities. Special districts, such as library, parks, or rural fire protection, can appear as additional line items. In urban renewal areas, a portion of taxes may be directed to redevelopment.

State-level limits from Measure 5 can reduce or shift some school levy dollars through compression. The net impact on your bill depends on your property’s specifics and the state’s calculations.

How your tax bill is calculated

A simple way to think about it is: tax bill before credits equals assessed value times the combined tax rate per 1,000. The combined rate reflects all applicable districts and voter-approved items for your tax code area.

Because Oregon separates RMV from LAV and applies state limitations, the actual bill can differ from a simple RMV-based estimate. For accurate numbers, review your Lane County statement and parcel records.

When and how to pay

Oregon property taxes are commonly billed in two installments each tax year. Statutory due dates typically fall in the late fall and late spring, but you should confirm current dates with the Lane County Tax Collector.

Unpaid taxes accrue interest and can become delinquent. Property tax liens follow the property, not the owner. If you need help, the Tax Collector can explain payment options and delinquency procedures.

Buying or selling a home

At closing, taxes are usually prorated so the seller pays up to the closing date and the buyer pays from that date forward. Escrow or the closing agent handles the math based on the most recent tax bill or an estimate.

If a seller already paid an installment, the buyer typically reimburses the seller for the buyer’s share from the closing date to the next due date. Keep in mind that a sale can reset the LAV, which can increase future tax bills beyond what was prorated at closing.

Smart steps for Springfield buyers

• Review the most recent Lane County tax statement and the assessor’s RMV and LAV details for the parcel.
• Ask your agent or the seller for proof of any current-year tax installments already paid.
• Check whether the property lies in an urban renewal area or has special assessments that could affect your bill.
• Look up any pending or recently approved local option levies or bonds that may impact future years.
• Budget for the possibility of an LAV reset after purchase, with future LAV growth commonly limited to up to 3 percent absent another revaluation event.

Tips for Springfield sellers

• Pay installments on time because unpaid taxes create liens that complicate closing.
• Provide the buyer and escrow with your latest tax bill and payment receipts.
• Confirm in your closing documents how proration and reimbursements will be handled for the current tax year.

Programs and appeals to consider

Oregon offers a property tax deferral program for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners. If approved, the state defers payment and places a lien that is repaid later under program rules.

Some veterans and disabled veterans may qualify for exemptions or reductions. Special assessment programs, such as farm or forest, historic, or energy-related designations, can also change how a property is taxed. Eligibility, deadlines, and application steps are administered by the Lane County Assessor and the Oregon Department of Revenue.

If you disagree with an assessment, start with the Assessor’s informal review as soon as you receive your notice. If needed, file a formal appeal before the local deadline and keep documentation like recent comparable sales or repair estimates.

Where to verify details

• Lane County Assessor’s Office for parcel lookup, assessed value notices, appeal steps, and exemptions or deferrals.
• Lane County Tax Collector for current tax statements, payment options, due dates, and delinquency rules.
• Oregon Department of Revenue for statewide property tax rules, Measure 5 and Measure 50 summaries, and deferral program information.
• City of Springfield and local school, fire, library, and parks districts for levy and bond information.
• Oregon Secretary of State and Oregon Revised Statutes for official ballot measure histories and the legal framework.

Understanding how RMV, LAV, and local levies work in Springfield helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises at closing. If you want a second set of eyes on a tax bill, need help reading a parcel record, or just want to talk through the impact of a potential purchase or sale, we are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with Parker Heights Realty to get local, hands-on guidance.

FAQs

How do RMV and assessed value differ in Springfield?

• RMV is the appraised fair-market value at a point in time, while assessed value is a limited value used to calculate taxes that typically resets after a sale or new construction and then grows by a capped amount.

Will my Springfield property taxes increase after I buy?

• A sale can reset your limited assessed value closer to current RMV, which may increase future bills, then annual increases are commonly limited to up to 3 percent absent another revaluation event.

What types of levies appear on a Springfield tax bill?

• You may see permanent rates, voter-approved local option levies, bond levies for debt service, and special district items, with possible urban renewal effects in certain areas.

When are Lane County property taxes due?

• Taxes are commonly billed in two installments, with due dates generally in late fall and late spring; always confirm current dates with the Lane County Tax Collector.

How are property taxes prorated at closing in Springfield?

• The seller is typically responsible up to the closing date and the buyer after, with escrow adjusting credits and debits based on the most recent bill or an estimate.