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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rawlins County
Property Tax Guide

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

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Rawlins County, Kansas serve as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows Kansas state assessment practices, with properties assessed at market value and taxed based on mill levy rates set annually by various taxing jurisdictions.

Rawlins County's effective property tax rates typically align with Kansas's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Property owners may be subject to county-wide levies plus additional assessments from school districts, fire districts, cemetery districts, and other special purpose entities. The total tax burden depends on which specific taxing districts serve each property location, making it essential for property owners to understand their particular tax jurisdiction combination.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on historical data, Rawlins County property tax rates for different property types show the following trends (rates expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value):

Property TypeRecent Rate RangeDescription
Residential$26-29 per $1,000Single-family homes, condos, residential lots
Agricultural Land$4-6 per $1,000Farmland, pasture, agricultural use properties
Commercial/Industrial$13-15 per $1,000Business properties, industrial facilities

Note: These are approximate ranges based on historical data through 2022. The 2025 levy year rates are not yet finalized, as Kansas counties set rates annually to maintain revenue neutrality. Actual rates vary by specific location within Rawlins County depending on school district boundaries, fire district coverage, and other special taxing districts. Contact the Rawlins County Clerk's office for current year mill levy rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rawlins 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 Rawlins County are assessed when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that occur after the annual assessment date. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the tax year, rather than waiting for the next annual assessment cycle.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change of ownership requiring property value reassessment, completion of new construction or major improvements, correction of assessment errors, or addition of previously omitted property to the tax rolls. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current mill levy rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the triggering event.

Example: If a $50,000 home addition is completed in January and increases the assessed value by $50,000, with a mill levy rate of 28 mills, the annual supplemental tax would be $1,400 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × 28). Since the improvement was completed early in the tax year, the property owner would pay nearly the full supplemental amount for that tax year.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property tax calculations for Rawlins County residential properties, assuming a mill levy rate of approximately 28 mills per $1,000 of assessed value:

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,400 ($300,000 ÷ 1,000 × 28)
  • Monthly Escrow: $700

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $16,800 ($600,000 ÷ 1,000 × 28)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,400

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $28,000 ($1,000,000 ÷ 1,000 × 28)
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,333

Important: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving each property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rawlins County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12 of the annual property tax bill, holds these funds in a dedicated account, and pays the property taxes directly to Rawlins County when due.

Property tax payments in Rawlins County are typically due in two installments: the first installment due April 15th and the second installment due October 15th. Lenders generally pay each installment shortly before the due date using accumulated escrow funds. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

Annual escrow analysis statements show whether the account has sufficient funds for the upcoming year's taxes. If property values or tax rates increase significantly, lenders may require higher monthly escrow payments or collect shortage amounts to maintain adequate account balances. Property owners can request escrow account statements and should review them carefully to ensure accurate tax projections.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Rawlins County property taxes due for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment due April 15th and second installment due October 15th. Payments received after these dates are subject to interest charges and penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available, and do they apply automatically? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Refund for qualifying residents, but these require separate application and are NOT automatic. Contact the Rawlins County Assessor's office to learn about available credits and application requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Kansas Homestead Refund provides a rebate of a portion of property taxes paid on a Kansas resident's primary residence. This requires annual application and is based on income eligibility. It does not reduce assessed value but provides a refund of taxes paid.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Rawlins County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment of all property. However, residential properties may be physically inspected on a rotating cycle. Property owners can appeal assessments through the county Board of Tax Appeals if they believe the assessed value is incorrect.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments accrue interest and penalties after the statutory deadlines. Interest rates are set by state law and compound over time, making early payment important to avoid additional costs.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Rawlins County Treasurer's office to inquire about available online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees for electronic payments.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties may be subject to additional mill levies from school districts, fire districts, cemetery districts, and other special purpose entities. The combination of districts serving your property determines your total tax rate, which is why rates vary by location within the county.

Q: Who do I contact with questions about my property tax bill? A: For assessment questions, contact the Rawlins County Assessor. For payment questions or tax bill inquiries, contact the Rawlins County Treasurer. For exemption or credit applications, start with the County Assessor's office for guidance on available programs.

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