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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Riley County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Riley 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
Approximately 11.5% of assessed value (varies by district and location within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Riley County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the county serving as the collection agent for various taxing entities including school districts, cities, townships, and special districts.

The effective property tax rate in Riley County for 2025 is approximately 11.5% of assessed value, which is applied to residential properties assessed at 11.5% of their appraised market value. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location, as rates can differ between areas served by different school districts or special assessment districts.

Property taxes in Riley County are collected on a split-payment schedule, with the first half due December 20th and the second half due May 10th of the following year. This system allows property owners to spread their annual tax obligation across two payments while ensuring consistent funding for local government services.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariableBasic county services, administration, law enforcement
School DistrictVariableK-12 education funding (varies by district)
City/TownshipVariableMunicipal services (if applicable to location)
Library DistrictVariablePublic library services
Fire DistrictVariableFire protection and emergency services
Other Special DistrictsVariableWater, sewer, road maintenance, or other special assessments

Total Composite Rate: ~11.5% of assessed value (FY 2025)

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and vary significantly based on your property's location within Riley County. Properties in different school districts (such as Manhattan-Ogden USD 383, Geary County USD 475, or rural districts) will have different total rates. Contact the Riley County Appraiser's Office at 785-565-6200 for your specific rate calculation based on your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Riley 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 Riley County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated based on current ownership and property conditions.

Supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by new construction or major improvements completed after the January 1st assessment date, changes in property ownership, or corrections to previous assessments. The supplemental tax is 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 the change was in effect.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in June, and the addition increases the assessed value by $5,750 (11.5% of $50,000), the supplemental tax would be calculated on this additional assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year. All personal property purchases and sales must be reported to the County Appraiser's Office, as all personal property is subject to taxation in Kansas.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applicable): $0-$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $34,500
  • Annual Tax (11.5% rate): $3,968
  • Monthly Escrow: $331

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applicable): $0-$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $69,000
  • Annual Tax (11.5% rate): $7,935
  • Monthly Escrow: $661

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applicable): $0-$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $115,000
  • Annual Tax (11.5% rate): $13,225
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,102

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits may limit assessment increases rather than reduce current assessed value. Contact the Riley County Appraiser's Office for specific credit eligibility and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Riley County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small buffer to account for potential increases.

Lenders typically pay property taxes on behalf of borrowers by the December 20th first-half deadline and May 10th second-half deadline. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow services. The Riley County Treasurer's Office can confirm payment status.

Annual escrow analysis statements from your lender will show whether your monthly escrow payment needs adjustment based on actual tax bills versus estimated amounts. Property owners should review these statements carefully and budget for potential escrow payment increases, especially following assessment increases or successful bond elections that may raise tax rates.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Riley County property taxes due for 2025? A: The first half payment is due December 20, 2025, and the second half is due May 10, 2026. Payments received after these dates are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers a Homestead Property Tax Refund for households with income of $40,500 or less who meet residency requirements. This credit requires annual application and is not automatic. Contact the Riley County Appraiser's Office at 785-565-6200 for information about available credits and application deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead program typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing your current market value. It requires annual filing and has specific income and residency requirements. This is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not an exemption that reduces assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Riley County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. The Riley County Appraiser's Office reviews property values each year as of January 1st, with assessment notices typically mailed in late spring.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Riley County Board of Tax Appeals. Contact the Riley County Appraiser's Office at 785-565-6200 for appeal deadlines and procedures, which typically occur in late spring/early summer.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Riley County Treasurer's Office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the deadline.

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

Q: Why did my tax bill change if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax rates can change due to budget increases by taxing entities, new bond issues, or changes in special district assessments. Your specific rate depends on all taxing districts that serve your property location within Riley County.

Q: Do I need to report personal property purchases? A: Yes, Kansas law requires reporting all personal property purchases and sales to the County Appraiser's Office, as all personal property is subject to taxation.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Your property's location determines which special districts (fire, library, school district) serve your area. Properties in different areas of Riley County may have different total tax rates based on these district combinations.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2025 Annual Operating Budget Financial Summariesmanhattanks.gov
02
County
Revenue Neutral Rate | Riley County Official Websiterileycountyks.gov
03
Townshipadmin.ks.gov
04
County
Personal Property Taxes | Riley County Official Websiterileycountyks.gov
05
County
Real Estate Taxes | Riley County Official Websiterileycountyks.gov
06
Personal Property Calendarrileycountyks.gov
07
County
Appeals Information | Riley County Official Websiterileycountyks.gov
08
Tax Doc
Residential Property Tax Relief Programs in Kansasklrd.gov
09
Tax Doc
2024 Homestead or Property Tax Refund for Homeowners ...ksrevenue.gov
10
County
Personal Property | Riley County Official Websiterileycountyks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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