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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ford County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ford 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
7.8%-10%+ of assessed value (varies by taxing districts including school, city, fire districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ford County, Kansas operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the Ford County Appraiser's Office at 11.5% of fair market value for residential properties. The county's effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 7.8% to over 10% of assessed value, depending on your specific location within the county.

Your actual tax rate varies significantly based on the special taxing districts where your property is located, such as school districts, city boundaries, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. For example, properties within incorporated cities may have different rates than rural properties, and various school district boundaries create additional rate variations. The Ford County Clerk's Office certifies the final tax rolls each year, with rates officially set for each levy year by July 15th.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
Ford County General2.5% - 3.5%County operations, roads, law enforcement
School District3.0% - 4.5%Varies by district (USD boundaries)
State of Kansas0.5% - 1.0%State-mandated levy
City Levy0.5% - 2.0%Municipal services (if within city limits)
Fire District0.3% - 0.8%Fire protection services
Other Special Districts0.0% - 1.5%Libraries, drainage, improvements
Total Combined Rate7.8% - 13.3%Applied to assessed value

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 (taxes due November 2025). Actual rates vary by specific taxing district combinations. The Ford Township has approved exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate of 7.836% for 2025. Contact the Ford County Clerk at (620) 227-4550 for your exact rate based on property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ford 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 Ford County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or significant improvements that weren't included in the regular assessment cycle. These taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurs.

Common triggers include purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations like room additions, or when the County Appraiser discovers previously unreported improvements. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March, the supplemental tax would cover April through the following March. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the increase in assessed value (11.5% of the improvement value) multiplied by your total tax rate, then prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $32,500
  • Annual Tax (at 9.5% rate): $3,088
  • Monthly Escrow: $257

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,000
  • Annual Tax (at 9.5% rate): $6,365
  • Monthly Escrow: $530

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax (at 9.5% rate): $10,735
  • Monthly Escrow: $895

*Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Credits reduce your tax bill, not your assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ford County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to Ford County when due on November 15th each year. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing actual tax payments versus collected amounts. If taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly payment may increase. You can verify your tax payments by checking with the Ford County Treasurer's Office at (620) 227-4550 or online through the county's payment portal. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, remember that Kansas law allows counties to charge interest on delinquent taxes after November 15th.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Ford County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes for tax year 2025 are due November 15, 2025. Interest begins accruing on delinquent taxes after this date.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Kansas offers Property Tax Relief for Seniors/Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR) and Low Income Senior Relief (K-40PT). Both require annual applications filed with your Kansas income tax return. Contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead program limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps increases at specific percentages and requires filing an application with the Ford County Appraiser's Office. This is NOT automatic - you must apply.

Q: When does Ford County reassess properties? A: Kansas conducts annual assessments with values certified by July 15th each year. You'll receive a change of assessment notice if your value changes, with appeal rights within 30 days of the notice date.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Kansas law allows counties to charge interest on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Ford County Treasurer at (620) 227-4550 for current interest rates and penalty information.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Ford County Treasurer's Office at (620) 227-4550 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Ford County? A: Your tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property - school district boundaries, fire districts, city limits, and other special assessments create different rate combinations throughout the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You have 30 days from the date Ford County mails your assessment notice to file an appeal with the County Board of Equalization, or 60 days to request a single property appraisal from the county appraiser under K.S.A. 79-1496.

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
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
County
Ford County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
05
County
FORD COUNTY, KANSASadmin.ks.gov
06
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
07
Sitemap.xmlrenocountyks.gov
08
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
09
Property Valuation - Forms and Publicationsksrevenue.gov
10
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 90kslegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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