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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wallace County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district combination - base county rate plus school, fire, and other special districts
1st Due
Nov 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wallace County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Wallace County can expect effective tax rates that vary based on their specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas.

The county follows Kansas state property tax procedures, with assessments based on fair market value as of January 1st each year. Property tax bills are mailed in November with payments due by November 15th. The actual tax rate you pay depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location, meaning two similar properties in different areas of Wallace County may have different total tax rates based on the local services provided to each area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for Wallace County property taxes:

ComponentDescription
Total Effective RateApproximately $5.83 per $1,000 of assessed value (FY 2025)
County GeneralFunds county operations, road maintenance, and services
School DistrictsVaries by school district boundaries within the county
Special DistrictsFire protection, library, cemetery, and other local services
State LeviesStatewide school finance and other state-mandated assessments

Important Note: The total tax rate varies significantly by location within Wallace County depending on which school district and special taxing districts serve your property. Your actual rate may differ from the county average based on your specific address and the combination of taxing entities that provide services to your area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 15
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 Wallace County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership or improvements made during the tax year. These taxes are triggered by events such as new construction, major renovations that increase property value, or changes in property ownership that prompt reassessment.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they represent the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property changes. For example, if you complete a home addition valued at $50,000 during the tax year, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessment on that $50,000 improvement, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the improvement was completed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 11.5% (Kansas residential rate)
  • Assessed Value: $34,500
  • Annual Tax (at $5.83/$1,000): $201.14
  • Monthly Escrow: $16.76

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 11.5%
  • Assessed Value: $69,000
  • Annual Tax (at $5.83/$1,000): $402.27
  • Monthly Escrow: $33.52

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 11.5%
  • Assessed Value: $115,000
  • Annual Tax (at $5.83/$1,000): $670.45
  • Monthly Escrow: $55.87

Note: These calculations use the approximate county average rate. Your actual tax may vary based on your specific taxing districts. Available tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wallace County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due in November.

Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount as allowed by federal regulations. Since Wallace County taxes are due November 15th annually, your escrow account must have sufficient funds available by that date. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your tax payments, insurance premiums, and monthly escrow collections balance out, with any shortage or surplus adjusted in your monthly payment for the following year.

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 Wallace County property taxes due? A: Property tax statements are mailed in November, with payments due by November 15th for the current tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers various tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying property owners. Most credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. Contact the Wallace County Assessor's office for specific credit applications and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's market value. This credit requires filing an application with the county assessor and must be renewed according to local requirements.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Wallace County? A: Properties are appraised annually as of January 1st. If you disagree with your assessment, you have 30 days from the date the county mailed your notice to file an equalization appeal, or 60 days to request a single property appraisal.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest as specified by Kansas state law. Contact the Wallace County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Wallace County offers online payment options along with mail, in-person, and drop box payment methods.

Q: Why do properties in different areas of Wallace County have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on the combination of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, etc.) that serve each property location within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can file an equalization appeal within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice, or request a single property appraisal within 60 days. The county appraiser has 90 days to provide the appraisal determination.

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