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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Decatur County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Decatur 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
Varies by location due to special districts (base ~1% + local levies)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Decatur County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system, where taxes are assessed on the fair market value of real property to fund essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on assessed valuations determined annually by the County Appraiser, with the County Clerk responsible for spreading assessments on tax rolls. Kansas maintains a base assessment rate of approximately 1% of market value for residential properties.

Property tax rates in Decatur County vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, township levies, and other local assessments. Historical data shows residential property assessments have steadily increased from $1,462 in 2005 to $2,825 in 2021, reflecting both market appreciation and inflation adjustments. Actual effective tax rates depend on your specific property's taxing district combination and any applicable tax credits for which you successfully apply.

The county follows Kansas state law requiring property taxes to be paid in full by November 15th each year, with delinquent taxes accruing interest after this deadline. Property owners should note that most tax credits and assessment limitations require annual applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data, Decatur County property tax rates consist of multiple components that vary by taxing district. The 2025 property tax rates are not yet finalized, so property owners should check with local government for current levy year information.

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General0.15% - 0.25%Basic county operations and services
School District0.60% - 0.80%Local school district funding
Township0.05% - 0.15%Township road maintenance and services
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, other local services
Total Estimated0.80% - 1.20%Combined effective rate

Note: These are estimated ranges based on typical Kansas county structures. Actual rates for levy year 2025-2026 will be set by each taxing jurisdiction and vary by specific location within Decatur County. Contact the Decatur County Clerk's office for your exact rate combination.

Special taxing districts within the county create rate variations, meaning two properties of equal value in different parts of the county may have different total tax bills depending on their specific district combinations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Decatur 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 Kansas are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include change of ownership, new construction completion, or improvements that substantially increase property value. When these events occur, the County Appraiser determines the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value.

The supplemental tax calculation is based on the difference in assessed values multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases by $50,000 due to completed construction in June, and the total tax rate is 1.0%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $500 × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $250.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular annual tax bills and typically have their own due dates. Property owners receive notice of supplemental assessments and have the same appeal rights as regular assessments. These taxes become a lien on the property and must be paid to avoid delinquency penalties and potential tax sale proceedings.

Example Calculation

The following examples demonstrate property tax calculations for different home values in Decatur County, assuming a combined tax rate of 1.0% (actual rates vary by district):

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $32,500
  • Annual Tax (1.0% rate): $325
  • Monthly Escrow: $27

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0% rate): $670
  • Monthly Escrow: $56

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0% rate): $1,130
  • Monthly Escrow: $94

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual tax rates vary by specific taxing district combination. Homestead credits may have income limitations and application deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Decatur 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 equal to 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus a cushion typically not exceeding two months of payments as allowed by federal law.

Property tax payments are due November 15th annually in Decatur County. Lenders typically remit payment on behalf of borrowers before this deadline to avoid delinquency penalties. When property values change significantly or tax rates increase, lenders will adjust monthly escrow payments and may require borrowers to make up shortfalls or receive refunds for overages during the annual escrow analysis.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current assessment information and correct mailing addresses with the County Clerk's office. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, ensure you receive tax bills directly and mark the November 15th deadline on your calendar, as interest accrues immediately after the due date on any unpaid balance.

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  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Decatur County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due November 15th annually. For fiscal year 2025, taxes must be paid by November 15, 2024, to avoid delinquency penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for qualifying homeowners, which requires annual application. Most credits are NOT automatic and must be applied for by specific deadlines. Contact the County Appraiser's office for available programs and application requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires annual filing and may have income limitations. This credit caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year, not your total tax liability.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Decatur County? A: The County Appraiser conducts annual assessments, with notices typically mailed by March. Property owners have 30 days from the notice date to file equalization appeals, or 60 days to request single property appraisals.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest immediately after November 15th. Additional penalties may apply, and properties can eventually be sold at tax sales for non-payment. Contact the County Clerk for specific penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Decatur County Clerk's office for available 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 affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions where your property is located, including school districts, townships, and special districts like fire protection or library districts. This creates rate variations within the county.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment? A: Change of ownership, completion of new construction, major improvements, or other events that change property value during the tax year can trigger supplemental assessments and additional tax bills.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
02
County
Decatur County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
03
City Budget Formoberlinkansas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
05
property valuation expressksrevenue.gov
06
Tax Doc
Presentation of 2023 Property Tax Levyoberlinkansas.gov
07
2024 Statutekslegislature.gov
08
Index Dksrevisor.gov
09
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
10
instructionsadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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