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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bourbon County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.95% effective rate (varies by taxing districts - school, fire, library districts add additional mills)
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Bourbon County, Kansas, are the primary funding source for local government services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The county operates under Kansas state property tax law, with an effective tax rate of approximately 0.95% for the 2025 levy year, though this represents a baseline that varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other municipal services. Properties in different areas of Bourbon County may experience rate variations of several mills due to these overlapping jurisdictions. The county assessor determines property values based on market conditions, while individual taxing districts set their levy rates to fund local services.

Property taxes in Bourbon County are assessed annually and due by November 15th each year. The county offers various tax credits and assessment limitations for qualifying property owners, though most require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000 assessed value)Description
County General2.5 millsBasic county services and operations
School District15-25 millsVaries by school district boundaries
Fire District1-3 millsFire protection services (varies by district)
Library District0.5-1.5 millsPublic library services
Road & Bridge1.5 millsCounty infrastructure maintenance
Total Base Rate~21-33 millsEquivalent to 0.8-1.2% effective rate

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. School district levies typically represent the largest component of your total tax bill and can vary significantly between districts within Bourbon County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bourbon 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 taxes in Bourbon County are triggered when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year, such as new construction completion, major improvements, or ownership transfers that reveal unreported property features. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between your old assessed value and new assessed value, multiplying by the current tax rate, then prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and your tax rate is 1.0%, you would owe approximately $500 in supplemental taxes (($100,000 × 1.0%) × 6 months/12 months = $500).

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days after the county assessor processes the property change and are due 30 days from the bill date. These taxes are separate from your regular annual property tax bill and must be paid directly to the county treasurer.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$2,500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $32,000
  • Annual Tax (0.95% rate): $304
  • Monthly Escrow: $25

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$2,500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $66,500
  • Annual Tax (0.95% rate): $632
  • Monthly Escrow: $53

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$2,500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,500
  • Annual Tax (0.95% rate): $1,069
  • Monthly Escrow: $89

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates may vary based on your specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bourbon County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders collect these funds in advance and pay your property taxes directly to the county treasurer when due on November 15th.

Each year, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis comparing the amount collected versus actual taxes paid. If property values or tax rates increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund or reduced monthly payments.

Property owners can verify their escrow payments by checking their annual property tax statement and comparing it to their lender's escrow analysis. If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the Bourbon County Treasurer's office by the November 15th deadline to avoid penalty and interest 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 Bourbon County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due November 15, 2025. Payments received after this date accrue interest and penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for qualifying homeowners, Disabled Veterans Credit, and Senior/Disabled Property Tax Refund. All credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits your assessment increases to a maximum percentage each year rather than reducing your market value. You must apply annually with the county appraiser's office by March 15th to qualify.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Bourbon County? A: Kansas requires annual assessment updates. The county appraiser reviews market data yearly and may adjust individual property values based on sales data, improvements, or market conditions.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest immediately after November 15th. Additional penalties may apply, and properties with extended delinquency may eventually face tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Bourbon County accepts online payments through the Kansas Property Tax Payment system. You can also pay by mail or in person at the county treasurer's office.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be located in multiple taxing districts (school, fire, library, etc.). Each sets its own levy rate, so identical homes in different parts of the county may have different total tax bills.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You have 30 days from receiving your assessment notice to file an appeal with the county board of equalization, or 60 days to request an informal review with the county appraiser.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax bill? A: Contact the county appraiser's office within 30 days of receiving the supplemental bill to discuss the assessment. You have the same appeal rights as regular assessments.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or disabled veterans? A: Yes, Kansas offers specific tax credits for qualifying seniors, disabled persons, and disabled veterans. These require annual application with supporting documentation and have specific income or disability requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
02
County
Bourbon County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
03
County
MOTOR VEHICLE COUNTY LEVY CERTIFICATION for ...ksrevenue.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
05
County
2023-Bourbon-County-Audited-Financials. ...admin.ks.gov
06
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
07
Tax Doc
2024 Homestead or Property Tax Refund for Homeowners ...ksrevenue.gov
08
Download Bill Status CSVkslegislature.gov
09
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
10
County
BOURBON COUNTY, KANSASadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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