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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ness County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ness 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
~1.0% of assessed value base rate, varies significantly by taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ness County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes in Ness County are based on assessed values determined by the county appraiser, with tax rates that have shown general increases over recent years. The effective tax rate in Ness County typically ranges around 1.0% of assessed value, though this can vary significantly based on your specific location within the county.

It's important to understand that your actual property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property. These may include school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local service areas. Each district adds its own levy to your total tax bill, meaning two properties of equal value in different parts of Ness County may have different tax obligations. The county appraiser determines your property's assessed value, while the various taxing districts set the rates that determine your final tax amount.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services, roads, administration
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and facilities
StateVariesState-mandated levy
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, cemetery, and other local districts
Total Effective Rate~1.0%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and vary significantly by location within Ness County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. Agricultural land, residential, and commercial/industrial properties may have different effective rates. Contact the Ness County Clerk's office for your specific district's current rates, as the research shows recent rate reductions for 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ness 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 Ness County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to your property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, property improvements, changes in ownership that remove exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment. These supplemental bills are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between your old and new assessed values.

For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value mid-year, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the remaining months of that tax year. The county would calculate the additional annual tax on that $50,000 (approximately $500 at a 1.0% rate), then prorate it for the remaining months until the next regular tax year begins.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$34,500
  • Annual Tax (1.0% rate): $345
  • Monthly Payment: $29

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $69,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$69,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0% rate): $690
  • Monthly Payment: $58

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $115,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$115,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0% rate): $1,150
  • Monthly Payment: $96

Note: These examples use approximate rates. Actual taxes depend on your specific taxing districts. Credits such as the Homestead Credit require annual application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ness 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 the county directly when taxes are due. The lender typically collects 1/12th of your annual tax bill plus a small buffer amount each month.

Property tax payments in Ness County are typically due with the first half due December 20th and the second half due in November of the following year. Your lender should make these payments on time from your escrow account. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. It's important to review your tax statements even with an escrow account to ensure accuracy and to understand any changes in your assessment or tax rates.

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 Ness County for the current fiscal year? A: The first half payment is due December 20th, with the second half due in November of the following year. The Treasurer's office is open Monday-Friday 8 AM-4:30 PM, and no payments are accepted after 4 PM.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors (K-40PT), and Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR). All of these require annual application and are not automatically applied to your bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in your property's assessed value, not the market value itself. This credit requires filing an application with the county appraiser and must be renewed annually. It does not reduce your property's market value but caps assessment growth.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: You have 30 days from the date the county mails your valuation notice to file an equalization appeal, or 60 days to request a single property appraisal with the county appraiser.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties accrue after the due dates. Contact the Ness County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and calculation methods.

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

Q: Why did my tax bill change if I didn't improve my property? A: Tax bills can change due to market value adjustments, changes in tax rates by various districts, or removal/addition of credits that require annual application.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing districts that serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, and library districts. Properties in different areas of the county may have different combinations of these districts, resulting in different total tax rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
02
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
County
Ness County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
05
Treasurernesscountyks.gov
06
PO Box 129 Caney, Kansas 67333kslegislature.gov
07
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
08
BACKGROUND PAPERilga.gov
09
property valuation expressksrevenue.gov
10
County
Financial Statements (Ness County, Kansas 90320 [12/31/ ...admin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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