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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Meade County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1.6% effective rate for 2025, varies significantly by location due to overlapping special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Meade County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Meade County are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property, with the county assessor determining market values and the county clerk calculating tax obligations.

The effective property tax rate in Meade County is approximately 1.6% for the 2025 tax year, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts. These districts may include school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other municipal services that each levy their own millage rates. Property owners should expect their total tax rate to reflect the combined levies of all applicable taxing jurisdictions where their property is located.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund20.0Basic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesK-12 education funding (varies by district)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection and emergency services
TownshipVariesLocal road maintenance and services
Library DistrictVariesPublic library operations (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure improvements, bonds

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. The General Fund includes a $20,000 homestead exemption. Total effective rates typically range from 1.4% to 1.8% depending on special district participation. Contact the Meade County Clerk for your specific district combination and exact millage rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Meade 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 property taxes in Meade County are triggered by specific events that change property ownership or value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property ownership transfers, and additions or improvements that increase assessed value mid-year. When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date the change occurred through the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July that increases your assessed value, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional $50,000 assessed value for the remaining six months of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($50,000 × local tax rate × 6/12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 60-90 days after the triggering event is recorded and become due 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Homestead Exemption: -$20,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $14,500
  • Annual Tax (1.6% rate): $232
  • Monthly Escrow: $19

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$20,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $49,000
  • Annual Tax (1.6% rate): $784
  • Monthly Escrow: $65

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$20,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $95,000
  • Annual Tax (1.6% rate): $1,520
  • Monthly Escrow: $127

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Rates may vary based on your specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Meade County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes, divide by 12, and collect that amount with your monthly mortgage payment. Lenders typically maintain a 2-month cushion in the escrow account to ensure sufficient funds for tax payments.

Property taxes in Meade County are paid in two installments: the first half is due in April and the second half in October. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from the county treasurer and make payments on your behalf. Each year, lenders conduct an escrow analysis to compare actual tax costs with collected amounts, resulting in either a refund or increased monthly payments to cover any shortfall. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements carefully and contact their lender immediately if there are discrepancies in tax amounts or payment timing.

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 Meade County? A: Property taxes for fiscal year 2025 are due in two installments: first half due April 30, 2025, and second half due October 31, 2025.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Meade County offers a $20,000 homestead exemption for owner-occupied residences. This credit reduces your assessed value, not market value. You must file an application with the County Assessor's office annually - it is not automatic.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or disabled residents? A: Kansas offers various property tax credits for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals. These require separate applications with income and age verification. Contact the Meade County Assessor at (620) 873-8700 for specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Meade County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. The County Assessor reviews market data yearly and may adjust property values based on sales comparisons and market trends.

Q: What is the deadline to appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Appraiser by March 31st of the tax year. Late appeals are generally not accepted except in cases of clerical error.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent property taxes accrue interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer at (620) 873-8705 for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be located in multiple taxing districts (school, fire, library, etc.), each with separate millage rates. Your total tax bill reflects the sum of all applicable district levies. The County Clerk can provide a breakdown of your specific district taxes.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits each year? A: Yes, most property tax credits in Kansas require annual application. The homestead exemption and senior/disability credits are not automatically renewed and must be refiled each year to maintain eligibility.

Q: What documentation do I need for the homestead exemption application? A: You'll typically need proof of ownership, proof of primary residency, and a completed application form. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific documentation requirements and application forms.

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