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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ellsworth County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ellsworth 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, approximately 1% base assessment plus local district additions
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ellsworth County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system, where taxes are levied based on assessed property values to fund essential county services, school districts, and various special taxing districts. Property owners in Ellsworth County pay taxes that support local government operations, public safety, road maintenance, educational services, and other community infrastructure needs.

Property tax rates in Ellsworth County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, townships, cities, and other local service areas. While Kansas has a general base assessment rate around 1% of appraised value, the actual effective tax rate depends on your specific location and the overlay of taxing jurisdictions that serve your property. The 2025 tax rates are subject to final approval and will be detailed in the Revenue Neutral Rate Summary Report from the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County GeneralVariableBasic county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictVariableLocal school district operations and facilities
TownshipVariableRoad maintenance, fire protection, local services
City (if applicable)VariableMunicipal services for incorporated areas
Special DistrictsVariableFire districts, libraries, drainage, other special services
Total Effective Rate~1.0-1.5%Combined rate varies by specific location

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year and are subject to final approval. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Contact the Ellsworth County Clerk for your exact tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the annual tax roll is finalized. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers, or corrections to assessed values discovered after the regular assessment period.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and it increases your assessed value by $80,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment covering April through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be approximately $800-$1,200 (depending on your local tax rate) prorated for the remaining months.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,450
  • Net Taxable Value: $31,050
  • Annual Tax (1.2% rate): $372
  • Monthly Escrow: $31

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$6,900
  • Net Taxable Value: $62,100
  • Annual Tax (1.2% rate): $745
  • Monthly Escrow: $62

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$11,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $103,500
  • Annual Tax (1.2% rate): $1,242
  • Monthly Escrow: $104

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

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ellsworth County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment and remitting taxes directly to the county when due. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax liability and divide it by 12 for your monthly escrow payment, typically maintaining a cushion of 1-2 months' worth of taxes.

Property taxes in Ellsworth County are due in two installments: the first half by December 20th and the second half by June 20th of the following year. Your mortgage servicer will typically pay these installments on your behalf if you have an escrow account. The servicer receives tax bills directly from the county and should provide you with copies for your records. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and could require you to make up any shortage over 12 months or immediately, depending on the shortage amount and federal regulations.

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 Ellsworth County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments - the first half by December 20th and the second half by June 20th of the following year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for qualifying property owners. Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the county assessor by the specified deadline to receive benefits.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps the annual increase in assessed value for qualifying homeowners, not the total market value. It limits assessment growth rather than reducing your property's market value. You must apply annually with the Ellsworth County Assessor's office to maintain this benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Ellsworth County? A: Kansas requires annual reassessment of all real property. The county assessor reviews property values each year, with physical inspections on a rotating cycle or when significant changes occur.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Ellsworth County Board of Tax Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed by March 31st following the tax year in question. Contact the county assessor's office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Ellsworth County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and collection procedures for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Ellsworth County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be located within multiple taxing districts (school, fire, township, city, library, etc.). Each district sets its own tax rate, and your total bill reflects the combined rates of all districts serving your property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
State of Kansas Township - 2025admin.ks.gov
02
County
Ellsworth County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
03
Municipal Budgets and Revenue Neutral Rate Summary ...admin.ks.gov
04
County
ellsworth county, kansasadmin.ks.gov
05
County
ellsworth county, kansasadmin.ks.gov
06
Tax Doc
Online Property Tax Payments Deadline Approaching | Information ...ink.kansas.gov
07
Index Pksrevisor.gov
08
Tax Doc
Taxes, Credits and Exemptionskansascommerce.gov
09
County
Programs & Services | Sherman County, KSshermancountyks.gov
10
instructionsadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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