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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Elk County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Elk 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 district - typically 2.5-4% of assessed value depending on location and overlapping taxing districts
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Elk County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, law enforcement, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Elk County are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property, with taxes becoming a lien on November 1st of each year.

The effective property tax rate in Elk County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal services. Based on recent data, residential property owners can expect effective rates that differ from the state average, with agricultural land, residential properties, and commercial/industrial properties each following distinct assessment patterns. Your actual tax bill will depend on both the county's base levy and the specific combination of special districts that serve your property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations, roads, courthouse
School DistrictVaries by DistrictLocal school funding, varies significantly by district boundaries
State SchoolStatewide RateState-mandated education funding
Fire DistrictVaries by DistrictFire protection services (if applicable)
City/MunicipalVaries by CityMunicipal services (if within city limits)
Special AssessmentsVariableBonds, improvement districts, library districts

Note: The total effective rate for FY 2025-2026 varies considerably based on your property's location within Elk County's various taxing districts. Properties within city limits typically face higher total rates due to municipal services, while rural properties may have lower base rates but additional fire district assessments. Contact the Elk County Assessor's office for your specific district combination and current levy rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Elk 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 Elk County are triggered when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year, such as change of ownership, completion of new construction, or major improvements that increase the property's assessed value. These taxes represent the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property's new status or value.

For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in June, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional assessment for the remaining months of that tax year. The calculation would be: ($50,000 × assessment ratio × applicable tax rate) × (remaining months ÷ 12 months). This ensures that all properties pay their fair share of taxes based on their actual status throughout the year, rather than waiting until the next full assessment cycle.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (at 11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $29,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.2% effective rate): $354
  • Monthly Escrow: $30

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (at 11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $64,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.2% effective rate): $768
  • Monthly Escrow: $64

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (at 11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $110,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.2% effective rate): $1,320
  • Monthly Escrow: $110

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Elk County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill, holds these funds in escrow, and pays your taxes directly to the county treasurer when due. Given that Elk County taxes are paid in two installments (first half due December 20th, second half due the following November), your lender will make payments according to this schedule.

It's important to review your annual escrow statement carefully, as property value changes, tax rate adjustments, or changes in special district assessments can affect your required monthly escrow payment. If your escrow account has a shortage due to increased taxes, your lender will typically spread the shortage over 12 months in addition to the new higher monthly payment. You can verify that your lender is paying the correct amount by checking with the Elk County Treasurer's office online or by phone.

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 Elk County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025 are due in two installments: first half by December 20th, and second half by November of the following year. Taxes become a lien on your property November 1st of each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit available is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied residences. This credit requires annual application through the County Assessor's office. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled individuals - contact the assessor for specific requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides a reduction in your taxable assessed value (not market value) and may also cap annual assessment increases. You must file an application annually with the County Assessor's office, typically by March 15th, to qualify for the current tax year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kansas law requires properties to be appraised annually. The County Assessor reviews property values each year, with physical inspections conducted on rotating cycles or when triggered by permits, sales, or other changes.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the County Board of Tax Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed by March 15th following the assessment. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the due dates.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Check with the Elk County Treasurer's office for available online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees for electronic payments.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Elk County? A: Your total tax rate depends on the combination of taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, municipalities, and special assessment districts. Properties in different areas of the county may be served by different combinations of these districts, resulting in varying total tax rates.

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
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
Municipal Budgets and Revenue Neutral Rate Summary ...admin.ks.gov
04
County
ELK COUNTY, KANSASadmin.ks.gov
05
2022admin.ks.gov
06
PO Box 129 Caney, Kansas 67333kslegislature.gov
07
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
08
2021 Statutekslegislature.gov
09
County
ELK COUNTY, KANSASadmin.ks.gov
10
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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