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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ellis County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ellis 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
Approximately 1% effective rate, varies by taxing district combinations within Ellis County
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ellis County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, school districts, fire protection, and other special taxing districts. The county follows Kansas state law requiring annual property assessments and tax collection through the County Treasurer's office.

Property tax rates in Ellis County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and municipal levies. The effective tax rate typically ranges around the state average of approximately 1%, though actual rates depend on your specific property location and the overlay of taxing jurisdictions. All property taxes are based on assessed value, which is determined by the County Appraiser's office according to state guidelines.

The tax system operates on a calendar year basis, with assessments conducted annually and tax bills issued reflecting the current year's levies. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which city, school district, and special districts serve their property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on recent data, Ellis County property tax rates for Tax Year 2024 show an expected increase of approximately 4.3% over the previous year. The following represents typical rate components:

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General15-20 millsGeneral county operations, roads, law enforcement
School District45-55 millsLocal school district operations and bonds
State School20 millsState-mandated school funding
Fire District2-5 millsFire protection services (varies by district)
City/Municipal10-25 millsCity services (varies by municipality)
Other Districts1-10 millsLibrary, cemetery, drainage districts as applicable

Total Estimated Range: 93-135 mills (9.3% - 13.5%)

Note: One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's specific location within Ellis County and which combination of taxing districts serve your area. Contact the Ellis County Clerk's office for exact rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ellis 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 Ellis County may be levied when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year that affect its assessed value. This typically occurs with new construction completion, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that trigger reassessment.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year the higher value applies. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in July, supplemental taxes would be calculated on that additional assessed value for the remaining six months of the tax year.

Property owners receive separate supplemental tax bills when these situations arise. The supplemental amount is calculated using the same tax rates that apply to the base property tax bill for that location and tax year.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates and assume properties are located in areas with typical taxing district combinations. Actual taxes will vary based on specific location and applicable tax credits:

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $34,500
  • Annual Tax (at 12% effective rate): $4,140
  • Monthly Escrow: $345

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market): $69,000
  • Less: Applied Tax Credits: $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $69,000
  • Annual Tax (at 12% effective rate): $8,280
  • Monthly Escrow: $690

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market): $115,000
  • Less: Applied Tax Credits: $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $115,000
  • Annual Tax (at 12% effective rate): $13,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,150

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Ellis County Appraiser for available credits and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ellis County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays the county directly when taxes are due.

Ellis County property taxes are due in two installments: the first half by December 20th and the second half by May 10th of the following year. Lenders typically pay both installments from your escrow account on the due dates. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing projected taxes, actual payments made, and any required adjustments to your monthly escrow payment.

Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct property tax amount, as errors can result in escrow shortages or overpayments. You can confirm your actual tax bill amount through the Ellis County Treasurer's office or their online payment portal.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Ellis County for Tax Year 2024? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - first half by December 20, 2024, and second half by May 10, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits may include the Homestead Credit and disabled veteran credits. All credits require annual application through the Ellis County Appraiser's office. The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applications typically have deadlines - contact the Appraiser's office for specific dates and requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value, not the market value. This credit requires filing an application and is not automatic. Contact the Ellis County Appraiser at (785) 628-9410 for application procedures and deadlines.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment of all real property. The County Appraiser conducts these assessments with values typically established as of January 1st each year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You have 30 days from the date the county mailed your assessment notice to file an equalization appeal, or 60 days to request a single property appraisal from the county appraiser. Contact the Ellis County Appraiser's office for specific procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest after the statutory deadlines of December 20th (first half) and May 10th (second half). Contact the Ellis County Treasurer for current interest rates and penalty information.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Ellis County Treasurer's office at (785) 628-9415 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Ellis County? A: Tax rates depend on which combination of taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, cities, and other special districts. Each district sets its own levy rate, creating different total rates across the county.

Q: What happens if I disagree with special district taxes on my bill? A: Special district taxes are set by the individual districts (school boards, fire districts, etc.). Contact the specific district directly for questions about their portion of your tax bill, or the Ellis County Clerk for information about which districts serve your property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
02
the town crierellis.ks.us
03
Tax Doc
2025 House Taxation Bill Index Page 1kslegislature.gov
04
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PLAN (NRP)ellis.ks.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
06
Tax Doc
Pub. KS-1515 Tax Calendar of Due Datesksrevenue.gov
07
County
Ellis County Tax Collectornacdashboard.nara.gov
08
HOUSE BILL No. 2036kslegislature.gov
09
Index Pksrevisor.gov
10
County
ELLIS COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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