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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington 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 $2,822.68 per $100,000 of assessed value, varies by taxing district combination
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Kansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real property, with the county assessor determining property values annually. The tax system helps fund critical infrastructure, emergency services, education, and community programs throughout Washington County.

The effective tax rate in Washington County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other municipal services. For the 2025 levy year, the total property tax rate is approximately $2,822.68 per $100,000 of assessed value, though this rate can differ significantly depending on which special districts serve your specific property location. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate by consulting their annual tax statement, as rates are determined by the combination of overlapping taxing jurisdictions that serve each individual property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000 assessed value)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
StateVariesState-mandated property tax
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, other special services
Total Rate (2025)~$28.23Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: The total effective rate of approximately $2,822.68 per $100,000 of assessed value applies to the 2025 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly by property location within Washington County depending on which school district, fire district, and other special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Washington County Clerk's office for your specific property's tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington 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 Washington County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, major improvements, changes in property ownership that reveal previously unreported improvements, or corrections to assessment errors. When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the current tax rates applied to the difference between the old and new assessed values.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition mid-year, and the county assessor determines this increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill. Using Washington County's approximate rate of $28.23 per $1,000, this would result in a supplemental tax of approximately $1,411.50 for the remaining portion of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are sent separately from regular annual tax bills and have their own payment deadlines as specified on the bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,500
  • Annual Tax ($33.50 × $28.23): $945.71
  • Monthly Escrow: $78.81

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,000
  • Annual Tax ($68.00 × $28.23): $1,919.64
  • Monthly Escrow: $159.97

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000
  • Annual Tax ($114.00 × $28.23): $3,218.22
  • Monthly Escrow: $268.19

*Tax credits shown are estimates and require separate applications. Contact Washington County Assessor for available credits and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington 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 payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion (typically 2 months) to ensure adequate funds are available. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Washington County on the December 20th and May 10th due dates.

Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your funds were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You have the right to request escrow account information and can challenge the analysis if you believe it's incorrect. Property owners can verify that payments were properly made by checking with the Washington County Treasurer's office or reviewing their property tax payment history online.

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 Washington County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments for FY 2025-2026: the first half is due by December 20, 2025, and the second half is due by May 10, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers various tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying residents, disabled veteran credits, and senior citizen credits. Most credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Contact the Washington County Assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit in Kansas typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value directly. This credit requires annual application and helps protect homeowners from large year-over-year tax increases. You must file with the county assessor to receive this benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kansas law requires annual assessment of all real property. The Washington County Assessor reviews property values yearly, though not all properties may see value changes each year.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Washington County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you're unable to meet the due dates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Washington County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing districts serving your property, such as school districts, fire districts, and library districts. This is why tax rates vary by location within Washington County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Washington County Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days of receiving your 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
County
Washington County Public Access > Property Detailwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
02
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
County
Washington County 2025 | Municipal Budgetsadmin.ks.gov
04
County
2018 Annual Audit - Washington County Kansaswashingtoncountyks.gov
05
County
WASHINGTON COUNTY, KANSAS DECEMBER 31, 2024admin.ks.gov
06
County
WASHINGTON COUNTY, KANSAS DECEMBER 31, 2023admin.ks.gov
07
2017 Statutekslegislature.gov
08
Tax Doc
2024 Homestead or Property Tax Refund for Homeowners ...ksrevenue.gov
09
Kansas Department of Revenue - WebFilekansas.gov
10
certadmin.ks.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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