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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Russell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Russell 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
0.8% to 1.2% of market value (varies by taxing districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Russell County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property owners in Russell County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable mill levy rate, which varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts.

The effective property tax rate in Russell County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, depending on your specific location and the special taxing districts that serve your property. These districts may include school districts, fire districts, cemetery districts, and other local service providers. Property assessments are conducted by the Russell County Appraiser's Office, with residential properties assessed at 11.5% of fair market value and most other property types assessed at 25% of fair market value.

It's important to note that your actual tax rate will vary based on your exact location within Russell County, as different areas are served by different combinations of taxing districts, each with their own approved mill levies.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for Russell County, Kansas (rates vary by specific location and taxing districts):

ComponentApproximate Rate (Mills)Description
County General15-25Basic county services and operations
School District35-55Local school district operations and bonds
State of Kansas1.5State-mandated levy
Fire District2-8Fire protection services (if applicable)
Cemetery District0.5-2Cemetery maintenance (if applicable)
Other Special Districts1-5Library, drainage, or other local services

Total Estimated Range: 55-96.5 mills (5.5% - 9.65% of assessed value)

Note: These rates are estimates for planning purposes. The exact 2025 levy year rates have not been officially set. Your actual rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Russell County Clerk's office at (785) 483-4641 for current year rates and your specific district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Russell 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 Russell County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, completed renovations that add value, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current mill levy rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and it increases your assessed value by $5,750 (11.5% assessment ratio), and your total mill levy is 75 mills, you would owe approximately $431 in supplemental taxes for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued separately from regular property tax statements and have their own payment deadlines. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when making significant property improvements or purchases during the tax year.

Example Calculation

Here are three property tax examples for Russell County, assuming a total mill levy of 75 mills (7.5% of assessed value):

$300,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$500*
  • Net Taxable Value: $34,000
  • Annual Tax (75 mills): $2,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $213

$600,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$500*
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,500
  • Annual Tax (75 mills): $5,138
  • Monthly Escrow: $428

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$500*
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,500
  • Annual Tax (75 mills): $8,588
  • Monthly Escrow: $716

*Tax credits shown are estimates and require separate application. Credits reduce your tax bill, not your assessed value, and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Russell County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects approximately 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account.

Russell County property taxes are paid in two installments: the first half is typically due by July 1st, and the second half by November 1st. Your lender will pay these installments directly to Russell County from your escrow account. Lenders are required to conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, and they may adjust your monthly payment if tax amounts change significantly.

To verify your property taxes are being paid correctly, you can check payment status online through the Russell County website or contact the County Treasurer's office at (785) 483-4641. Keep copies of your annual escrow statements and compare them with actual tax bills to ensure accuracy.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Russell County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments - first half by July 1st and second half by November 1st. Contact the Russell County Treasurer at (785) 483-4641 for exact 2025 due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Tax Credit for qualifying homeowners. Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatic. Contact the Russell County Appraiser at (785) 483-4641 for available credits and application requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit can provide property tax relief for qualifying homeowners, particularly seniors and disabled persons. This credit reduces your actual tax bill (not your assessed value) and requires annual application with income and other eligibility documentation.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Russell County? A: Kansas law requires properties to be appraised at fair market value annually, though physical inspections may not occur every year. The Russell County Appraiser's Office reviews all properties annually and conducts physical inspections on a rotating schedule or when triggered by permits or sales.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Russell County Board of Tax Appeals by June 1st following the tax year. Contact the Russell County Appraiser's office at (785) 483-4641 for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as specified by Kansas statute. Interest begins accruing after the statutory deadline, and properties may eventually be subject to tax sale procedures if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Russell County Treasurer's office at (785) 483-4641 or visit the county website to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Russell County? A: Different areas of Russell County are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, library districts, etc.). Each district sets its own mill levy, so your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
02
County
Russell County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
03
Municipal Budgets and Revenue Neutral Rate Summary ...admin.ks.gov
04
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
05
Tax Doc
Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniorsksrevenue.gov
06
LEGISLATIVE BILL TRACKER 2025 – Selected House and ...ksde.gov
07
House | Bills and Resolutionskslegislature.gov
08
Homestead Affordable Housing, Inckansascommerce.gov
09
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
10
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2033kslegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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