How Property Tax Works
Bates County, Missouri operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and represents a percentage of the property's market value. The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, ambulance districts, fire protection districts, and municipal levies.
For the 2025 tax year, the countywide property tax rate is $1.0086 per $100 of assessed value, though actual rates range higher when local district taxes are included. Property owners in different areas of Bates County may pay substantially different rates depending on which combination of school districts, fire districts, ambulance services, and other special taxing authorities serve their location. The Missouri State Auditor's Office sets these rates annually based on approved budgets from each taxing jurisdiction.