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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Phillips County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
10-15 mills (varies significantly by taxing district and location within county)
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Phillips County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and other municipal services. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable mill levy rate, which is expressed per $1,000 of assessed value. The effective tax rate in Phillips County typically ranges from approximately 10 to 15 mills, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on which taxing districts your property is located within, including school districts, townships, and special service districts. Each district adds its own levy to fund specific services, so two properties with identical assessed values in different parts of Phillips County may have different tax bills. Kansas assesses residential property at 11.5% of its appraised fair market value, with commercial property assessed at 25%.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
State School Levy20.00 millsStatewide school funding levy
TownshipVariesTownship road maintenance and services
Cemetery DistrictVariesCemetery maintenance (if applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Other Special DistrictsVariesLibraries, hospitals, or other special services

Note: The 2025 levy year rates are set to be revenue neutral according to county documents. Contact the Phillips County Clerk's office at (785) 543-6825 for current specific rates, as these vary by taxing district location within the county. Total combined rates typically range from 10-15 mills depending on your property's specific taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 20
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 10
Delinquent after Apr 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 Phillips County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. Common triggers include purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations, or adding structures like garages or decks.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, then prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a new $400,000 home completed in June on vacant land previously assessed at $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $350,000 increase in assessed value for the remaining six months of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $32,500
  • Annual Tax (12 mills): $390
  • Monthly Payment: $32.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,000
  • Annual Tax (12 mills): $804
  • Monthly Payment: $67.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax (12 mills): $1,356
  • Monthly Payment: $113.00

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Mill rates vary by location within Phillips County based on applicable taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Phillips County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. The lender holds these funds and pays your property taxes directly to Phillips County when due. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments.

Phillips County property taxes are due in two installments: the first half by December 20th and the second half by May 10th of the following year. If you have an escrow account, your lender will make these payments on your behalf. Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax amount and payment schedule, as errors can result in delinquent taxes even when making regular mortgage payments. You can verify tax payments and balances through the Phillips County Treasurer's office.

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 Phillips County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by December 20th and second half by May 10th of the following year. Payments become delinquent if not received by these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Property Tax Credit is the primary credit available, requiring annual application. Contact the Phillips County Assessor at (785) 543-6823 for application forms and deadlines. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual assessment increases to help long-term homeowners. It does not reduce your property's appraised value but provides a credit against your tax bill. You must apply annually - it is not automatic.

Q: When is my property reassessed? A: Phillips County conducts annual assessments with values determined as of January 1st each year. The county appraiser reviews properties to establish fair market value for tax purposes.

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

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest and penalties accrue on delinquent taxes. Contact the Phillips County Treasurer at (785) 543-5825 for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent accounts.

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

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Phillips County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, townships, and other special taxing districts, each with their own levy rates that combine to create your total tax rate.

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