HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Shawnee County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
51.336 mills ($51.336 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by district
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Shawnee County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the mill levy rate, with the 2025 mill levy at 51.336 mills (equivalent to $51.336 per $1,000 of assessed value). The effective tax rate varies across different areas within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations.

Property in Shawnee County is assessed at 11.5% of fair market value for residential properties, following Kansas state guidelines. The actual tax burden depends on your specific location within the county, as different municipalities, school districts, and special assessment districts can add additional levies to the base county rate. Homeowners should expect their actual property tax rate to differ based on these local district variations, making location-specific calculations essential for accurate tax planning.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General51.336Base county operations and services
School DistrictVariesUSD 450-Shawnee County and other districts
MunicipalVariesCity-specific levies (Topeka, etc.)
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, recreation districts
Total Mill Levy~51.336+Varies by location within county

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. The mill levy of 51.336 represents the base rate, with additional assessments varying significantly by special taxing districts within Shawnee County. Properties in different municipalities and school districts will have different total effective rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Shawnee 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 Shawnee County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessed value for the remaining months of 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), and the mill levy is 51.336, you would owe supplemental taxes of approximately $295 for the remaining 9 months of that tax year. Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$34,500
  • Annual Tax (51.336 mills): $1,771
  • Monthly Escrow: $148

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$69,000
  • Annual Tax (51.336 mills): $3,542
  • Monthly Escrow: $295

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$115,000
  • Annual Tax (51.336 mills): $5,904
  • Monthly Escrow: $492

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates may vary based on special district locations within Shawnee County.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Shawnee County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. Lenders typically collect an additional 2-month cushion as allowed by federal law. Property taxes are paid directly by your lender to Shawnee County on the December 20th (first half) and May 10th (second half) due dates from your escrow account.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's payments, current balance, and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or mill levy changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your lender has made timely payments by checking the Shawnee County Treasurer's online system or contacting the treasurer's office directly. If you pay property taxes directly (without escrow), you are responsible for meeting both payment deadlines 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

When are property taxes due in Shawnee County? For 2025 taxes, the first half is due December 22nd, 2025, and the second half is due May 11th, 2026. You can pay the full amount by the first due date if preferred.

What property tax credits are available and do they require applications? Shawnee County offers several tax credit programs that require separate applications, including the Homestead Property Tax Relief Program and credits for disabled veterans. Most credits are NOT automatic and must be applied for annually. Contact the county appraiser at (785) 232-4461 for specific application requirements and deadlines.

How does the Homestead credit work? The Kansas Homestead Program caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value, not the market value itself. This credit requires filing an application and helps limit dramatic assessment increases from year to year, providing property tax stability for qualifying homeowners.

How often are properties reassessed? Kansas law requires annual assessment updates. Shawnee County may conduct physical inspections on a rotating basis, but values are adjusted yearly based on market conditions and sales data analysis.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late payments incur interest charges that accrue monthly. Contact the Shawnee County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, Shawnee County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, in person, or through authorized payment centers.

How do special district taxes work? Properties within city limits, special fire districts, library districts, or recreation districts pay additional mill levies beyond the base county rate. Your total tax rate depends on all applicable districts for your specific property location.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners can appeal their assessed value through the Shawnee County Board of Tax Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed by a specific deadline after receiving your assessment notice, usually in early spring for the following tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Tax Infoares.sncoapps.us
02
Tax Doc
2025 Property Taxares.sncoapps.us
03
Tax Doc
2025 Property Taxares.sncoapps.us
04
County
Home · Treasurer (Shawnee County, Kansas)snco.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Infoares.sncoapps.us
07
County
Home · Appraiser's Office (Shawnee County, Kansas)snco.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Infoares.sncoapps.us
09
Homestead Affordable Housing, Inckansascommerce.gov
10
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 294kslegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate