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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Osborne County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Osborne 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% of assessed value, varies by taxing district combinations
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Osborne County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the county assessor, with the current effective tax rate for 2025 set at approximately 1.6% of assessed value. This rate represents the combined levy from multiple taxing jurisdictions including the county, school districts, townships, and various special districts.

Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Osborne County due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, cemetery districts, and municipal services. Property owners should expect their specific rate to differ from the county average based on which services and districts apply to their property location. The county assessor determines property values annually, while elected officials from various taxing jurisdictions set the mill levies that determine your final tax obligation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General Fund0.4%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District0.8%Local school operations and facilities
Township0.1%Local township services and roads
Fire District0.1%Fire protection and emergency services
Other Special Districts0.2%Cemetery, library, hospital districts (varies)
Total Effective Rate1.6%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates are estimates for the 2025-2026 levy year and vary significantly by property location within Osborne County. Your actual tax rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Osborne County Clerk for your exact district combination and rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Osborne 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 Osborne County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction outside the regular assessment cycle. These are typically triggered by property transfers, completion of new buildings, major renovations that increase property value, or corrections to previous assessments.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in October and your tax rate is 1.6%, you would owe supplemental taxes of approximately $800 ($100,000 × 1.6% × 6/12 months remaining in the tax year). These supplemental bills are issued separately from regular tax statements and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value in Kansas)
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$2,400
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,600
  • Annual Tax ($297,600 × 1.6%): $4,762
  • Monthly Payment: $397

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$2,400
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,600
  • Annual Tax ($597,600 × 1.6%): $9,562
  • Monthly Payment: $797

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$2,400
  • Net Taxable Value: $997,600
  • Annual Tax ($997,600 × 1.6%): $15,962
  • Monthly Payment: $1,330

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Osborne County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Osborne County when they become due in April.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if taxes increase or decrease. Property owners are responsible for providing updated tax information to their lenders and should verify that payments are made timely. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for the full payment by the April 15 deadline to avoid interest and penalties.

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 Osborne County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by April 15, 2025. Tax statements are issued by December 15, 2024, and delinquent taxes incur interest charges after the April deadline.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Kansas Homestead Tax Credit is available for owner-occupied properties and requires annual application with the county assessor. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for additional credits. Senior citizens may be eligible for the SAFESR (K-40PT) or Property Tax Relief Claim (K-40SVR) refunds, which must be filed between January 1 and April 15 following the tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual assessment increases to help protect against rapid property value growth. It does not reduce your property's market value but provides a tax credit on your bill. You must file annually with the county assessor to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties assessed in Osborne County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment of all real property. The county assessor determines market values as of January 1st each year, with assessment notices typically mailed in early spring.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Osborne County Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the county clerk's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Delinquent taxes incur interest charges beginning April 16. Additional penalties may apply for extended delinquency, and properties can eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings.

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

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Osborne County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, townships, and other special taxing jurisdictions. Your specific tax rate depends on which districts provide services to your property location.

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