Williston Property Tax: 2026 Rates, Payment Portal & Help

Williston Property Tax rates for 2026 sit near 0.85% and combine the Williams County base levy with school and special district levies, so owners see a clear bill each March and August. The online calculator lets residents estimate both residential and commercial obligations, while the payment portal at the Williams County Treasurer site accepts cards, checks mailed to PO Box 2047, or phone transactions at 701‑577‑4530. Find your parcel number via the county GIS link, and verify exemption eligibility for seniors, veterans, or farm land by checking the homestead credit requirements on the assessor’s page. For overdue balances, delinquent penalties apply quickly, making the payment plan options posted by the tax collector office a practical relief path.

Williston Property Tax assessment begins with the Assessor’s Office, which posts the 2026 roll after the public hearing and emails notices to every owner. If you dispute a value, the appeal guidelines require the completed assessment appeal forms be submitted before the November 1 deadline, and the Director of Tax Equalization’s portal offers step‑by‑step assistance. Historical trends from 2020‑2026 show modest growth, helping you forecast 2027 liabilities and explore relief programs such as the disabled veteran credit. Questions about rates, parcel lookup, or contact details reach the assessor at (701) 577‑4555 or darcya@co.williams.nd.us, and the recorder’s office handles deed records for added verification.

Search Williston City Property Tax

Williams County keeps all Williston City Property Tax data in one place, and the easiest entry point is the county’s central website at williamsnd.com. From the homepage, residents move to the Assessor’s Office tab to begin a parcel search, view valuation records, or download exemption applications. The site also links to the GIS mapping tool, the Recorder’s Office for deed records, and the Treasurer for bill payment.

To run a search, follow these steps:

1. Open williamsnd.com and click the Departments menu at the top of the page.
2. Select the Assessor’s Office from the dropdown list.
3. Click the GIS link to open the parcel viewer on the county website.
4. Type the property address, owner name, or parcel number into the search bar.
5. Review the assessment record, sales history, and tax district breakdown on the results page.

For deed verification, the same workflow leads to the Recorder’s Office tab. Users can pull recorded documents by grantor name, grantee name, or instrument number. Both offices are housed in the same Williston government complex, making it simple to switch between assessment and ownership data during a single visit.

Williams County Tax Rates for Williston Property Owners

Property owners in Williston pay a combined levy that includes the Williams County base rate plus separate amounts for the city, school district, and any special districts covering the parcel. For 2026, the median effective rate sits near 0.85 percent, which is lower than the North Dakota state median of 1.20 percent and the national median of 1.02 percent. Rates can shift each year depending on the budgets approved by the Williston City Commission and the Williams County Commission.

Each component changes when the governing body approves a new budget, so property owners see the line items broken out on their annual statement from the Williams County Treasurer. Reviewing the mill levy sheet published by the county gives a clear picture of the current year’s combined rate.

How the Assessment Process Works

The Williams County Assessor’s Office handles valuations for every parcel inside the city, including residential homes, commercial buildings, farmland, and vacant lots. Assessors use recent sales data, income data for rentals and commercial properties, and cost data for unique structures to set a fair market value for each parcel. North Dakota law requires that all real property be assessed at 50 percent of true and full value.

Once the assessment roll is complete, the Board of Equalization holds a public hearing. The Williston Board of Equalization voted unanimously to adopt the 2026 Assessment Roll after hearing protests from owners. Following the hearing, assessment notices go out to every property owner because of legislative changes to NDCC 57-02-53 during the 2026 Legislative Session.

• Property owners receive a mailed notice with the new assessed value.
• The notice lists the parcel number, legal description, and prior year value for comparison.
• Owners have a defined window to file a formal protest if they disagree with the value.
• Corrections requested during the hearing are applied before the roll becomes final.

Anyone who misses the protest window can still contact the Assessor’s Office to ask questions about how a value was reached, and the staff will walk through the comparable sales used during the review.

Property Tax Bill Due Dates

Williams County mails property tax statements each year, and the bills are split into two installments. Specific installment due dates change from year to year, so property owners should consult the current year’s statement or the county website for the exact dates that apply to their parcel. Late payments receive penalty interest, and unpaid balances become subject to lien and eventual tax deed proceedings.

Key reminders for property owners:

• Mark your calendar when the statement arrives so the installment deadline is not missed.
• Check the statement for any special assessments tied to the parcel, such as sewer or paving projects.
• Verify the parcel number and legal description match your deed before paying.
• Save the receipt or confirmation number for tax records and income tax filing purposes.

When mailing a check, owners should write the parcel number on the memo line and allow several days for delivery to the Williams County Treasurer. Postmark dates control whether a payment is considered on time, not the date the office receives it.

Online Payment Portal and Phone Payments

The Williams County Treasurer runs the official payment portal through Tyler Technologies iTax, where owners can pull up a tax bill, review prior payments, and submit a card or electronic check. The portal charges a convenience fee that the processor sets. Refer to the iTax portal for the specific cutoff time on the due date for posting.

For those who prefer to talk to a person, the Treasurer’s Office accepts credit and debit card payments over the phone at 701-577-4530. Mail payments go to the same PO Box used for other county correspondence, while overnight deliveries use the physical address on Broadway.

Payment options at a glance:

• Online portal with electronic check or card through Tyler iTax
• Phone payment with a live agent by calling the Treasurer’s published line
• Check mailed to the Williams County Treasurer, PO Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802-2047
• In-person payment at the Treasurer’s counter

Each method produces a confirmation record that owners should keep with their tax files in case of a billing question.

Parcel Lookup Through GIS Mapping

The Williams County GIS viewer is a free tool that combines property lines, parcel numbers, zoning data, and road layouts into one map. Users can zoom into a neighborhood, click on a parcel, and see the owner name, acreage, assessed value, tax district, and recent sales. The viewer is updated regularly as the Recorder’s Office processes new deeds and the Assessor’s Office finalizes valuations.

Steps for a quick parcel lookup:

1. Open the GIS link on the Williams County website.
2. Use the search box to enter an address, owner name, or parcel ID.
3. Click the matching result to center the map on the property.
4. Open the property card to view assessment and ownership data.
5. Use the print or export tool to save a screenshot for your records.

The GIS portal also displays flood zones, school district boundaries, and voting precincts, which makes it a useful resource for buyers, real estate agents, and title companies working in Williston.

Exemption Eligibility for Williston Residents

North Dakota offers several property tax exemptions that reduce the taxable value of a home or building, and most require a written application to the Assessor’s Office. The Homestead Credit under N.D.C.C. § 57-02-08.1 is the most common, and it is available to residents who are 65 or older, or to residents who are permanently and totally disabled, with adjusted gross income at or below a state-set limit. The Disabled Veteran Credit under N.D.C.C. § 57-02-08 is available to veterans with at least a 50 percent service-connected disability.

Each program has its own application form, deadline, and supporting documents. Property owners should call the Assessor’s Office to confirm the current year requirements before submitting a form.

Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credits

Older residents and disabled veterans can significantly lower their annual tax bill by filing the right paperwork. The Homestead Credit uses a sliding scale tied to household income, which means lower-income applicants receive a larger percentage reduction. A disabled veteran with a 100 percent service-connected rating may qualify for a credit that offsets a meaningful portion of the tax bill on the primary residence.

Documents typically required during the application process include:

• State-issued photo ID or driver’s license showing the applicant’s date of birth
• Most recent federal or state income tax return
• DD-214 or VA disability letter for veteran applicants
• Doctor’s statement for permanent and total disability claims
• Proof of primary residence, such as a utility bill or voter registration card

Approved credits appear as a line-item deduction on the tax statement issued by the Williams County Treasurer. If a credit is missing from the bill, the property owner should contact the Assessor’s Office to confirm the application was processed.

Filing an Appeal on Property Tax Assessment

Any property owner who believes the assessed value is higher than the fair market value can file a protest with the Board of Equalization. In North Dakota, the protest window runs through November 1, and protests must be in writing. The Director of Tax Equalization’s portal provides a step-by-step form that asks for the parcel number, the reason for the protest, and supporting evidence such as recent appraisals or sales of similar properties.

Helpful evidence to gather before filing:

• Recent sales of comparable homes in the same neighborhood
• A private appraisal report from a licensed appraiser
• Photographs showing the condition of the property at the time of assessment
• Income and expense records for rental or commercial property
• Documentation of any physical issues such as foundation damage or roof leaks

The Board of Equalization reviews the protest, the assessor’s records, and any new evidence before issuing a decision. Decisions can lower the value, leave it unchanged, or in some cases raise it when the evidence supports a higher figure.

Required Forms and Filing Deadlines

The Williams County documents page hosts a list of all official forms, including the New Construction Property Tax Exemption, Buyer Tax Credit applications, and assessment protest forms. Forms can be downloaded as PDFs, filled in on a computer or by hand, and either mailed to the Assessor’s Office or dropped off in person. The same page links to W-9 forms, vector control documents, and the County Budgets section for residents who want to track how their tax dollars are spent.

Owners should keep a copy of every submitted form and note the date it was filed. The Assessor’s Office can confirm receipt and tell the owner which board member is handling the case.

Delinquent Penalties and Payment Plan Options

Unpaid property taxes in North Dakota begin to accrue interest and penalties after the installment due date passes. The county also places a lien on the parcel, which follows the property through any sale or refinance. If a tax lien remains unpaid for several years, the parcel can be sold at a tax deed auction, and the original owner loses the right to reclaim the property.

To help owners avoid that outcome, the Williams County Treasurer’s Office posts payment plan options on the county website. A plan spreads the delinquent balance across several months, with interest still applied to the unpaid portion. Plans require a written agreement and automatic payments in many cases.

Steps to set up a payment plan:

1. Call the Treasurer’s Office at the published number.
2. Ask for a current payoff quote, including all interest and penalties.
3. Request a written installment agreement that fits your budget.
4. Sign and return the agreement before the next installment deadline.
5. Make every scheduled payment on time to keep the plan active.

Owners who experience a sudden job loss, medical emergency, or other hardship should contact the Treasurer’s Office as soon as possible. Early communication often leads to better terms and prevents the property from moving further into the delinquency process.

Residential vs Commercial Property Tax Rates

North Dakota uses different taxable value percentages for residential and commercial property under N.D.C.C. § 57-02-27. Residential property is taxed at 9 percent of its assessed value, while commercial property is taxed at 10 percent. Both rates then multiply by the local mill levy to arrive at the final tax bill, which is why two properties of equal value can have different tax amounts based on their classification.

Williston’s median effective rate of 0.85 percent reflects the combined Williams County base levy, city levy, school district levy, and any special district levies for the parcel. Owners of commercial real estate should expect slightly higher tax bills than owners of similar-valued residential property, which is a key consideration for investors and business owners comparing properties in the city.

Key differences worth knowing:

• Residential classification applies to single-family homes, condos, and most rental properties with four units or fewer.
• Commercial classification covers office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and apartment buildings with five or more units.
• Farmland, agricultural land, and certain city lots may be assessed differently under separate classification rules.
• Property owners converting a residential building to commercial use, or vice versa, must notify the Assessor’s Office so the classification can be updated.

Farm Land and Vacant Land Tax Assessment

Agricultural land in Williams County is assessed using a productivity formula rather than the market value formula used for residential and commercial parcels. The formula accounts for soil quality, crop history, and other agricultural factors, which often produces a lower taxable value than a comparable parcel of residential land. Farm owners should confirm that the Assessor’s Office has the current use classification on file.

Vacant land inside the city limits is assessed as a separate category, and its value depends on the zoning, road access, and utility availability. Some vacant parcels in growing areas of Williston have seen large valuation increases as developers prepare for new construction, which has led to a number of protests during recent equalization hearings.

Items to check on a farm or vacant land record:

• Current classification and any special use valuation that applies
• Acreage calculated by the Assessor’s Office and the GIS parcel viewer
• Access easements, road frontage, and any recorded restrictions
• Pending special assessments tied to future infrastructure projects

Property owners who lease farmland for crops, pasture, or oil and gas activity should keep a copy of the lease on hand in case the Assessor’s Office requests supporting documentation.

Property Tax Relief Programs in North Dakota

Beyond the homestead credit and disabled veteran credit, North Dakota offers additional relief programs that target specific property types and owner situations. The state’s property tax relief page lists current programs, and county websites link to the same resources for residents who want to confirm their eligibility.

Common relief pathways include:

• Sliding-scale homestead credit for seniors and disabled residents with limited income
• Disabled veteran credit based on service-connected disability rating
• New construction exemption for qualifying new builds
• Charitable, religious, and educational exemptions for nonprofit-owned property

Each program has its own deadline, application form, and renewal schedule, so property owners should plan to file early each year to avoid missing the window.

Historical Trends and Future Forecast

Property tax trends in Williston over the past several years reflect the energy-driven growth the city experienced during the oil boom era and the more recent stabilization in valuations. Median tax bills have shifted with both the mill levy approved by the city and county commissions and the assessed values set by the Assessor’s Office. Looking ahead, owners should expect modest adjustments as the Williston City Commission’s approved budget influences the next round of tax statements.

Key signals to watch when forecasting next year’s bill:

• The Williston City Commission’s adopted annual budget and any mid-year revisions
• Williams County’s published mill levy sheets and budget documents
• School district levy requests and bond elections on the ballot
• Special district assessments tied to infrastructure upgrades
• Changes to state law that adjust exemption thresholds or credit amounts

Reviewing these documents at the start of the year gives property owners a reasonable projection of the next tax bill and a chance to plan for any increases before the installment deadline arrives.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

Williams County Main Website

Official Website URL: https://www.williamsnd.com/

Documents and Forms Page: https://www.williamsnd.com/documents/

Property owners should use the county website to reach the Assessor’s Office for valuation questions, exemption applications, and parcel lookup tools.

Williams County Treasurer’s Office (Tax Payments)

Mailing Address (USPS): Williams County Treasurer’s Office, PO Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802-2047

Physical Address (FedEx/UPS): Williams County Treasurer’s Office, 206 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801

Phone Payments (Credit/Debit Card): 701-577-4530

Checks should be made payable to “Williams County Treasurer.”

Williams County Auditor’s Office

Mailing Address: PO Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802-2047

Phone: 701-577-4500

Fax: 701-774-8720

Email: bethi@co.williams.nd.us

Frequently Asked Questions

Williston Property Tax matters affect every home and business owner in the city. Knowing where to find your bill, how to pay it, and when to appeal a valuation can save time and money. The county’s online portal, phone lines, and office staff make it easy to get accurate data, apply for exemptions, and stay on schedule.

What are the 2026 Williston ND property tax rates for residential and commercial parcels?

The 2026 residential rate in Williston sits near 0.85 percent of assessed value, while commercial properties face a slightly higher levy around 1.10 percent. Both rates combine the county base mill with local school and special district levies. Rates may vary by neighborhood, so checking the latest GIS map or contacting the Assessor’s Office at (701) 577‑4555 ensures you have the correct figure for your address.

How can I look up my Williston property tax parcel and assessment online?

Visit the Williams County GIS portal at https://www.williamsnd.com/departments/gis/. Enter your address or parcel number, then view valuation, tax levy breakdown, and any exemptions applied. The site also links to downloadable PDFs of assessment notices. If the parcel does not appear, call the Assessor’s Office and confirm the correct address spelling or recent parcel renumbering.

When are Williston property tax bills due and what penalties apply for late payment?

Bill due dates fall on March 1 for the first installment and August 1 for the second. Payments made after these dates incur a 5 percent penalty plus a $10 processing fee per installment. The Treasurer’s Office accepts online credit‑card payments, checks mailed to PO Box 2047, or in‑person payments at 206 E Broadway. Setting up automatic reminders helps avoid extra charges.

Who qualifies for the Williston homestead exemption and how do I apply?

Homeowners age 65 or older, or those with a permanent disability, may claim a homestead credit that reduces taxable value by up to $5,000. To apply, download the exemption form from the Assessor’s website, complete it, and return it by March 1 to the office email darcya@co.williams.nd.us or to the mailing address PO Box 2047. Include proof of age or disability, such as a driver’s license or medical statement.

What steps must I follow to appeal a Williston property tax assessment?

First, review your assessment notice for errors. Next, gather evidence such as recent sales data, repair invoices, or appraisal reports. Submit the appeal form—available on the Assessor’s site—by the November 1 deadline. Attach supporting documents and send the packet to the Assessor’s Office email or mail it to the physical address. After filing, a hearing before the Board of Equalization is scheduled, usually in April, where you can present your case.