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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rush County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rush 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
1.5%-2.5% of market value (varies by taxing district and location within county)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rush County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which is expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The effective tax rate in Rush County typically ranges from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of market value for residential properties, though this varies significantly based on location within the county.

Property tax rates vary throughout Rush County due to the overlay of multiple taxing jurisdictions and special districts. Each property may be subject to taxes from the county, school districts, cities or townships, library districts, fire districts, and other special assessment areas. This means two similar properties in different parts of the county may have substantially different tax bills based on which combination of taxing districts serve that particular location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The most recent complete tax rate data available is from the 2024 levy year. Final 2025 rates have not yet been officially determined by all taxing jurisdictions within Rush County.

ComponentApproximate Rate (Mills)Description
County General15-25County operations, roads, courthouse
School Districts45-65K-12 education funding
State of Kansas1.5State-mandated levy
City/Township5-15Municipal services (varies by location)
Library District2-4Public library services
Fire District3-8Fire protection and emergency services
Special Assessments0-10Bonds, drainage districts, other special projects

Total Estimated Range: 71.5-128.5 mills

Note: These rates are estimates based on 2024 data and vary significantly by specific location within Rush County. Contact the Rush County Clerk's office at (785) 222-2731 for current rates applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rush 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 Rush County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are typically triggered by significant changes to a property during the tax year, including new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that result in a reassessment of market value. The Kansas County Appraiser's office monitors building permits and property transfers to identify properties requiring supplemental assessment.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated on the difference between the property's previous assessed value and its new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in January, the property owner would owe supplemental taxes on the increased assessed value for nearly the full tax year. However, if the same improvement is completed in September, the supplemental tax would only cover the remaining months of that tax year.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates and assume properties are located in areas subject to typical taxing district combinations. Actual taxes will vary based on specific location and applicable special districts.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$3,000 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $31,500
  • Tax Rate (95 mills): × 0.095
  • Annual Tax: $2,993
  • Monthly Escrow: $249

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$3,000 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $66,000
  • Tax Rate (95 mills): × 0.095
  • Annual Tax: $6,270
  • Monthly Escrow: $523

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$3,000 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,000
  • Tax Rate (95 mills): × 0.095
  • Annual Tax: $10,640
  • Monthly Escrow: $887

Note: All tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Rush County Appraiser at (785) 222-2719 for current application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rush 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 along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to Rush County when they become due. Rush County property taxes are collected in two installments: the first half is due by December 20th and the second half by May 10th of the following year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are available for tax payments, adjusting monthly payments if necessary based on changes in assessed value or tax rates. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information for Rush County and understand that they remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, even when using escrow services. The Rush County Treasurer's office can verify whether taxes have been paid and provide account status information to property owners upon request.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Rush County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: For the 2025 tax year, the first half payment is due by December 20, 2025, and the second half is due by May 10, 2026. Taxes are levied annually on November 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Property Tax Refund Credit is available for qualifying homeowners and REQUIRES annual application. Additional credits may be available for disabled veterans, elderly residents, and agricultural property. None are automatic - all require filing an application with the Rush County Appraiser's office by the specified deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit helps limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps the annual increase in assessed value for residential property used as a primary residence, but you must file an application to receive this protection.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Rush County? A: Kansas law requires counties to reappraise all real property at least every six years. Rush County follows a systematic reappraisal schedule, with certain areas reassessed annually as part of a rotating cycle.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners may appeal their assessment to the Rush County Board of Tax Appeals. Appeals must be filed between March 1st and April 30th following the tax year in question.

Q: What penalties apply for late tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest after the statutory deadlines. Contact the Rush County Treasurer at (785) 222-2665 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Rush County Treasurer's office at (785) 222-2665 to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for services like fire protection, libraries, or drainage may impose additional taxes depending on your property location. These rates vary significantly across the county and are added to base county and school district taxes.

Q: Where can I find my property's legal description and tax information? A: Contact the Rush County Appraiser's office at (785) 222-2719 or visit their office in the Rush County Courthouse at 715 Elm Street, La Crosse, KS 67548.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Requirements vary by credit type but typically include proof of primary residence, age verification for senior credits, or disability documentation for veteran credits. Contact the Rush County Appraiser's office for specific application requirements and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
02
County
Rush County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
03
Municipal Budgets and Revenue Neutral Rate Summary ...admin.ks.gov
04
County
RUSH COUNTY, KANSAS Primary Government Financial ...admin.ks.gov
05
property valuation expressksrevenue.gov
06
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
07
County
Rush County Kansasadmin.ks.gov
08
County
Final Financials (Rush County, Kansas 50278 [12/31/2024] ...admin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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