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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ottawa County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.8%+ effective rate (1% base assessment + district overlays vary by location)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ottawa County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes in Ottawa County are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property, with the Kansas statewide base assessment rate of approximately 1% of market value serving as the foundation for calculations.

The actual effective tax rate varies significantly by location within Ottawa County due to the overlay of multiple special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, township levies, and other municipal services. Property owners can expect total effective rates to range from approximately 1.8% to 2.5% of assessed value depending on their specific location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve their property. All property tax bills in Ottawa County are administered by the county treasurer's office, with taxes collected funding both countywide services and the various local districts where each property is located.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000 assessed value)Description
County General Fund$15.50 - $18.75County operations, roads, courthouse, sheriff
School District$45.00 - $65.00K-12 education (varies by USD)
State of Kansas$1.50Statewide levy
Township$2.00 - $4.50Township roads and services
Fire District$3.00 - $8.00Fire protection and EMS
Library District$1.25 - $2.75Public library services
Special Assessments$0.50 - $3.00Bonds, drainage, other districts

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2025 (payable in 2026). Total mill levy ranges from approximately 68 to 105 mills depending on location within Ottawa County. Rates vary by specific taxing districts - contact the Ottawa County Appraiser's office at (785) 392-2654 for your exact mill levy combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ottawa 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 Ottawa County are additional assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the current tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your property is reassessed from $200,000 to $240,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $40,000 increase in assessed value (at 11.5% assessment ratio = $4,600 additional assessed value). With a total mill levy of 80 mills, your supplemental tax would be approximately $368 ($4,600 × 0.080), prorated for the remaining 6 months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $184. Supplemental taxes are typically billed within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have the same payment terms as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,000
  • Tax Rate: 75 mills (0.075)
  • Annual Tax: $2,475
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $206

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500
  • Tax Rate: 80 mills (0.080)
  • Annual Tax: $5,400
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $450

Example 3: $1,000,000 Market Value Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Senior/Veteran Credit (if qualified): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Tax Rate: 85 mills (0.085)
  • Annual Tax: $9,605
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $800

Note: All tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Contact Ottawa County Appraiser for credit eligibility and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ottawa County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though borrowers may request escrow even with higher equity positions. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes and divide that amount by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. The lender typically maintains a cushion of 2-6 months of tax payments in the account to ensure sufficient funds when tax bills are due.

Property taxes in Ottawa County are due in two installments: the first half by February 19th and the second half by December 20th. Lenders usually pay the first installment in February and the second in December directly to the Ottawa County Treasurer. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing the account activity and any adjustments needed for the following year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or mill levy changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the Ottawa County Treasurer's office at (785) 392-2654 or through the county's online payment portal.

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 Ottawa County property taxes due for Tax Year 2025? A: First half taxes are due February 19, 2026, and second half taxes are due December 20, 2026. Online payments for 2024 taxes close December 20, 2024.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Available credits include the Homestead Credit (K-40H) and Property Tax Relief for Seniors/Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR). All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value, typically limiting growth to 10% per year. This is a credit that reduces your tax liability, not an exemption that reduces assessed value. You must apply annually using form K-40H.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Ottawa County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. The Ottawa County Appraiser reviews property values each year, with notices typically mailed in March. Assessment appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving your notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month on unpaid taxes after the due date. Properties become delinquent if taxes remain unpaid for one year, potentially leading to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Ottawa County offers online payment options through their website. Credit card payments may include convenience fees. Check with the Treasurer's office for current payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Ottawa County? A: Tax rates depend on which special districts serve your property (school district, fire district, township, library district, etc.). Properties in different areas are served by different combinations of these taxing entities.

Q: How do I qualify for the Senior/Disabled Veteran tax relief? A: You must be 65+ years old or a disabled veteran (or surviving spouse) and meet income requirements. File form K-40SVR annually with the Kansas Department of Revenue - this credit is not automatic and requires yearly application.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Ottawa County Treasurerco.ottawa.oh.us
02
County
OTTAWA COUNTY, KANSAS DECEMBER 31, 2024admin.ks.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
04
Forms and Publications - Homesteadksrevenue.gov
05
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
06
Index H - Statutesksrevisor.gov
07
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 13kslegislature.gov
08
instructionsadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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