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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McPherson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McPherson County, KS. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of market value (varies by taxing districts serving property)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McPherson 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 the primary revenue source for these local services, with tax rates varying by location within the county depending on which special taxing districts serve each property.

The county follows Kansas state law requiring property to be assessed at fair market value, with tax rates applied to the full assessed value. McPherson County's effective tax rates typically range from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, though the exact rate depends on your property's location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve it. For the 2025 levy year, the county has set rates at the revenue neutral level, meaning rates are designed to generate similar revenue to the prior year despite changes in property values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district funding
Township/CityVariesMunicipal or township services
Fire DistrictsVariesFire protection services
Special DistrictsVariesLibraries, drainage, other special services
Total Effective Rate~8-12 millsCombined rate varies by location

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes payable in 2025). Actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within McPherson County and which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the McPherson County Appraiser's Office at (620) 241-8149 for your exact tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McPherson 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 McPherson 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 cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year.

Common triggers include: purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, or when the county discovers unreported improvements during reassessment. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 addition in July and your total tax rate is 10 mills (1%), you would owe approximately $250 in supplemental taxes (($50,000 × 0.01) × 6/12 months remaining).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$8,400 (example 7% assessment growth cap benefit)
  • Net Taxable Value: $291,600
  • Annual Tax (at 10 mills): $2,916
  • Monthly Escrow: $243

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$12,000 (varies based on assessment increase limits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $588,000
  • Annual Tax (at 10 mills): $5,880
  • Monthly Escrow: $490

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: -$15,000 (homestead and other available credits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $985,000
  • Annual Tax (at 10 mills): $9,850
  • Monthly Escrow: $821

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Credits shown are examples - actual amounts depend on individual circumstances and proper application filing.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McPherson County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your estimated annual property taxes with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing, then analyze your account annually to ensure adequate funds for upcoming tax payments.

Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to McPherson County on the due dates: December 20th for the first half and May 10th for the second half. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing tax payments made on your behalf and any required adjustments to your monthly escrow amount. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly, sometimes requiring a one-time shortage payment to bring the account current.

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 McPherson County for the current tax year? A: First half taxes are due December 20, 2024. Second half taxes are due May 10, 2025. Interest begins accruing on overdue amounts after these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Tax Credit, which caps annual assessment increases for qualifying owner-occupied homes. You must apply with the McPherson County Appraiser's Office by filing the required application form. Contact (620) 241-8149 for application materials and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your home's market value, but limits how much your assessed value can increase each year (typically 10% or less). You must apply annually and the property must be your primary residence to qualify.

Q: When are properties reassessed in McPherson County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. Major reappraisals typically occur on rotating cycles, but your assessed value can change yearly based on market conditions and property improvements.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues on unpaid taxes after the due dates (December 20 and May 10). The interest rate is set by state law and compounds over time until paid in full.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the McPherson County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted methods. Many Kansas counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within McPherson County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which school district, fire district, township, city, and special districts serve your property. Each jurisdiction sets its own levy rate, creating different combinations throughout the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the McPherson County Appraiser's Office, typically by March 15th following the assessment year. Contact (620) 241-8149 for appeal forms and procedures.

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