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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Brown County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Brown 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
1.68% revenue neutral rate, varies by taxing district combination
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Brown County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services, with the tax burden distributed among property owners based on their property's assessed value.

The effective property tax rate in Brown County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. For the 2025 tax year, the revenue neutral rate is 1.68%, though actual rates paid by individual property owners may differ based on their specific taxing districts, which can include school districts, townships, fire districts, and other special assessment areas. Property owners should expect their actual rate to fall within a range around this base rate, depending on the overlay of local taxing jurisdictions that serve their specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
Township/MunicipalityVariesLocal government services
Fire DistrictsVariesFire protection and emergency services
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure, drainage, or other local improvements
Revenue Neutral Rate (2025)1.68%Baseline rate to maintain current revenue levels

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Brown County based on which combination of taxing districts serve each property. The total effective rate is the sum of all applicable district rates for your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Brown County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes represent the difference between what was originally billed and what should be billed based on the property's new assessed value.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in January and increases the assessed value by $40,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $40,000 × 11.8% (Kansas assessment ratio) × 1.68% (approximate rate) × remaining months in tax year ÷ 12 months.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.8%): $35,400
  • Minus Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$35,400
  • Annual Tax (1.68%): ~$595
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.8%): $70,800
  • Minus Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$70,800
  • Annual Tax (1.68%): ~$1,189
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$99

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.8%): $118,000
  • Minus Available Tax Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$118,000
  • Annual Tax (1.68%): ~$1,982
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$165

Note: These calculations use the revenue neutral rate and require property owners to apply for available tax credits. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Brown County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax each month, plus a cushion amount as allowed by federal law.

Property tax bills in Brown County are typically issued in late fall, with the first half payment due by December 20th. Lenders usually pay taxes on behalf of borrowers before the delinquency date to avoid interest charges. Property owners should verify that their lender has received and paid their tax bill, as failure to pay by the deadline results in interest charges that continue until the tax is fully paid. Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and shortages or surpluses may result in payment adjustments for the following year.

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 Brown County for the current tax year? A: The first half of property taxes is due by December 20th each year. The second half payment schedule should be confirmed with the Brown County Treasurer's office.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Tax Credit for seniors and disabled veterans (Form K-40SVR), and Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors (Form K-40PT). All tax credits require annual application and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires annual filing and eligibility is based on age, disability status, or veteran status. This credit caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Brown County? A: Kansas requires annual assessment updates. Property owners who disagree with their assessment can appeal through the Brown County Appraiser's office, typically with deadlines in early spring.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Delinquent taxes incur interest charges from the due date until paid in full. Interest rates and penalty structures are set by state law and continue to compound.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Brown County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill change if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax bills can change due to rate changes in your taxing districts (school bonds, special assessments, etc.) even when assessed values remain constant.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, school bond issues, or infrastructure improvements. These appear as separate line items and vary by location within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
COUNTY ADJUSTED NET BOOK PERSONALrevenue.nebraska.gov
02
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Ratesksrevenue.gov
04
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
05
Tax Doc
Kansas Property Tax Paymentkansas.gov
06
County
Property Taxes | Reno County, KS - Official Websiterenocountyks.gov
07
Index Pksrevisor.gov
08
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
09
Frequently Asked Questions About Homesteadksrevenue.gov
10
SENATE BILL No. 410kslegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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