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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cherokee County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cherokee 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
30.605 mills (varies by special taxing districts within Cherokee County)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cherokee County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the tax burden distributed among property owners based on assessed values and applicable tax rates.

The county's property tax rate for 2025 is set at 30.605 mills, which exceeds the revenue neutral rate. However, your actual tax rate may vary depending on your location within Cherokee County due to additional assessments from special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local governmental entities. These special districts can add significant variation to your total property tax bill, making it important to understand which districts serve your specific property.

Property owners should note that various tax credits are available that can reduce your tax liability, but these require annual application and are not automatically applied to your bill. The effective tax rate in Cherokee County typically ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of market value, depending on your location and applicable credits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services, roads, administration
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
StateVariesState-mandated assessments
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, cemetery, and other local districts
Total Base Rate30.605Cherokee County base rate for 2025

Note: The 30.605 mill rate represents the base Cherokee County rate for the 2025 levy year. Your actual total rate will likely be higher due to school district taxes and special district assessments that vary by location within the county. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Contact the Cherokee County Appraiser's Office to determine the exact rate for your specific property location and applicable special districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cherokee 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 are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made during the tax year. These taxes bridge the gap between the regular annual assessment and mid-year changes that affect property value or ownership.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding significant improvements like additions or pools, or changing the use classification of your property. The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in Cherokee County in March that has an assessed value $50,000 higher than the previous assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional tax owed on that $50,000 difference for the remaining 9 months of the fiscal year. This ensures that all property owners pay their fair share of taxes based on current property values and ownership throughout the entire tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,500
  • Annual Tax (30.605 mills + districts ≈ 40 mills): $1,340
  • Monthly Payment: $112

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 40 mills total): $2,720
  • Monthly Payment: $227

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 40 mills total): $4,560
  • Monthly Payment: $380

Note: These calculations use estimated total mill rates including special districts. Actual rates vary by location. Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatic. Contact the Cherokee County Appraiser for exact rates in your area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cherokee County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account until taxes are due.

Cherokee County property tax bills are mailed after November 1st each year. The first half payment is due by December 20th, and the second half is due by May 1st of the following year. Your lender will typically pay the first half in December and the second half by the May 1st deadline. If you're responsible for paying taxes directly, remember that unpaid amounts begin accruing interest immediately after the due dates.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure your lender is collecting adequate funds. Property value increases, rate changes, or new special district assessments can create escrow shortfalls. You can verify that your lender has paid your Cherokee County taxes by checking with the County Treasurer's office or viewing payment records online.

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 Cherokee County property taxes due for 2025? A: Tax bills are mailed after November 1st. The first half is due by December 20, 2025, and the second half is due by May 1, 2026. Interest begins accruing immediately if payments are late.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied residences. This credit requires annual application through the Cherokee County Appraiser's Office. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled persons, but all require separate applications and qualification documentation.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides tax relief for owner-occupied homes and limits assessment increases to help protect against rapidly rising property values. You must file an application with the Cherokee County Appraiser's Office, and this is not automatically applied to your property.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: Kansas law requires counties to conduct reappraisals regularly to maintain fair market values. Cherokee County follows state guidelines for assessment schedules. Contact the Appraiser's Office for specific reappraisal timelines.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your assessment if you believe it's incorrect. Appeals must be filed with the Cherokee County Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. The appeals process includes specific deadlines and documentation requirements.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing immediately after the due dates (December 20th for first half, May 1st for second half). Contact the Cherokee County Treasurer's Office for current interest rates and penalty information.

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

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Cherokee County based on the special taxing districts that serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local governmental entities. Properties in different areas may be served by different combinations of these districts.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
resolution no. 21-2025 - netural ratecherokeecountyks.gov
02
Exempt Real and Personal Property 2.15.2017ksrevenue.gov
03
State
State of Kansas - Townshipadmin.ks.gov
04
State
Real Estatecherokeecountyks.gov
05
County
Cherokee County Treasurercherokeecountyks.gov
06
County
Cherokee County Appraisercherokeecountyks.gov
07
Tax Doc
Minutes of the House Taxation Committeekslegislature.gov
08
Index Pksrevisor.gov
09
Tax Doc
Residential Property Tax Relief Programs in Kansasklrd.gov
10
Federal Register/Vol. 65, No. 233/Monday, December 4, 2000/ ...govinfo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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