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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bates County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.0086 per $100 assessed value countywide, varies higher with local districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

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.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed)Description
County General$0.2500Basic county services, roads, administration
School District$3.50-$4.50Varies by school district boundaries
Ambulance District$0.15-$0.25Emergency medical services
Fire Protection$0.10-$0.30Fire and rescue services (where applicable)
Library District$0.05-$0.15Public library services (select areas)
Road & Bridge$0.25County road maintenance
Total Range$4.25-$5.90Actual rate depends on location

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your specific tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Bates County Assessor's Office at (660) 679-3371 for your exact district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bates 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 Missouri are triggered when property changes ownership or undergoes new construction that increases assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after January 1 (the assessment date), a supplemental tax bill is issued to capture the additional tax liability for the remainder of the fiscal year. The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the old assessed value and new assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $30,000 to $45,000 due to new construction completed in June, and the local tax rate is $5.00 per $100, the supplemental tax would be: ($45,000 - $30,000) ÷ 100 × $5.00 × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $37.50. Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 60 days of the triggering event and have the same payment deadlines as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$750 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,250
  • Tax Rate: $5.00 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,812.50
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $234.38

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit: -$1,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,900
  • Tax Rate: $5.25 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $5,927.25
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $493.94

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Tax Rate: $5.50 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $10,450.00
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $870.83

Note: Tax credits require annual application and income/age eligibility. Rates vary by special district location within Bates County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing funds into a separate account to pay property taxes when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion (usually 2 months) to ensure adequate funds.

Property tax bills are mailed directly to your lender when you have an escrow account. Your lender pays the taxes by the April 15 and September 15 due dates and provides you with annual escrow statements showing payments made. If your tax bill increases, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, often spreading any shortage over 12 months. You can verify escrow payments by checking your annual tax receipt or contacting the Bates County Collector's office at (660) 679-3381 to confirm payments were received.

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 Bates County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: April 15, 2025 and September 15, 2025. Taxes become delinquent if not paid by December 31, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Missouri offers several tax credits requiring annual application: Senior Tax Credit (up to $750 for renters, $1,100 for homeowners age 65+), Disabled Veteran Credit, and Homestead Credit. Applications must be filed with the Missouri Department of Revenue by April 15 each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases at 10% for qualifying owner-occupied properties. It doesn't reduce your home's market value but limits how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year. You must apply annually with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Bates County? A: Missouri law requires reassessment every two years. Bates County conducts reassessments on odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.). Assessment notices are mailed by August 1, with appeals due within 30 days.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: A 2% penalty is added monthly to delinquent taxes. After December 31, properties may be sold for taxes, and a 1% monthly interest charge applies until paid in full.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Bates County accepts online payments through their official website. Credit card processing fees may apply. Contact the County Collector at (660) 679-3381 for payment options.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location determines which school district, fire district, ambulance district, and other special taxing authorities serve your property. Each adds their approved rate to your total tax bill, which is why rates vary significantly across the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Bates County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. If unsatisfied with their decision, you can appeal to the Missouri State Tax Commission within 30 days of the Board's ruling.

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