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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Atchison County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate + local districts (varies by location within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Atchison County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes in Missouri are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and represents a percentage of the property's fair market value. The state maintains a base assessment rate of approximately 1%, though actual tax rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within Atchison County due to overlapping special taxing districts.

Property owners in Atchison County should expect effective tax rates that fluctuate based on their property's location within various municipal boundaries, school districts, and special service areas such as road districts, fire protection districts, and library districts. Each of these entities may levy additional taxes to fund their specific services. The county follows Missouri's standard assessment and collection procedures, with taxes levied annually on September 1st and bills typically mailed in October and November.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and administration
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
Special Road & Bridge0.35Road maintenance and infrastructure (Tarkio SRD example)
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Fire ProtectionVariesEmergency fire and rescue services
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services
Other Special DistrictsVariesAmbulance, sewer, water, or other special services

Note: These rates apply to the 2024 levy year (collected in 2025). The 2025 property tax rates are not yet finalized and will be available through the Missouri State Auditor's Office. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Atchison County depending on which combination of special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Atchison County Assessor for your specific tax rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Atchison 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 Atchison County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are significant changes to a property outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. The most common triggers include new construction, substantial improvements or additions to existing structures, ownership changes that reveal previously unreported improvements, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the regular tax roll has been finalized.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March, the county assessor will determine the additional assessed value of that improvement and apply the applicable tax rate to generate a supplemental tax bill. This supplemental assessment covers the period from when the improvement was substantially completed through the end of the current tax year, prorated accordingly.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19% residential rate): $57,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$55,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax (assuming 3.5% effective rate): $1,925
  • Monthly Escrow: $160

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19% residential rate): $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$112,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax (assuming 3.5% effective rate): $3,920
  • Monthly Escrow: $327

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19% residential rate): $190,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$187,000 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax (assuming 3.5% effective rate): $6,545
  • Monthly Escrow: $545

Note: Tax credits such as the Homestead Credit require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within Atchison County. Contact the county assessor for precise calculations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Atchison County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. Since Atchison County property taxes are due in two installments (April and October), your lender will make these payments on your behalf from your escrow account.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has received and processed tax bills correctly, as errors can result in late payments and penalties. You can monitor your escrow account through your lender's online portal and request annual escrow statements to track the disbursements made to Atchison County.

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 Atchison County for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - the first installment is due in April and the second installment is due in October each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit is available for qualifying homeowners and must be applied for annually with the county assessor. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Contact the Atchison County Assessor's office for application deadlines and eligibility requirements, as applications are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in your property's assessed value for tax purposes, rather than reducing the market value. You must file an application each year to maintain this credit - it is not automatically applied.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Missouri counties typically reassess properties on a cyclical basis. Contact the Atchison County Assessor for the specific reassessment schedule and to understand when your property was last assessed.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Atchison County Board of Equalization within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Atchison County Collector for specific penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Atchison County Collector to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do property taxes vary within Atchison County? A: Tax rates differ based on special taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, road districts, and municipal boundaries. Each entity sets its own tax rate for the services it provides.

Q: How are special district taxes determined? A: Special districts like the Tarkio Special Road District (0.35 rate) levy taxes to fund specific services. Your total tax bill includes all applicable district taxes based on your property's location.

Q: Where can I get current tax rate information? A: The Missouri State Auditor's Office maintains current tax rate information. For 2025 rates not yet available, contact the Atchison County Assessor's office directly.

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