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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Trego County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Trego 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
Approximately 1% base rate + local district levies (varies by location within county)
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Trego County, Kansas operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county encompasses the cities of Collyer and WaKeeney, with property taxes serving as the primary revenue source for these municipal services and county operations. Based on Kansas's statewide base rate of approximately 1%, Trego County property owners can expect effective tax rates that may vary depending on their specific location within the county.

Property tax rates in Trego County are determined by combining the county's base levy with additional assessments from various special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. This means that two properties with identical assessed values may have different tax bills depending on which special districts serve their location. Historical data shows steady increases in property values across all categories, with residential properties reaching $2,825 per unit by 2021, reflecting the county's growth and development patterns.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVaries by districtBasic county services, administration, roads
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school operations, bonds, capital improvements
City ServicesVaries by municipalityMunicipal services for Collyer and WaKeeney
Fire/EMS DistrictsVaries by locationEmergency services and fire protection
Special AssessmentsVaries by districtInfrastructure, water districts, other local services

Note: The 2025 property tax rates are not yet finalized for Trego County. Current rates are being determined using the revenue neutral rate methodology. Property owners should check with the Trego County Assessor's office for the most current levy year rates, as actual tax bills will vary significantly based on the specific combination of taxing districts that serve each property location within the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Trego 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 Trego County are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include change of ownership (property sales), completion of new construction, additions to existing structures, or other improvements that increase the property's assessed value. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine additional taxes owed.

The supplemental tax calculation works by taking the increased assessed value, multiplying it by the applicable tax rate for all relevant districts, and then prorating the amount based on how many months remain in the current tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in March and increases the assessed value by $40,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $40,000 increase for the remaining nine months of the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills separately from their regular annual tax statements.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$34,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.2%): ~$414
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$35

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$69,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.2%): ~$828
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$69

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% assessment ratio): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$115,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.2%): ~$1,380
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$115

Important Note: These calculations use estimated rates and Kansas's typical 11.5% assessment ratio for residential property. Actual tax credits require separate application and approval. Tax rates vary by specific location within Trego County based on applicable special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Trego County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to Trego County on behalf of the homeowner. Escrow payments are calculated by taking the annual property tax bill and dividing by 12 months, often with a small buffer to account for potential tax increases.

Property owners should verify that their lender is paying taxes correctly and on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow. Trego County sends tax bills to the property address, but lenders typically receive duplicate copies. Given that taxes are due in two installments (December 20th and May 10th of the following year), escrow accounts must maintain sufficient funds to cover these semi-annual payments. Property owners can request annual escrow analyses from their lenders and may be entitled to refunds if the account maintains excessive reserves.

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 Trego County? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: half on December 20th and half on May 10th of the following year. Any unpaid taxes after these dates become delinquent and subject to penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers various tax credits including the Homestead Property Tax Refund for qualifying residents. Most tax credits require separate application and are NOT automatic. Contact the Trego County Assessor's office for current application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit typically caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This means your property's assessed value cannot increase by more than a certain percentage annually (often around 10%). You must file an application to receive this benefit - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kansas law requires properties to be appraised annually. However, the county may conduct physical inspections on a rotating cycle. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal valuations through the county's appeal process.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Taxes unpaid after the December 20th and May 10th due dates become delinquent and accrue interest and penalties. Contact the Trego County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Trego County offers online payment options for property taxes. Payments can also be made by mail or in person at the County offices. Check the county website for accepted payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Trego County? A: Tax rates differ based on special taxing districts that serve each property, such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal services. Properties in Collyer versus WaKeeney may have different rates due to different service districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Trego County Board of Tax Appeals. Appeals typically must be filed within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

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 Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
02
County
Trego County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
03
Municipal Budgets and Revenue Neutral Rate Summary ...admin.ks.gov
04
County
TREGO COUNTY, KANSAS Financial Statement with ...admin.ks.gov
05
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
06
HOUSE BILL No. 2560kslegislature.gov
07
2024 Statutekslegislature.gov
08
Index Tksrevisor.gov
09
2023 Annual Report for the Kansas Department of Revenuekansascommerce.gov
10
County
Contact - Trego County KStregocountyks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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