Vermont Towns Struggle with Rising Unpaid Property Taxes

Delinquent tax accounts are stressing local budgets in some of Vermont's smallest communities.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:50am

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A minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes and muted earth-toned colors to conceptually represent the impact of rising property taxes on local budgets in Vermont.Geometric shapes in earthy tones illustrate the financial strain of rising property taxes on Vermont's small-town budgets.Burlington Today

Property taxes in Vermont have been rising faster than many residents' incomes, making it increasingly difficult for some homeowners, especially those with lower and middle incomes, to keep up with the bills. Tax collectors in several Vermont municipalities have reported seeing more delinquent tax accounts, which is putting a strain on the budgets of the state's smallest towns where just a few unpaid tax bills can have a significant impact.

Why it matters

The issue of rising unpaid property taxes highlights the financial pressures facing many Vermont residents and the challenges this poses for local governments trying to maintain essential services and infrastructure. As incomes fail to keep pace with rising costs, more households are struggling to afford their property tax bills, creating a ripple effect that can destabilize municipal budgets, especially in smaller communities.

The details

According to the report, tax collectors in several Vermont municipalities have noticed an increase in delinquent tax accounts in recent years. This is particularly problematic for the state's smallest towns, where just a handful of unpaid tax bills can have a major impact on the local budget. The consequences of these unpaid taxes can include delayed infrastructure projects, cuts to public services, and difficult decisions about raising tax rates or fees to make up the shortfall.

  • Property taxes in Vermont have been climbing faster than many residents' incomes for years.
  • Tax collectors in several Vermont municipalities have reported seeing more delinquent tax accounts in recent years.

The players

Hannah Bassett

A reporter for Seven Days who wrote about the issue of rising unpaid property taxes in Vermont.

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What they’re saying

“Delinquent accounts are becoming more common.”

— Tax collectors

The takeaway

The growing problem of unpaid property taxes in Vermont highlights the financial strain facing many residents, as well as the challenges this poses for local governments trying to maintain essential services and infrastructure. As incomes fail to keep pace with rising costs, more households are struggling to afford their property tax bills, creating a ripple effect that can destabilize municipal budgets, especially in smaller communities.