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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rooks County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.1% of assessed value (varies by location within county based on taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rooks County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, fire protection, and county government operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the 2025 property tax rate for Rooks County established at 2.1% of assessed value. This rate represents the combined levy from multiple taxing jurisdictions including the county, school districts, cities, and various special districts.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates can vary significantly depending on your specific location within Rooks County. Different areas may be served by different school districts, fire districts, library districts, or other special taxing units, which means your effective tax rate could be higher or lower than the county-wide average. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by checking which taxing districts serve their property address.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesCounty operations, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and bond payments
City/TownshipVariesMunicipal services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, cemetery, or other special services
Total Rate (2025)~2.1%Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes collected in 2025 for 2024 assessments). Actual rates vary by location within Rooks County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Rooks County Assessor's office to determine your specific rate based on your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rooks 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 Rooks County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing major renovations, adding structures like garages or decks, or changes in property use classification.

The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the old assessment and the new assessment, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in Rooks County in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, triggering a reassessment, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 difference for the remaining 6 months of that tax year at your location's specific tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$700
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,800
  • Annual Tax (2.1% rate): $710
  • Monthly Escrow: $59

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$700
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,300
  • Annual Tax (2.1% rate): $1,434
  • Monthly Escrow: $120

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% ratio): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$700
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,300
  • Annual Tax (2.1% rate): $2,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $200

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and provides up to $700 reduction in tax liability. Actual rates may vary based on your property's specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rooks County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and hold these funds in escrow until taxes are due.

Property taxes in Rooks County are typically due on April 15th each year. Your lender will pay the tax bill directly to the Rooks County Treasurer from your escrow account before this deadline. Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your funds were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the County Treasurer's office, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid.

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 Rooks County for 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due on April 15th each year. For the current tax year specifics, check with the Rooks County Treasurer's office for any updates to the due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit available is the Homestead Refund program, which provides up to $700 in property tax reduction for qualified homeowners. This credit requires annual application and is NOT automatic - you must apply each year to receive the benefit.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit doesn't reduce your home's market value or assessment. Instead, it caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value to limit tax growth. You must file an application annually to maintain this benefit - it does not automatically renew.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Rooks County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the Rooks County Board of Tax Appeals. Appeal deadlines are typically in late spring - contact the Assessor's office for specific dates.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Based on available information, delinquent taxes accrue interest after the April 15th deadline. Contact the Rooks County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

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

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Rooks County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, or library districts. Properties in different areas may have different combinations of these districts, resulting in different total tax rates.

Q: What if I think my assessment is too high? A: You have the right to appeal your property assessment to the Rooks County Board of Tax Appeals. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures for challenging your assessment.

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