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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Doniphan County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1% effective rate (varies by district due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Doniphan County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the county assessor, with tax rates set annually through the state's revenue neutral rate process. The county follows Kansas state law requiring property to be assessed at 11.5% of its appraised market value for residential properties.

Property tax rates in Doniphan County vary by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, cities, townships, and other local governmental units. The effective tax rate typically ranges around 1% of market value, though this can vary significantly based on your specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. All property taxes become a lien against the property on November 1st each year, with payment options available for full payment or installments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate (mills)Description
County GeneralVariesCounty operations, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding, varies by district boundaries
State SchoolVariesState-mandated school funding
City/MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
TownshipVariesTownship services and maintenance
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, cemetery, other special services

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Exact millage rates vary significantly by location within Doniphan County due to different combinations of taxing districts. Contact the Doniphan County Clerk's office for specific rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Doniphan 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 Doniphan County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that were not included in the original annual assessment. Common triggers include purchasing property, completing new construction, adding significant improvements like additions or pools, or correcting assessment errors discovered after the tax roll certification.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and the assessed value increases by $5,750 (11.5% of $50,000), you would owe supplemental taxes on that $5,750 for the remaining 9 months of the tax year at your location's combined tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 to -$3,450
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$31,050 to $34,500
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0% effective rate): $311 to $345
  • Monthly Escrow: $26 to $29

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 to -$3,450
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$65,550 to $69,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0% effective rate): $656 to $690
  • Monthly Escrow: $55 to $58

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 to -$3,450
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$111,550 to $115,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0% effective rate): $1,116 to $1,150
  • Monthly Escrow: $93 to $96

Note: All tax credits require annual application and approval. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Doniphan County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill. The lender holds these funds in a separate escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Doniphan County when they become due.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing payments received, taxes paid, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow, so it's important to verify that payments are made timely and accurately by reviewing your tax statements and escrow account activity.

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 Doniphan County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by December 31st annually. You can pay in full or split into two installments, but the full amount becomes delinquent after December 31st if not paid in full.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers a Homestead Property Tax Credit that caps assessment increases for qualified homeowners. Most tax credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the county assessor's office before the application deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps the increase in assessed valuation to protect long-term residents from dramatic tax increases. You must apply annually and meet residency requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Doniphan County? A: Kansas requires annual assessment updates, though full reappraisals typically occur every 4-6 years. The county assessor reviews property values annually based on market data and sales activity.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Doniphan County Board of Tax Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed by May 1st following the assessment notice. Contact the county assessor's office for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest charges after December 31st. The specific interest rate and penalty structure is set by state law and county policy - contact the county treasurer for current penalty rates.

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

Q: Why did my taxes increase if I made no improvements? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, increased tax rates set by local taxing districts, or changes in special district assessments. Your tax bill shows the breakdown of different taxing authorities that contribute to your total tax amount.

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