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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Geary County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Geary 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
~9.75% effective rate (varies significantly by taxing district within county)
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Geary County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the county serving as the collection agent for all taxing entities within its boundaries. The effective tax rate for Geary County is approximately 9.75% for the current tax year, though this represents a county-wide average.

It's important to understand that actual property tax rates vary significantly by location within Geary County due to special taxing districts. Your specific tax rate depends on which school district, fire district, library district, and other special assessment areas your property falls within. Properties in different areas of the county may experience rate variations based on local bond issues, special assessments, and district-specific levies that fund services like rural fire protection, recreation facilities, or infrastructure improvements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General2.85%Basic county services and operations
School District4.20%Public education funding (varies by district)
State Assessed1.15%State-mandated assessments
Special Districts1.25%Fire, library, recreation districts (varies by location)
Bond & Interest0.30%Debt service on approved bonds
Total Average9.75%FY 2025-2026 average rate

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual rate may differ based on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Properties in Junction City, Manhattan area, or rural districts will have different combinations of these components. Contact the Geary County Assessor's office at (785) 238-3912 for your specific district rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Geary 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 taxes are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership or value. In Geary County, supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by new construction completion, significant property improvements, or changes in property use that affect assessed value. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your assessment increases by that amount, you would owe supplemental taxes on the additional assessed value from March through the end of the tax year. The Geary County Treasurer's office typically issues supplemental tax bills within 60-90 days of receiving notice of the assessment change from the County Assessor.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,000
  • Annual Tax (9.75% rate): $3,218
  • Monthly Escrow: $268

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500
  • Annual Tax (9.75% rate): $6,581
  • Monthly Escrow: $548

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,500
  • Annual Tax (9.75% rate): $11,066
  • Monthly Escrow: $922

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatically applied. Disabled veteran credits may provide additional savings but require documentation and approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Geary County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. These funds are held in an escrow account and used to pay your property taxes when they become due.

The Geary County Treasurer's office sends tax bills directly to your mortgage servicer when an escrow account exists. Your lender pays the first half by December 20th and the second half by May 10th of the following year. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify escrow payments were received by checking the Geary County Treasurer's website or calling (785) 238-3941.

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 Geary County for FY 2025-2026? A: The first half is due by December 20th, and if paid on time, the second half is due by May 10th of the following year. You can pay the full amount by December 20th to avoid the second payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Tax Credit requires annual application and can provide up to $1,500 in tax reduction. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional credits ranging from 40-100% depending on disability rating. All credits require application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Kansas Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases and provides direct tax bill reduction. You must file annually with income documentation. The credit caps assessment growth and reduces your final tax bill, but requires meeting income limits.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Geary County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. The County Assessor reviews all properties yearly, with physical inspections on a rotating cycle. Assessment notices are mailed by March 1st each year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Appeals must be filed with the Geary County Board of Tax Appeals by April 30th following your assessment notice. Contact the County Clerk's office at (785) 238-3941 for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payment? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month on unpaid taxes after the due dates. Additional penalties may apply, and unpaid taxes become a lien against the property that can lead to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Geary County offers online payment options through their official website. Credit card processing fees may apply. Contact the Treasurer's office at (785) 238-3941 for current online payment options.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Geary County? A: Different areas fall within various special taxing districts including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and recreation districts. Each district sets its own levy rate based on local needs and voter-approved bonds, creating different total tax rates across the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
GEARY COUNTY, KANSAS 2025 BUDGETgearycounty.gov
02
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
Tax Doc
Calculate Auto Registration Fees and Property Taxesgearycounty.gov
04
County
Tax Bill Information | Geary County, KSgearycounty.gov
05
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQgearycounty.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Collectiongearycounty.gov
07
HOUSE BILL No. 2036kslegislature.gov
08
Index Dksrevisor.gov
09
Appeals Informationgearycounty.gov
10
County
2017 tax levies geary county, kansasadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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