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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Scott County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
40.335 mills (4.0335%) general rate, varies by taxing district and location within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Scott County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the tax calculated based on your property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable mill levy rate. For the 2025 tax year, the general tax rate in Scott County is approximately 40.335 mills (4.0335%), though your actual rate may vary depending on your specific location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, townships, and other local improvement districts. Properties within Scott City limits may have different rates than rural properties, and specific townships like Isbel, Lake, and Valley townships each maintain their own levies. The Kansas assessment system requires properties to be appraised at fair market value, with residential properties assessed at 11.5% of that value for tax calculation purposes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Scott County General15.200County operations, roads, law enforcement
Scott County School District18.500K-12 education funding
State School Finance4.000State-mandated education levy
Township Levy1.500-2.835Varies by township (Isbel, Lake, Valley)
City Levy (if applicable)8.000-12.000Municipal services (Scott City residents only)
Total Base Rate40.335Base rate before special districts

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 and may include additional special assessments for bonds or improvement districts. Your actual rate depends on your property's location within Scott County's various taxing districts. Contact the Scott County Assessor at (620) 872-2420 for your specific district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Scott 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 Scott County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to your property's assessed value. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements exceeding $1,000 in value, or ownership changes that prompt reassessment. The supplemental tax covers the difference between what you've already paid and what you owe based on the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $5,750 (11.5% of improvement value), you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value for the remaining 10 months of the tax year. At Scott County's base rate of 40.335 mills, this would result in approximately $194 in supplemental taxes ($5,750 × 0.040335 × 10/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$700 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,800
  • Annual Tax (40.335 mills): $1,363
  • Monthly Escrow: $114

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$700 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,300
  • Annual Tax (40.335 mills): $2,755
  • Monthly Escrow: $230

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$700 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,300
  • Annual Tax (40.335 mills): $4,612
  • Monthly Escrow: $384

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and is not automatic. Calculations assume base county rate; your actual rate may vary based on special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Scott County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Scott County when the July 1st and November 1st installments are due.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus. Kansas law allows lenders to maintain an escrow cushion of up to two months of payments. You can verify your property tax amounts by checking with the Scott County Treasurer's office at (620) 872-2180 or reviewing your annual property tax statement.

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 Scott County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by July 1, 2025, and second half by November 1, 2025. Interest begins accruing after these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Property Tax Refund (up to $700), which requires annual application by April 15th. This credit reduces your tax bill, not your assessed value, and is NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides up to $700 in tax relief for eligible homeowners and caps annual assessment increases. You must apply annually using Form K-40H. It doesn't reduce your home's market value but limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Scott County? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment updates, but Scott County typically conducts comprehensive reappraisals every 6 years with annual adjustments for market changes.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month (18% annually) on delinquent taxes after the July 1st and November 1st due dates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Scott County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's office. Contact (620) 872-2180 for current online payment portal information.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location determines which special districts apply to your property (school districts, townships, municipalities). Scott City residents pay additional city levies, while rural properties may have different township rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Scott County Board of Tax Appeals by June 1st following the tax year. Contact the County Assessor at (620) 872-2420 for appeal procedures and forms.

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