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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wichita County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wichita 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
1% base rate varies significantly by location due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wichita County, Kansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property within the county. The Kansas state base rate averages around 1%, but actual effective rates in Wichita County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions.

Your total property tax bill represents a combination of levies from multiple entities: the county government, school districts, cities or townships, and various special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, or community college districts. This means two properties with identical assessed values can have substantially different tax bills depending on which special districts serve their locations. For 2025, Wichita County's governing bodies have indicated they will exceed revenue-neutral rates, though final levy amounts are still being determined through the public hearing process required under Kansas law.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate (per $1,000)Description
County General$8.50-12.00County operations, roads, courts
School District$35.00-45.00K-12 education (varies by district)
City/Township$5.00-15.00Municipal services (if applicable)
Fire District$3.00-8.00Fire protection services
Community College$2.00-4.00Pratt Community College levy
Special Districts$1.00-5.00Libraries, hospitals, other services
Total Range$54.50-89.00Combined effective rate

Rates shown are estimates for Levy Year 2025 and vary significantly by location within Wichita County. Special taxing districts create substantial variation in total rates. Contact the Wichita County Clerk for precise rates applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wichita 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 Wichita 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 events occur, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $250,000, supplemental taxes would be calculated on the $50,000 increase for the seven remaining months of the tax year (June through December). The supplemental tax bill typically appears on the following November's tax statement and becomes due on the same schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $32,500
  • Tax Rate: $65.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,113
  • Monthly Escrow: $176

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,000
  • Tax Rate: $72.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $4,824
  • Monthly Escrow: $402

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Tax Rate: $78.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,814
  • Monthly Escrow: $735

Note: Credits require annual application and are not automatic. Rates vary by specific location and special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wichita County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual tax bill plus a cushion amount (typically 2 months). The lender pays your property taxes directly to the county treasurer when they become due on November 15th.

It's important to verify that your lender has current tax information, especially after property improvements or assessment appeals. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis showing any shortage or surplus, with payment adjustments typically taking effect over the following 12 months. Property owners without mortgages pay taxes directly to the Wichita County Treasurer by the November 15th deadline.

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 Wichita County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by November 15, 2025. Delinquent taxes begin accruing interest after this date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers a Homestead Tax Refund program that provides a partial refund of property taxes paid by qualifying homeowners. This requires an annual application and is not automatically applied. Contact the Wichita County Assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead program caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value, not the market value itself. It limits assessment growth rather than reducing the base assessed amount. You must file an application to receive this protection.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually with values certified by July 15th. You have 30 days from the date the county mails your assessment notice to file an equalization appeal, or 60 days to request a single property appraisal from the county appraiser.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing on delinquent taxes after November 15th. Contact the Wichita County Treasurer for current interest rates and penalty schedules.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Contact the Wichita County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Wichita County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (fire, library, school districts, etc.). Two identical homes in different parts of the county may have significantly different tax bills due to these district variations.

Q: How do new construction or improvements affect my taxes? A: New construction or significant improvements trigger a supplemental assessment. The additional taxes are calculated on the increased value and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year, appearing on your next November tax statement.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Resolution No. 25-398wichita.gov
02
Resolution No. 25-397wichita.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendarksrevenue.gov
05
property valuation expressksrevenue.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQwichita.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Wichita Ksnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
Index Pksrevisor.gov
09
In Re Peake, 11-13575 (Bankr. D. Kan. Oct. 16, 2012) Doc. ...ksb.uscourts.gov
10
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 13kslegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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