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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wabaunsee County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate ~1% of assessed value, varies significantly by school district, township, and special districts
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wabaunsee County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, townships, and various special districts. The county follows Kansas state guidelines with an approximate base rate around 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, townships, and special taxing districts.

Property taxes in Wabaunsee County become a lien against all property on November 1st each year, with tax statements prepared by the County Treasurer after receiving the tax roll from the County Assessor. The effective tax rate for individual properties depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve that specific location, meaning two properties of equal value in different parts of the county may have different tax bills. Homeowners should note that most tax credits and benefits require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariableGeneral county operations and services
School DistrictsVariableLocal school district operations and bonds
TownshipVariableTownship road maintenance and services
State LeviesVariableState-mandated assessments
Special DistrictsVariableFire, library, drainage, or other local districts
Total Effective Rate~1.0% baseVaries by specific location and districts

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Wabaunsee County are determined by the 2024 tax levy sheets and vary significantly based on your property's specific taxing districts. The county has authority to levy up to 0.5% additional tax for road and bridge construction and improvement projects. Contact the Wabaunsee County Assessor for your property's exact rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 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 Wabaunsee County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these changes occur, the county calculates the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, then applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental amount owed.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your effective tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $600 ($50,000 × 1.2%) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental bill is separate from your regular annual property tax statement and has its own due date, typically within 30 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$1,500 (if applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,000
  • Annual Tax (1.1% rate): $363
  • Monthly Escrow: $30.25

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$1,500 (if applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500
  • Annual Tax (1.2% rate): $810
  • Monthly Escrow: $67.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Available Credits: -$2,000 (if applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax (1.3% rate): $1,469
  • Monthly Escrow: $122.42

Note: All tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wabaunsee County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual tax bill plus insurance premiums. Since property taxes become a lien on November 1st, lenders typically pay taxes by the due date to protect their mortgage interest. Your lender will receive a copy of your tax statement and handle payment directly to the Wabaunsee County Treasurer.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, expect your monthly mortgage payment to adjust accordingly. Homeowners without escrow accounts are responsible for paying taxes directly to the county by November 1st to avoid becoming delinquent and accruing 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 Wabaunsee County? A: Property taxes become a lien on November 1st each year and are due on this date. Taxes not paid by November 1st are considered delinquent and begin accruing interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers several tax credits including the Homestead Property Tax Refund for qualifying homeowners. Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the appropriate office by the specified deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply annually with the County Assessor's office, and it helps cap how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kansas requires properties to be appraised at least once every six years, though Wabaunsee County may reassess more frequently. You'll receive notice of any assessment changes with appeal instructions and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest after November 1st. The exact penalty rate and collection procedures are set by Kansas state law and administered by the County Treasurer.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Wabaunsee County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county in Kansas.

Q: Why do my taxes differ from my neighbor's on a similar home? A: Tax amounts vary based on assessed value differences and which special taxing districts serve each property. School districts, fire districts, and other local services create different tax rates even within the same neighborhood.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Wabaunsee County Board of Equalization within the timeframe specified on your assessment notice, typically 30 days from the notice date.

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