Bismarck Property Tax rates sit at roughly 1.14% for 2026, a figure that shapes every homeowner’s budget in the capital. The City of Bismarck Assessing Division maintains the Bismarck real estate tax assessment portal at bismarcknd.gov/83/Assessing, where you can run a property tax calculator Bismarck ND and view Bismarck municipal tax rates by district. Exemptions such as the Primary Residence Credit and senior homestead relief lower the bill, while the Bismarck tax collector office sends reminders about Bismarck property tax payment deadlines. If your statement looks high, the Bismarck property tax appeal process lets you request a review of the Bismarck property tax valuation methods.
Understanding Bismarck property tax history helps you spot trends that affect future liabilities. The Burleigh County Recorder’s Office holds Bismarck land tax records and provides online access to the Bismarck property tax bill online. Late filings trigger Bismarck tax delinquency penalties, but several Bismarck property tax relief programs offer reduction options for qualified residents. For help, call the Bismarck taxpayer assistance line at (701) 355-1630 or visit the assessor’s office at 221 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501.
Search Bismarck City Property Tax
To find Bismarck City property tax records, start with the county assessor’s online database. The City of Bismarck Assessing Division keeps current data on every parcel inside city limits. You can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to pull up a tax record. The tool shows the assessed value, the mill rate, and the most recent tax bill.
Follow these steps to run a search:
- Open the city assessor’s web page on the official city site
- Type the street address or parcel ID in the search box
- Pick the right match from the drop-down list
- Open the record to see the value, exemptions, and bill
- Save or print the page for your records
Bismarck Property Tax Rate Structure
Bismarck property tax rates use a mill levy system, where one mill equals one dollar per thousand dollars of taxable value. The combined city and county rate corresponds to an effective rate of about 1.14% according to third-party data sources. This rate applies to the taxable value, not the full market price of a home. The rate changes each year based on local budgets and state law.
Key parts of the rate include:
- City of Bismarck mill levy for local services
- Burleigh County mill levy for county operations
- School district mill levy for public schools
- Park district mill levy for recreation areas
- State mill levy for state education funding
For specific current mill levy rates by taxing body, refer to the Burleigh County Auditor’s Office or the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.
How Property Value Gets Assessed
The City of Bismarck Assessing Division sets the value of every property each year. Assessors look at sales of similar homes, the lot size, the building age, and any updates. North Dakota law bases the taxable value on 50% of the true and full value. Residential property then gets a 9% factor, making the final taxable value 4.5% of market price under N.D.C.C. § 57-02-27.
The process works like this:
- Appraiser visits the property or checks public records
- Assessor compares the home to recent sales
- True and full value gets set for the year
- Assessed value equals 50% of true value
- Taxable value applies the 9% residential factor
Running the Property Tax Calculator
A Bismarck property tax calculator gives a fast estimate of your yearly bill. The math uses the true and full value, the mill rate, and any exemptions you claim. The City of Bismarck Assessing Division provides an online tool that does this for you. Enter your address and the tool shows past bills, current value, and any credits.
To estimate your bill by hand, use this formula:
- Start with the market value of your home
- Multiply by 50% to get assessed value
- Multiply by 9% to get taxable value for residential
- Multiply taxable value by 0.0114 for the approximate 1.14% rate
- Subtract any credits or exemptions you qualify for
Homestead and Senior Exemptions
Bismarck homeowners can lower their tax bill with several exemption programs. The Homestead Credit under N.D.C.C. § 57-02-08.1 helps people age 65 and older or those with a permanent disability. To qualify, your adjusted gross income must stay under the state limit set each year (AGI ≤ $70,000 for 2026). The credit slides down from 100% to 40% based on your income level.
Main exemption programs in Bismarck:
- Homestead Credit for seniors and disabled residents
- Primary Residence Credit for all homeowners
- Disabled Veteran Credit for service-related injuries
- Religious and nonprofit property exemptions
- Agricultural property special valuation
| Exemption Type | Who Qualifies | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead Credit | Age 65+ or disabled with AGI under set limit | Up to 100% property tax reduction (sliding scale) |
| Primary Residence Credit | All North Dakota homeowners | Up to $1,600 credit |
| Disabled Veteran | Service-connected disability rating | Varies by disability level |
Primary Residence Credit Program
The Primary Residence Credit gives North Dakota homeowners up to $1,600 off their property tax. The state created this program in 2023 under House Bill 1158. Roughly 50,000 households saw their property tax bills eliminated for the 2026 tax year through this credit and other relief. The credit applies to the main home you live in, not rental or vacation properties.
To apply, you need to:
- Confirm the home is your main residence
- File the application with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
- Submit before the yearly deadline set by the state
- Provide proof of ownership and residency
- Wait for the credit to show on next year’s tax bill
Property Tax Payment Deadlines
Bismarck property tax bills go out each year, and payment deadlines fall on specific dates. The Burleigh County Treasurer sends out over 45,700 property tax statements each year. Most residential bills are due in installments. Missing a deadline starts penalty interest on the unpaid balance.
Key items to track:
- Statements mailed each January
- Installment due dates set by the county
- Second installment due later in the year
- Penalty interest starts on late payments
- Delinquent taxes may go to tax sale after extended non-payment
| Payment Event | Approximate Timing | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Statement Mailing | January | Review bill for errors |
| First Installment | Refer to county for current due date | Pay portion of total |
| Second Installment | Refer to county for current due date | Pay remaining balance |
| Delinquency Date | After due date | Penalty interest applies |
Online Payment Methods
You can pay Bismarck property tax bills online through the Burleigh County iTax system. The portal accepts credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments. A small convenience fee applies to card payments. The system also lets you view past bills, print receipts, and check payment history.
To pay online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Burleigh County iTax portal at https://itax.tylertech.com/BurleighND/
- Search for your property by address or parcel number
- Pick the bill you want to pay from the list
- Enter your payment details on the secure page
- Save the confirmation number for your records
You can also pay by mail, in person, or by phone through the Treasurer’s Office.
How to File a Property Tax Appeal
If you think your Bismarck property tax value is too high, you can file an appeal. The first step is to talk with the City of Bismarck Assessing Division about your concerns. If you still disagree with the value, you can file a formal appeal with the Burleigh County Board of Equalization. The board hears cases each spring after assessments go out.
Steps to file an appeal:
- Review your property record on the assessor site
- Gather evidence like recent sales of similar homes
- File the appeal form with the County Auditor before the deadline
- Attend the equalization hearing on your scheduled date
- Wait for the board’s written decision in the mail
Late Payment Penalties and Delinquency
Late payment of Bismarck property tax triggers penalty interest and fees. North Dakota law sets the penalty rate, and interest keeps adding to your balance. After extended non-payment, the county may start a tax lien process. The county can then sell the lien to a buyer who pays the tax and charges you interest.
Penalty rules to know:
- Interest starts the day after the due date
- Penalty rate set by state statute
- Tax lien sale possible after extended delinquency
- Title search reveals unpaid taxes at closing
- Foreclosure only as a last resort under state law
District Maps and Mill Levies
Bismarck property tax district maps show the boundaries of each taxing area. The City of Bismarck Planning Department keeps current zoning and district maps. The Burleigh County Auditor’s Office tracks mill levy rates by district. Your specific bill depends on which school, park, and fire districts cover your home.
Map resources include:
- Burleigh County zoning map on the county site
- City of Bismarck planning maps at bismarcknd.gov
- School district boundary maps for each district
- Park district boundary maps for recreation areas
- Fire protection district maps for service areas
Rate Trends Over Time
Bismarck property tax rates have moved up and down over the last few years. The total mill levy often shifts based on city budget needs and state law changes. Home values have also gone up, which raises the total bill even when the rate stays flat. The most recent city budget included a property tax increase within state caps.
Key trends to watch:
- Total mill levy shifts each year with budgets
- Property values have grown in most neighborhoods
- State relief programs have lowered net bills
- School and park levies make up a large share
- Senior credits keep growing each year
Land Tax Records Lookup
Land tax records for Bismarck sit with the Burleigh County Recorder’s Office. The Recorder keeps deeds, mortgages, and liens for all property in the county. You can search records online through available county or state portals. The office also provides copies of documents for applicable fees.
Ways to access land records:
- Visit the Recorder’s Office or Treasurer’s Office in person in downtown Bismarck (Treasurer located at 221 N 5th St, Bismarck)
- Search online through the official county or state recorder portal
- Contact the county for current phone and email details
- Mail a record request to Burleigh County, P.O. Box 5518, Bismarck, ND 58506-5518
Check with the Burleigh County official website for the most current search portal links and contact information.
Recorder Office Document Services
The Burleigh County Recorder’s Office files and stores property documents. Staff record deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, and liens. Each recording gets a unique document number for tracking. The office also handles plats, easements, and other land records.
Common Recorder services:
- Recording new deeds and transfers of title
- Filing mortgage documents and discharges
- Issuing certified copies of records for a fee
- Maintaining plat maps and survey records
- Providing UCC searches and lien searches
Treasurer Office Functions
The Burleigh County Treasurer’s Office handles all property tax collections for Bismarck. The office sends out tax statements, collects payments, and tracks delinquencies. The Treasurer also manages the iTax online payment system. You can pay in person at the Treasurer’s Office, by mail, or online.
Treasurer services include:
- Mailing yearly tax statements to property owners
- Processing online payments through iTax portal
- Accepting in-person and mail payments at the office
- Tracking delinquent taxes and issuing liens
- Distributing tax funds to local taxing agencies
Send mail payments to Burleigh County Treasurer, PO Box 5518, Bismarck, ND 58506-5518.
Assessment Valuation Methods
The City of Bismarck Assessing Division uses three main methods to value property. The sales comparison method looks at recent sales of similar homes. The cost method figures what it would cost to rebuild the structure. The income method applies to rental and commercial property based on the rent it earns.
Valuation methods at a glance:
- Sales Comparison: looks at similar home sales nearby
- Cost Method: figures rebuild cost minus age wear
- Income Method: applies to rentals and businesses
- Mass Appraisal: computer model for whole neighborhoods
- Physical Inspection: on-site review of property
Taxpayer Help Resources
Bismarck taxpayers have several places to turn for help with tax questions. The City of Bismarck Assessing Division answers questions about values and exemptions. The Burleigh County Treasurer’s Office helps with bills and payments. The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner handles state-level credits and appeals.
Help resources include:
- City Assessing Division contact via the official City of Bismarck website
- Burleigh County Treasurer’s Office for bill questions
- North Dakota Tax Commissioner website for state forms (https://www.bismarcknd.gov/425/State-Tax-Laws links to state tax resources)
- Burleigh County official website (https://burleigh.gov/) for county services
- Local library with public computer access
Contact, Local Details, and Map
For questions about Bismarck property tax, contact the City of Bismarck Assessing Division through the official City of Bismarck website at https://www.bismarcknd.gov. For county-level property tax questions, contact the Burleigh County offices at https://burleigh.gov/.
Tax Assessor Department: City of Bismarck Assessing Division
Tax Assessor Official Website: https://www.bismarcknd.gov
For bills, payments, and tax statements, contact the Burleigh County Treasurer’s Office, located at 221 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501.
Tax Collector Department: Burleigh County Treasurer’s Office
Tax Collector Physical Address: 221 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
Tax Collector Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5518, Bismarck, ND 58506-5518
Tax Collector Official Website: https://burleigh.gov/
Tax Collector Online Payment Portal: https://itax.tylertech.com/BurleighND/
For deed and land records, contact the Burleigh County Recorder’s Office. Check the official Burleigh County website at https://burleigh.gov/ for the most current contact phone number, email, and physical address details.
Deed Recorder Department: Burleigh County Recorder’s Office
Deed Recorder Official Website: https://burleigh.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing how Bismarck property tax works helps homeowners keep costs low and avoid penalties. The City of Bismarck Assessing Division and Burleigh County Treasurer handle assessments, payments, and exemptions. Below are quick answers to the most common questions about rates, bills, and relief options.
What is the current Bismarck property tax rate and how is it calculated?
The 2026 rate for Burleigh County, which includes Bismarck, sits at about 1.14 percent of a property’s true and full value. First, the assessor determines the true value of land and improvements. That amount is then multiplied by the mill rate (approximately 11.4 mills). The resulting figure equals the annual tax bill. For a home valued at $200,000, the tax bill would be roughly $2,280 before any exemptions or credits.
How can I pay my Bismarck property tax bill online?
Visit the Burleigh County Treasurer’s iTax portal at itax.tylertech.com/BurleighND. After entering the parcel number or account ID, you can view the balance, set up a one‑time payment, or enroll in automatic monthly withdrawals. Payments may be made with a credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer. A receipt emails to the payer once the transaction completes.
What exemptions are available for Bismarck homeowners?
Two main exemptions reduce the taxable amount. The Homestead Tax Credit offers up to $1,600 off the bill for owners who live in the home as their primary residence. Seniors age 65 or older and permanently disabled persons may qualify for an additional credit that can cover up to 100 percent of the tax due, depending on income. Applications are filed through the City Assessing Division using the same online portal.
How do I appeal my Bismarck property assessment?
Start by reviewing the assessment notice sent in March. If the value seems too high, gather recent sales data for similar homes in the same neighborhood. Submit a written appeal to the City Assessing Division before the July 15 deadline. Include the parcel number, a clear statement of why the value is incorrect, and supporting documents. The assessor will schedule a hearing, and most appeals are resolved within 30 days.
Where can I find assistance for overdue Bismarck property taxes?
If a bill is past due, the Treasurer’s office adds a 10 percent penalty plus interest. Call the Treasurer at (701) 222‑6749 for payment plan options. Residents may qualify for the Property Tax Credit or a hardship waiver, which reduces or eliminates the penalty. All requests must be submitted in writing before the next billing cycle, and proof of income or hardship should accompany the application.