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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Barry County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Barry County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these public services, with the county serving as the collection point for multiple taxing jurisdictions including school districts, fire protection districts, and special road districts.

The effective property tax rate in Barry County varies significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts. Based on current levy information, property owners can expect total rates ranging from approximately 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value, depending on which school district, fire district, and other special districts serve their property. All real property is assessed at 19% of true value in money for residential property, with commercial property assessed at 32% of true value.

Tax rates and assessments can vary considerably between areas served by different school districts and municipalities within Barry County, making location a critical factor in determining your actual property tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
County General~$0.25-$0.35Basic county services and operations
County Road & Bridge~$0.13County road maintenance and infrastructure
School Districts~$3.50-$4.50Varies by district (Cassville, Exeter, etc.)
Fire Protection Districts~$0.15-$0.25Local fire and emergency services
Ambulance Districts~$0.10-$0.20Emergency medical services
Special Road Districts~$0.10-$0.25Local road improvements where applicable
Library Districts~$0.15-$0.25Public library services where applicable

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes due in 2026). The Special Road & Bridge district shows a rate of 0.1324 per the Missouri State Auditor's records. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Barry County based on which combination of taxing districts serve your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 31
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 property taxes in Barry County are additional assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made after the annual assessment date. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property transfers to new owners, completion of new home construction, major renovations or additions that increase property value, and subdivision of land. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference in assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate for all districts serving the property, then prorating based on the number of months remaining in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in March with an assessed value $50,000 higher than the vacant land assessment, and your total tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe approximately $450 in supplemental taxes (($50,000 × 0.19 assessment ratio × 1.2% rate) × 9/12 months remaining in tax year).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Senior/Disability Credit Applied: -$750 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,250
  • Annual Tax (1.1% effective rate): $619
  • Monthly Escrow: $52

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,100 (maximum owner credit if eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,900
  • Annual Tax (1.2% effective rate): $1,355
  • Monthly Escrow: $113

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Credits Applied: -$1,100 (homestead credit if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $188,900
  • Annual Tax (1.3% effective rate): $2,456
  • Monthly Escrow: $205

Note: All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific taxing districts serving each property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Barry County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments and making annual tax payments on behalf of homeowners. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount to cover potential increases.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are generally made in late December to meet the December 30th due date. Lenders receive tax bills directly from Barry County and handle payment processing. However, property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid correctly and on time, even when using escrow services.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement and verify that your lender has received the correct tax bill. If your property tax assessment increases significantly due to improvements or reassessment, you may need to increase your monthly escrow payment to avoid a shortage.

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 Barry County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by December 30th each year. For 2024 taxes, the deadline was December 30, 2024. Late payments after this date incur penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Missouri offers several tax credits including homestead credits (up to $1,100), senior/disability credits (up to $750), and disabled veteran exemptions. ALL credits require separate application - none are automatic. Contact the Barry County Assessor's office for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit doesn't reduce your property's assessed value - instead, it limits assessment increases to a maximum percentage each year and provides a credit against your tax bill. You must apply for this credit; it's not automatically applied.

Q: When does Barry County reassess properties? A: Missouri law requires reassessment at least every two years. Barry County typically conducts reassessments on a rolling schedule. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights through the County Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax sale proceedings. Contact the Barry County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Barry County offers online payment options through their official website. Credit card and electronic check payments are typically accepted, though convenience fees may apply.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when property values in my area decreased? A: Tax rates can increase even when property values decline due to budget requirements of local taxing districts. Your total tax depends on both your assessed value and the combined tax rates of all districts serving your property.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be served by multiple special districts (fire, ambulance, library, road districts) that each levy separate taxes. These appear as line items on your tax bill and vary significantly based on your property's location within Barry County.

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