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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Morton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Morton 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
Approximately 1% base rate plus local district additions - varies significantly by location within county
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Morton County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Morton County are administered by the county assessor's office and collected by the county treasurer, with tax liens taking effect on November 1st each year.

The effective property tax rate in Morton County typically ranges around Kansas's base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county. Different areas are served by various special taxing districts including school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas, which can substantially impact your total tax bill. Property is assessed at its fair market value as determined by the county appraiser, with assessments reviewed periodically according to state law.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariableBasic county services, roads, administration
School DistrictVariableLocal school district operations and facilities
State of KansasVariableState-mandated levy
Special DistrictsVariableFire, library, cemetery, or other local districts
Bond IssuesVariableVoter-approved bonds for infrastructure projects

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Morton County are not yet finalized. Rates vary by location within the county based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Morton County Assessor's office or check the Kansas Department of Administration website for the most current levy year 2025-2026 rates for your specific tax district.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Morton County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 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 Morton County are additional property taxes assessed when there are changes in property ownership or significant improvements made to existing property. Common triggers include the purchase of property, completion of new construction, additions to existing structures, or major renovations that increase the property's assessed value mid-tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in Morton County in January that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $250,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $50,000 difference for the remaining months of that tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from regular property tax statements and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1%): ~$3,000
  • Monthly Payment: ~$250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1%): ~$6,000
  • Monthly Payment: ~$500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Available Tax Credits: Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1%): ~$10,000
  • Monthly Payment: ~$833

Note: These are estimates only. Actual rates vary by tax district within Morton County. Most tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Morton County Assessor's office for specific rates and available credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Morton County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property taxes with each monthly mortgage payment and pays your tax bills when they become due. The escrow amount is calculated by dividing your previous year's tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion to account for potential increases.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made according to Morton County's installment schedule, with payments due November 15th (first installment), February 1st (second installment), and May 1st (final installment). Your lender will receive tax bills directly from the county treasurer and make payments on your behalf. It's important to verify that payments are made timely, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Morton County for the current tax year? A: For the 2026 tax year, the first installment is due November 15, 2026, the second installment is due February 1, 2027, and the final installment is due May 1, 2027.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers various tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying property owners. Most credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Morton County Assessor's office for specific available credits and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires filing an application with deadlines that must be met annually. Check with the county assessor for current application deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Morton County? A: Kansas law requires regular reassessment cycles. Property owners receive assessment notices with appeal rights - you have 30 days to file an equalization appeal or 60 days to request a single property appraisal from the date the county mails your notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties according to Kansas state law. Contact the Morton County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Morton County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Morton County? A: Different areas of Morton County are served by various special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and library districts, which results in different total tax rates depending on your property's location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can file an equalization appeal within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice, or request a single property appraisal within 60 days. The county appraiser must provide their determination within 90 days of your request.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Examplekslegislature.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
03
Municipal Budgets and Revenue Neutral Rate Summary ...admin.ks.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
05
Tax Doc
Kansas Property Tax Paymentkansas.gov
06
County
2024 County Tax Levy Sheetsadmin.ks.gov
07
2023 Statutekslegislature.gov
08
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
09
2023 Annual Report for the Kansas Department of Revenuekansascommerce.gov
10
County
MORTON COUNTY, KANSAS Elkhart, Kansas FINANCIAL ...admin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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