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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Atchison County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Atchison County, KS. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location and taxing districts - typically 1.8% to 2.5% of assessed value depending on school and fire district boundaries
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Atchison County, Kansas operates on an ad valorem property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the County Appraiser's office and updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.

The effective property tax rate in Atchison County varies significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Based on the latest available data for the 2025 levy year, property owners can expect rates that reflect both general county operations and special district assessments. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve their property, making it essential to understand the unique combination of districts that apply to each individual parcel.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County GeneralVariableBasic county services, roads, administration
School DistrictsVariableK-12 education funding (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariableFire, library, drainage, and other local services
Total Composite Rate~$27.77Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: The total rate of approximately $27.77 per $1,000 of assessed value represents the composite rate for Atchison County based on 2025 levy year data. Actual rates vary significantly by property location within the county depending on which school district, fire district, and other special taxing jurisdictions serve the property. Property owners should contact the County Clerk's office for their specific rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Atchison County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 20
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 10
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Atchison County are triggered when there are significant changes to a property's ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, ownership transfers that remove exemptions, or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed and assessed on July 1st (halfway through the tax year), the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $100,000 increase for the remaining six months of the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event and should budget accordingly when making significant property improvements.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market value): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0-1,500*
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,000-34,500
  • Annual Tax ($27.77 rate): $916-958
  • Monthly Escrow: $76-80

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market value): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0-1,500*
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500-69,000
  • Annual Tax ($27.77 rate): $1,874-1,916
  • Monthly Escrow: $156-160

Example 3: $1,000,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market value): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0-1,500*
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,500-115,000
  • Annual Tax ($27.77 rate): $3,152-3,194
  • Monthly Escrow: $263-266

*Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits may limit assessment increases rather than provide direct reductions.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Atchison County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then remit tax payments directly to the County Treasurer on the property owner's behalf before the April 15th and September 15th due dates.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after assessment changes or successful credit applications. The lender typically conducts an annual escrow analysis and may adjust monthly payments if tax obligations change significantly. Homeowners can request escrow account statements and should review them carefully to ensure accurate tax calculations. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, remember that Kansas law requires payment by the specified due dates to avoid interest and penalty charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Atchison County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due April 15th and September 15th annually. For the 2025 levy year, these dates remain standard, but property owners should verify specific dates with the County Treasurer's office as they may vary slightly.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for seniors and disabled veterans, and Property Tax Relief for low-income seniors. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic. Applications must be filed with specific deadlines - contact the County Appraiser for current forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit primarily caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value directly. Qualified applicants (age 65+ or disabled veterans) may see their assessment growth limited. This requires annual application filing and income verification.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Atchison County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. The County Appraiser reviews market conditions and adjusts assessed values accordingly. Property owners receive assessment notices and have 30 days to appeal if they disagree with the valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payment? A: Interest accrues on delinquent taxes after the April 15th and September 15th due dates. The interest rate is set by state law and compounds over time. Significantly delinquent taxes may result in tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Atchison County Treasurer's office directly for current online payment options. Many Kansas counties offer online payment systems, but availability and accepted payment methods vary by county.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Atchison County? A: Your property may be subject to multiple taxing jurisdictions including school districts, fire districts, and municipal taxes. The combination depends on your property's location. Your tax statement will show all applicable jurisdictions and their respective rates.

Q: What triggers a property tax appeal and how do I file one? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment if they believe the appraised value is incorrect. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice. Contact the County Appraiser's office for appeal forms and procedures, including requirements for supporting documentation such as recent appraisals or comparable sales data.

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