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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hamilton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hamilton 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 district, typically 1.2-1.8% effective rate depending on local taxing authorities
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hamilton County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services. The county follows Kansas state property tax laws, with assessments based on market value and tax rates determined by local taxing authorities including the county, school districts, and various special districts.

Effective tax rates in Hamilton County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. Based on historical data, residential properties typically see tax rates that result in annual taxes ranging from approximately $2,500 to $2,800 per $100,000 of assessed value, though this varies significantly by specific location and the special districts that serve each property. Property owners should note that their actual tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve their specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The exact FY 2025-2026 tax rates are still being finalized by local government authorities. Hamilton County operates under Kansas's revenue neutral rate system, which requires public hearings before tax rate increases. The following represents the typical tax rate structure:

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General0.8-1.2%County operations, roads, courthouse
School Districts1.8-2.2%Local school district operations and bonds
Special Districts0.1-0.4%Fire protection, libraries, other services
Total Estimated2.7-3.8%Combined rate varies by location

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by property location within Hamilton County based on which school district and special taxing districts serve the property. Contact the Hamilton County Clerk for specific rates applicable to your property address for the current levy year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hamilton 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 in Hamilton County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership changes that remove exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment. These supplemental bills are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previously assessed value.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition mid-year, and the county assessor determines this adds $45,000 to your assessed value, you would receive a supplemental tax bill. With a combined tax rate of 3.0%, this would result in a supplemental bill of approximately $1,350, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Supplemental taxes become due within 30 days of the bill date and follow the same penalty structure as regular property taxes if paid late.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates and assume properties are located in areas with moderate special district assessments. Actual taxes vary by specific location within Hamilton County:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $34,500
  • Available Credits (if applied): -$0 (assuming no credits claimed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $34,500
  • Tax Rate: 3.0%
  • Annual Tax: $1,035
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $86

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $69,000
  • Available Credits (if applied): -$0 (assuming no credits claimed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $69,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.0%
  • Annual Tax: $2,070
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $173

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $115,000
  • Available Credits (if applied): -$0 (assuming no credits claimed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $115,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.0%
  • Annual Tax: $3,450
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $288

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hamilton County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Hamilton County when due on November 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. Since property taxes can fluctuate due to assessment changes or rate adjustments, your monthly escrow payment may increase or decrease annually. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus. Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender pays taxes on time and for the correct amount. You can monitor payment status through the Hamilton County Clerk's office or their online portal.

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 Hamilton County property taxes due? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due November 15, 2025. Delinquent taxes begin accruing interest after this date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Property Tax Refund for qualifying homeowners. All credits require separate applications - none are automatic. Contact the Hamilton County Clerk for current application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit may limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires annual application filing and has income and residency requirements. Contact the county for specific eligibility criteria.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kansas requires annual assessment updates. The county appraiser reviews market data yearly to determine current assessed values for all properties.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can file an equalization appeal within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice, or request a single property appraisal within 60 days of notice date.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues on delinquent taxes after November 15th. Contact the Hamilton County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Hamilton County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary by location? A: Different areas of Hamilton County are served by different school districts, fire districts, and other special service districts, each with their own tax rates that combine to create your total tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
02
Tax Doc
Tax Ratesksrevenue.gov
03
Municipal Budgets and Revenue Neutral Rate Summary ...admin.ks.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
05
County
State of Kansas County - 2022admin.ks.gov
06
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
07
Index H - Statutesksrevisor.gov
08
County
Hamilton County Tax Levy Review Committeehamiltoncountyohio.gov
09
Tax Doc
Kansas Property Tax Exemptionsksrevenue.gov
10
County
Hamilton Countyadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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