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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Morris County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Morris 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 due to overlapping taxing authorities (school, township, city, library districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Morris County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, libraries, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Kansas are administered at the county level, with Morris County utilizing a mill levy system where rates are expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The county assesses real property at 11.5% of its appraised market value for residential properties, with commercial properties assessed at 25%.

Property tax rates in Morris County vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts including school districts, townships, cities, library districts, and other municipal services. Total effective tax rates typically range from approximately 2.5% to 3.5% of assessed value, though this can vary based on your specific property location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your area. The 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized, so property owners should check with the Morris County Clerk or County Treasurer's office for the most current levy information.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 tax rates for Morris County are not yet available as they are typically finalized in late summer or early fall. Property tax bills reflect multiple taxing jurisdictions that serve your specific property location:

ComponentRate (mills)Description
County GeneralTBDBasic county services and operations
School DistrictTBDLocal school district operations and bonds
TownshipTBDTownship services and road maintenance
City/MunicipalityTBDMunicipal services (if within city limits)
Library DistrictTBDPublic library services
Fire DistrictTBDFire protection and emergency services
Other Special DistrictsTBDCemetery, drainage, or other special assessments

Note: Rates vary by property location within Morris County. Contact the Morris County Clerk at (620) 767-5518 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 Morris 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 Morris County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or previously unassessed improvements discovered during the tax year. These situations trigger what Kansas statutes refer to as "additional or escaped property tax bills." Common triggers include purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations that increase property value, or when the county discovers unreported improvements.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they become due immediately and must be paid within 45 days of the bill issuance date as authorized by Kansas statutes. The supplemental tax amount is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the additional assessed value. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition mid-year, and residential properties are assessed at 11.5% of market value, this creates $5,750 in additional assessed value. At a hypothetical total tax rate of 80 mills, this would generate approximately $460 in supplemental taxes ($5,750 × 0.080 = $460).

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated tax rates since 2025 rates are not yet available. Actual rates vary by specific location within Morris County:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,500
  • Annual Tax (est. 80 mills): $2,680
  • Monthly Payment: $223

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 80 mills): $5,440
  • Monthly Payment: $453

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 80 mills): $9,120
  • Monthly Payment: $760

Note: Credits shown require annual application and are not automatic. Contact the Morris County Appraiser for current credit amounts and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Morris County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. Since Morris County property taxes are due November 1st annually, lenders typically pay the full amount directly to the Morris County Treasurer on your behalf before the due date.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has the correct tax amount, especially after reassessments or when tax rates change. You can confirm your current tax liability by contacting the Morris County Treasurer's office or checking online records. If you pay property taxes independently without escrow, you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the County Treasurer by November 1st to avoid interest charges and penalties. Keep records of all tax payments as proof of payment, particularly if you itemize deductions on federal income tax returns.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Morris County? A: Property taxes are due November 1st each year. Late payments accrue interest after this deadline.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Kansas offers several tax credits requiring annual application: Homestead Credit for property tax relief (limits assessment increases), Property Tax Relief for seniors 65+ and disabled veterans (K-40SVR form), and low-income senior relief (K-40PT). Applications must be filed with the Kansas Department of Revenue using their free software or forms.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires filing an application and is not automatic. Contact the Morris County Appraiser at (620) 767-5661 for current credit amounts and application deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Morris County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates, though major reappraisals typically occur every 3-6 years. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights during specified periods.

Q: What happens if I pay property taxes late? A: Interest accrues on delinquent taxes after November 1st. Additional penalties may apply for extended delinquency, potentially leading to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Morris County Treasurer at (620) 767-5136 for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Morris County? A: Different combinations of school districts, townships, cities, fire districts, and library districts serve different areas, creating varying total tax rates depending on your property's specific location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Morris County Appraiser's office during designated appeal periods, typically in March-May. Contact the County Appraiser at (620) 767-5661 for specific deadlines and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
02
City - 2025admin.ks.gov
03
County
Morris County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
04
property valuation expressksrevenue.gov
05
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
06
Tax Doc
Kansas Property Tax Paymentkansas.gov
07
In Re Peake, 11-13575 (Bankr. D. Kan. Oct. 16, 2012) Doc. ...ksb.uscourts.gov
08
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
09
Index H - Statutesksrevisor.gov
10
County
MORRIS COUNTY, KANSAS STATUTORY BASIS ...admin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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