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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lane County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lane 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 due to overlapping districts - ranges from base county rate plus school and special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lane County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including county government operations, public schools, emergency services, libraries, and various special districts. Property taxes in Lane County are assessed based on the appraised value of real estate, with Kansas utilizing approximately 11.5% of market value as the assessment ratio for residential properties.

The effective tax rate in Lane County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other municipal services. Based on historical data, residential property owners can expect total tax rates ranging from approximately 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value, though this varies by the specific combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve your property. Agricultural land typically receives more favorable treatment with lower effective rates, while commercial and industrial properties may face higher rates depending on local district levies.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Due to the decentralized nature of Kansas property taxation, specific levy year 2025-2026 rates are set by individual taxing jurisdictions and vary significantly within Lane County. Property owners should contact the Lane County Appraiser's office for their specific tax rate combination.

ComponentTypical Rate RangeDescription
County General Fund0.3% - 0.5%Basic county services, administration, roads
School District1.2% - 1.8%Local school district operations and bonds
Fire District0.1% - 0.3%Fire protection and emergency services
Library District0.05% - 0.15%Public library operations
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage, road improvements, other districts

Note: Actual rates vary by specific location within Lane County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Lane County Clerk at (620) 397-5356 for your exact rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lane 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

Kansas generally does not utilize supplemental tax assessments in the same manner as states like California. Instead, Lane County follows an annual assessment cycle where property values are reviewed and updated annually by the County Appraiser. New construction, improvements, or ownership changes are typically reflected in the following year's regular assessment rather than generating immediate supplemental bills.

When improvements are made to property during the tax year, they may be subject to pro-rated taxation based on when the improvement was completed and occupancy obtained. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June, you may be responsible for approximately half of the additional taxes for that year, with the full impact reflected in the following year's regular assessment.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates and assume properties are located in areas with typical district combinations. Actual taxes will vary based on specific location and applicable tax credits.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$0 to -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$34,500
  • Annual Tax (2.4% effective rate): $828
  • Monthly Escrow: $69

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits: -$0 to -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$69,000
  • Annual Tax (2.4% effective rate): $1,656
  • Monthly Escrow: $138

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits: -$0 to -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$115,000
  • Annual Tax (2.4% effective rate): $2,760
  • Monthly Escrow: $230

Note: Tax credits require application and approval. Contact Lane County Appraiser for available programs.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lane County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes and collect 1/12th of the estimated amount with each monthly mortgage payment. The escrow account allows your lender to pay property taxes directly to Lane County on your behalf.

Lane County property taxes are payable in full by November 15th or in three installments due November 15th, February 15th, and May 15th. Lenders typically make payments by the November 15th deadline to avoid any penalty charges. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account balance, payments made, and any required adjustments to your monthly escrow amount. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or new district levies, your lender may require an immediate escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment to cover the shortfall over 12 months.

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 Lane County for fiscal year 2025-2026? A: Property taxes may be paid in full by November 15, 2025, or in three equal installments due November 15, 2025, February 15, 2026, and May 15, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Kansas offers limited property tax credits that typically require annual application. The most common is the homestead property tax credit for qualifying low-income homeowners. Contact the Lane County Appraiser at (620) 397-5481 for current programs and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The Kansas homestead property tax credit provides direct tax bill reduction (not assessment reduction) for qualifying homeowners based on income limits. This credit requires annual application and is not automatic. It does not cap assessment increases but reduces the actual tax owed.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Lane County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. The Lane County Appraiser reviews property values each year, with new assessments typically mailed in March. Property owners have appeal rights through the county and state level.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Delinquent property taxes in Lane County accrue interest charges. The specific interest rate and penalty structure should be confirmed with the Lane County Treasurer's office at (620) 397-5410.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Lane County Treasurer at (620) 397-5410 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total property tax bill includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions serving your property, such as school districts, fire districts, and library districts. The combination of districts varies by location within Lane County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals in Kansas begin with the county appraiser, then may proceed to the Board of Tax Appeals if unresolved. Contact the Lane County Appraiser's office for appeal procedures and deadlines, typically in April-May following assessment notices.

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