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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Saline County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
39.88-40.11 mills (varies by taxing districts within county)
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Saline County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, cities, and various special districts. Property owners in Saline County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable mill levy rate. The county's property tax rate for 2025 is approximately 39.88-40.11 mills, meaning property owners pay roughly $39.88 to $40.11 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Saline County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Your specific tax rate depends on which city, school district, and special districts (such as fire districts, library districts, or road improvement districts) serve your property. Properties are assessed at their fair market value, and Kansas does not impose a statewide assessment cap, though various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners who submit applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate (Mills)Description
County General~8.5Basic county services, roads, administration
School Districts~22-25Local school district operations and bonds
City/Township~3-8Municipal services (varies by city)
Special Districts~2-6Fire, library, drainage, other local districts
Total Rate39.88-40.11Combined mill levy for FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and represent typical ranges. Your actual rate depends on your specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. Some areas may have additional special assessments or bond levies that increase the total rate. Contact the Saline County Appraiser's Office for your property's exact mill levy combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Saline County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 20
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 10
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Saline County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to assessments during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property splits or combinations, ownership transfers that remove exemptions, or assessment corrections discovered after the original tax roll was prepared.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for half the year (July-December) on the additional assessed value. These supplemental bills typically have separate due dates from regular property tax installments and must be paid within 30 days of issuance to avoid penalties.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$20,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $280,000
  • Annual Tax: $280,000 ÷ 1,000 × 40.00 mills = $11,200
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$933

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$20,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $580,000
  • Annual Tax: $580,000 ÷ 1,000 × 40.00 mills = $23,200
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,933

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$20,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $980,000
  • Annual Tax: $980,000 ÷ 1,000 × 40.00 mills = $39,200
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$3,267

Note: All credits require separate applications and approval. Homestead credit amounts are estimated and subject to annual limits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Saline County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill, holds these funds in escrow, and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due. Since Saline County property taxes are paid in two installments (both due by December 20th for different tax years), your lender will typically make these payments on your behalf.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing collections, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or mill levy changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You can verify that payments were made correctly by checking with the Saline County Treasurer's office or viewing your account online. If you pay your own property taxes without escrow, ensure you budget for both installments and understand the specific due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Saline County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments, both by December 20th. The first half of 2025 taxes were due December 22, 2025, and the second half is due December 20, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead credit for primary residences, which can provide up to a $700 refund annually. You must apply separately at https://www.kansas.gov/ssrv-homestead/welcome.html. This credit is NOT automatic and requires annual application.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit helps limit property tax increases on your primary residence by providing a refund rather than reducing assessed value. It caps certain assessment growth and requires you to file an annual application to qualify.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Interest begins accruing immediately after the December 20th due dates, and additional penalties may apply for extended delinquencies.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Saline County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. The Saline County Appraiser's office reviews property values yearly, with physical inspections conducted on rotating cycles or when triggered by permits or sales.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your assessment to the Saline County Board of Tax Appeals if you believe your property is overvalued. Appeals must typically be filed by April 30th following the tax year in question.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all applicable districts serving your property, such as school districts, cities, fire districts, and library districts. This is why rates vary significantly by location within the county.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Saline County Treasurer's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods, as these services may vary and change over time.

Q: Do I automatically receive tax credits or exemptions? A: No, most tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and must be renewed annually. Simply owning property does not automatically qualify you for reductions - you must apply through the appropriate channels.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued for new construction, property improvements, ownership changes that affect exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment. These have separate due dates from regular tax bills.

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