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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Finney County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location: base county levy plus school district, city, and special district assessments (typically ranges 2.5-4.0% effective rate)
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Finney County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government, libraries, fire protection, and other municipal services. Property owners in Finney County can expect effective tax rates that vary by location within the county, as rates are determined by a combination of the county's base levy plus additional assessments from school districts, cities, and special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, and community college districts.

For the 2025 tax year, Finney County property tax rates are projected to increase by approximately 3% over 2024 levels, reflecting the state's adjustment strategy to address inflation. The actual tax rate you pay depends on your specific location within Finney County, as different areas fall under different combinations of taxing jurisdictions. Properties in incorporated cities will have additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may have different special district assessments.

Kansas uses a statewide assessment ratio, with residential and agricultural property typically assessed at lower percentages of market value compared to commercial and industrial properties. Property taxes in Finney County are collected by the County Treasurer and distributed to the various taxing entities that provide services to your property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate (per $1,000)Description
County General$8.50-12.00County operations, roads, courthouse, sheriff
School Districts$35.00-45.00USD funding varies by district boundaries
State General$1.50-2.00State-mandated levy
City/Municipal$8.00-15.00City services (incorporated areas only)
Community College$3.00-4.50Garden City Community College district
Fire Districts$2.00-5.00Rural fire protection (unincorporated areas)
Library Districts$1.00-2.50Public library systems
Other Special Districts$1.00-8.00Cemetery, recreation, improvement districts

Total Estimated Range: $60.00-$94.50 per $1,000 assessed value

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year and are estimates based on projected increases. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Finney County depending on which combination of special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Finney County Clerk for your specific tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Finney 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 property taxes in Finney County are triggered when there are changes to your property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include: change of ownership (property sale), new construction or major improvements completed after the January 1st assessment date, or corrections to assessment errors discovered during the year.

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 July that increases your assessed value by $35,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $35,000 increase for the remaining 6 months of the fiscal year.

The Finney County Appraiser's Office issues supplemental assessments throughout the year as changes occur. Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill in addition to their regular annual property tax statement. These supplemental taxes follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes and can be paid to the Finney County Treasurer.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Garden City

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (with application): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $32,500
  • Tax Rate: $78.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,551
  • Monthly Escrow: $213

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Rural Finney County

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (with application): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,000
  • Tax Rate: $72.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $4,824
  • Monthly Escrow: $402

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Senior Credit

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (with application): -$2,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (with application): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $111,500
  • Tax Rate: $78.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,753
  • Monthly Escrow: $729

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and income/age qualifications. Actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Finney County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into an escrow account, which your lender uses to pay your property taxes when they become due.

Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion of up to two months' payments as allowed by federal law. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and you'll receive a statement showing the account activity and any required adjustments to your monthly payment. If taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require a one-time shortage payment or spread the shortage over 12 months.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender receives tax bills directly from Finney County and pays them by the December 20th and March 1st due dates. You can monitor payments through the Finney County Treasurer's online system. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, you become responsible for making direct payments to the County Treasurer and should immediately establish your own savings plan to ensure funds are available when taxes are due.

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 Finney County property taxes due for the 2025-2026 fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: the first half is due December 20, 2025, and the second half is due March 1, 2026. Tax statements are typically mailed around December 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Common tax credits include the Homestead Credit (available to all homeowners), Senior Citizen Credit (age 65+ with income limits), and Disabled Veteran Credit. All credits require annual application to the Finney County Appraiser's Office and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value to a maximum percentage (typically 10%), rather than reducing the market value itself. You must file an application to receive this credit, and it applies only to your primary residence.

Q: When does the County assess properties and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are mailed in March. You have 30 days from the notice date to appeal to the Finney County Board of Tax Appeals if you believe your assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. If the first half isn't paid by December 20th, the entire annual amount becomes due. Additional penalties apply after March 1st, and unpaid taxes can result in tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Finney County participates in the Kansas Property Tax Payment system. You can pay online at www.kansas.gov/propertytax or directly through the Finney County Treasurer's website using bank transfer or credit card (fees may apply).

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Finney County? A: Your tax rate depends on which combination of taxing jurisdictions serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipalities. Rural properties typically have different rates than city properties.

Q: What triggers a property reassessment during the year? A: Property sales, new construction, major improvements, additions, or corrections to previous assessment errors can trigger supplemental assessments and additional tax bills during the year.

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