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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Franklin 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
Exceeds 45.142 mills (Revenue Neutral Rate), varies significantly by location within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including 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 county appraiser and reassessed periodically. The county levies taxes using a mill rate system, where one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value.

For Tax Year 2025, Franklin County has set a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate of 45.142 mills, meaning property owners will see tax increases beyond what would generate the same revenue as the previous year. It's important to note that your actual tax rate may vary significantly depending on your location within Franklin County, as additional levies from school districts, fire districts, cities, townships, and other special taxing jurisdictions are added to the base county rate. The total effective rate typically ranges from approximately 40 to 60 mills countywide, but can be higher in areas with multiple special districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Franklin County GeneralVariesBasic county operations, roads, courthouse
School DistrictVaries by DistrictK-12 education funding (largest component)
Fire DistrictVaries by DistrictFire protection and emergency services
City/TownshipVaries by LocationMunicipal services where applicable
Special DistrictsVariesLibraries, drainage, recreation, etc.
Total Estimated Range40-60+ millsCombined rate varies by property location

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2025 (taxes due December 2025/May 2026). The county rate exceeds 45.142 mills as approved by resolution. Actual total rates vary significantly based on which taxing jurisdictions serve your specific property address. Contact the Franklin County Clerk at (785) 229-3410 for your exact rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes that affect a property's assessed value. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements like additions or remodeling, ownership transfers that remove previous exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your total tax rate is 50 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $50,000 increase in assessed value for the remaining 9 months of the tax year. This would result in a supplemental bill of approximately $1,875 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × 50 mills × 9/12 months). Supplemental taxes follow the same payment schedule as regular taxes and can be paid in half or full by the December due date.

Example Calculation

Example 1 - $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$700 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,800
  • Annual Tax (50 mills): $1,690
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$141

Example 2 - $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$700 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,300
  • Annual Tax (50 mills): $3,415
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$285

Example 3 - $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$700 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,300
  • Annual Tax (50 mills): $5,715
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$476

Note: 50 mills used as example rate. Homestead tax credit requires annual application and income qualification. Credit amounts and availability subject to change.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. The lender pays your taxes directly to Franklin County when due, typically splitting payments between the December and May due dates.

It's crucial to verify your lender receives and pays your tax bills correctly. Franklin County mails tax statements to the property owner's address on file, not necessarily to your mortgage company. You should review your annual escrow analysis statement and confirm your lender has the correct tax amount, as errors can result in escrow shortages or overages. If your taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or new special districts, your monthly escrow payment will adjust accordingly, usually resulting in a one-time shortage payment plus higher monthly collections going forward.

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 Franklin County property taxes due for Tax Year 2025? A: Taxes are due December 20, 2025. You can pay the full amount by this date, or pay half by December 20, 2025, with the second half due by May 10, 2026. No second-half notices are mailed.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Kansas Homestead Tax Credit may provide up to $700 in tax reduction for qualified homeowners. This requires annual application and income verification - it is NOT automatic. Applications typically due April 15th. Contact the Franklin County Appraiser at (785) 229-3340 for current forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead program work? A: Kansas Homestead limits annual assessment increases and may provide tax credits. It does NOT reduce your home's market value, but caps how much your assessed value can increase each year. You must apply annually and meet residency/income requirements.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Franklin County? A: Kansas law requires reassessment every year, with comprehensive reappraisals conducted periodically. You'll receive a notice if your assessment changes significantly. Appeals must be filed by June 15th following the assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes. If taxes remain unpaid for four years, the property becomes subject to tax foreclosure and can be sold at public auction.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Franklin County Treasurer at (785) 229-3320 or visit franklincoks.org for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax rates (mill levies) can increase even with stable assessments. For 2025, Franklin County exceeded its Revenue Neutral Rate of 45.142 mills, meaning rates increased beyond inflation adjustments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions serving your property - county, school district, fire district, city/township, and special districts. Rates vary significantly by location within Franklin County based on which districts serve your address.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
franklin county, kansasfranklincountyks.gov
02
County
Personal Property | Franklin County, KS - Official Websitefranklincountyks.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Infoares.sncoapps.us
04
County
Real Estate Taxes | Franklin County, KS - Official Websitefranklincountyks.gov
05
County
Tax Collection | Franklin County, KS - Official Websitefranklincountyks.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
07
Tax Doc
CR-20 Notice for Homestead / SafeSR Property Tax ...franklincountyks.gov
08
Tax Doc
minutes of the house taxation committeekslegislature.gov
09
Forms and Publications - Homesteadksrevenue.gov
10
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 13kslegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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