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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sedgwick County
Property Tax Guide

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

4 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.00% base county rate plus additional district taxes (total varies by location within county)
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sedgwick County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. The county's property tax rate for the 2025-2026 levy year is approximately 1.00%, though this represents just the base county rate and actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts.

Property owners in Sedgwick County should understand that their total effective tax rate depends on their specific location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve their property. These may include the county, cities, school districts, library districts, fire districts, and other special purpose entities. The City of Wichita, which encompasses much of Sedgwick County's population, maintains one of the lower property tax mill levy rates among Kansas cities, but when combined with all applicable districts, total rates typically range from 2.5% to 4.0% of assessed value depending on the specific location and services provided.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Sedgwick County General~10.0County operations, roads, law enforcement
School Districts~45-65K-12 education funding (varies by district)
City of Wichita~8.5Municipal services (where applicable)
Library Districts~2-4Public library services
Fire Districts~3-8Fire protection and EMS
Special AssessmentsVariesBonds, improvement districts

Rates shown are approximate for FY 2025-2026 and expressed in mills (per $1,000 of assessed value). Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Sedgwick County due to overlapping taxing districts. The county's portion represents approximately 1.00% as proposed in the 2025-2026 budget, subject to final approval.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sedgwick 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 property taxes in Sedgwick County are triggered by changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated between previous and current owners based on the actual period of ownership.

When a property changes hands, the Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office calculates the supplemental tax based on any difference between the previous assessment and the current market value assessment. For new construction, supplemental taxes cover the period from completion of construction to the end of the current tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in July and increases the assessed value by $11,700 (at Kansas's 11.7% assessment ratio for residential property), the supplemental tax would apply to the remaining months of that tax year at the applicable total mill rate for that property's location.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.7%): $35,100
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$35,100
  • Annual Tax (at 3.0% effective rate): $1,053
  • Monthly Escrow: $88

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.7%): $70,200
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$70,200
  • Annual Tax (at 3.0% effective rate): $2,106
  • Monthly Escrow: $176

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.7%): $117,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$117,000
  • Annual Tax (at 3.0% effective rate): $3,510
  • Monthly Escrow: $293

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within Sedgwick County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most homeowners in Sedgwick County with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their lenders. Mortgage companies estimate annual tax obligations, divide by 12, and collect monthly payments along with principal and interest. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in escrow accounts to cover potential tax increases and ensure timely payments to Sedgwick County.

Property tax bills in Sedgwick County are typically issued in late fall, with payment due dates usually falling in December for the current tax year. Lenders receive tax bills directly and make payments from escrow accounts before the due date to avoid penalties. Homeowners should verify that their lender has current contact information with the Sedgwick County Treasurer's office and monitor their escrow account statements for accuracy. If there's a shortage or surplus in the escrow account due to tax changes, lenders will adjust monthly payments accordingly. For current tax payment information and to verify payments, visit https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/treasurer/.

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 Sedgwick County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are typically due in December 2025. Specific due dates are set annually and posted on the Sedgwick County Treasurer's website.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Sedgwick County offers several tax credits including Homestead, Disabled Veteran, and Senior Citizen credits. These credits reduce your tax bill but require annual application through the Sedgwick County Appraiser's office. Applications are typically due by March 20th of each year.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual increases in assessed value for qualifying owner-occupied residential properties, typically capping increases at around 10% per year. This credit requires filing an application - it is not automatic and must be renewed periodically.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Sedgwick County? A: Kansas law requires properties to be appraised annually, but Sedgwick County conducts physical inspections and comprehensive revaluations on a cyclical basis, typically every 4-6 years depending on the area and property type.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as set by Kansas state law. Interest typically accrues monthly on unpaid balances, and additional penalties may apply for extended delinquency.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Sedgwick County offers online payment options through their website. Visit the Treasurer's section at https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/treasurer/ for secure online payment portals and available payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total property tax includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions serving your property, such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal bonds. These rates vary significantly by location within Sedgwick County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Sedgwick County Board of Tax Appeals, typically by March 20th following the tax year in question. Contact the Sedgwick County Appraiser's office at https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/appraiser/ for specific procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 4 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Sedgwick County Assessorsedgwickcounty.org
02
County
Sedgwick County Assessorsedgwickcounty.org
03
2025-2026 Proposed Budgetwichita.gov
04
County
Sedgwick County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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