Many Oregon homeowners are surprised when they receive their annual property tax statement and wonder, Do I need to pay this, or is it covered in my mortgage? The answer often lies in the color of the statement itself. Here’s a quick guide to understanding your Oregon property tax statement and what it means for you.

What the Color of Your Property Tax Statement Means

In Oregon, property tax statements are color-coded to help homeowners understand their payment responsibilities. The two primary colors to look out for are green and yellow:

• Green Statement: If you received a green property tax statement, this usually means you are personally responsible for paying the property taxes. In most cases, this means your property taxes are not escrowed (paid by your lender) and will need to be paid directly by you.

• Yellow Statement: A yellow property tax statement typically indicates that your lender has already requested the payment on your behalf, and it will be covered through your mortgage escrow account. In other words, the statement is primarily informational, so you are aware of the amount and that it has already been handled by your mortgage provider.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Understanding this distinction can help avoid confusion and ensure you don’t accidentally miss a payment or pay twice. If your mortgage lender has an escrow account set up for property taxes, they are likely collecting funds throughout the year as part of your monthly mortgage payment. Then, when property taxes are due, they pay the tax bill directly from this account.

Double-Check Your Statement

The property tax statement will often include a note indicating whether or not the lender has made a payment request on your behalf. This can be helpful for peace of mind, especially for new homeowners who may still be getting used to their property tax responsibilities.

What If You’re Unsure?

If you are uncertain whether your property taxes are escrowed, it’s a good idea to review your mortgage statement or contact your lender directly. You can also check with your county’s tax collector's office for more specific information.