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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Benton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Benton County, MO. 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
1.0%-1.5% of market value (varies by taxing districts including school, fire, library)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Benton County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with Missouri's statewide assessment ratio of 19% for residential properties applied to market value. The effective tax rate in Benton County typically ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other local services. Each district sets its own levy rate, and the combination of all applicable districts determines your total tax rate. The county is divided into multiple taxing jurisdictions, so neighboring properties may have different total rates based on the services they receive.

Property taxes in Benton County are collected annually but may be paid in installments, with the first payment due November 15th, followed by additional payments on February 15th and May 15th of the following year. These taxes fund critical community infrastructure and services that directly benefit property owners and residents throughout the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 property tax rates for Benton County will be set by local authorities and vary by taxing district. Based on available information, here's the general structure:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General RevenueVariesBasic county services and administration
School DistrictsUp to $2.50 per $1,000 AVLocal school district operations and approved bond issues
Road & BridgeVariesCounty road maintenance and improvements
Emergency Services (E-911)VariesEmergency dispatch and communication services
Law EnforcementVariesSheriff's department and law enforcement services
Fire Protection DistrictsVaries by districtLocal fire protection and emergency medical services
Library DistrictsVaries by districtPublic library services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesVoter-approved bonds and special projects

Note: Rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value. The total rate for any property is the sum of all applicable district rates. For current FY 2025-2026 rates specific to your property's taxing districts, contact the Benton County Collector's office or check the Missouri State Auditor's Office property tax database.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Benton 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 Benton County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that weren't included in the regular annual assessment. These typically arise when property changes hands, new structures are completed, or significant improvements are made that increase the property's assessed value mid-tax year.

When supplemental taxes are triggered, the County Assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional amount owed. The supplemental tax covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional $9,500 in assessed value (19% assessment ratio) for the remaining nine months of the tax year.

The County Collector receives supplemental tax books from the County Clerk and is responsible for collecting these additional assessments. Property owners receive separate bills for supplemental taxes, which have their own payment deadlines distinct from regular property tax due dates. It's important to maintain records of all tax payments, as receipts serve as evidence of payment for both regular and supplemental assessments.

Example Calculation

Here are three examples showing how property taxes are calculated in Benton County for different home values, assuming a combined tax rate of approximately $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed value:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less: Senior Credit (if applicable): -$750 maximum
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $56,250
  • Annual Tax ($1.20/$1,000): $67.50
  • Monthly Escrow Estimate: $5.63

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): varies based on assessment cap
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: ~$114,000
  • Annual Tax ($1.20/$1,000): $136.80
  • Monthly Escrow Estimate: $11.40

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applicable): varies
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: ~$190,000
  • Annual Tax ($1.20/$1,000): $228.00
  • Monthly Escrow Estimate: $19.00

Important Notes: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by taxing district location within Benton County. Senior citizens and disabled veterans may qualify for additional credits with proper application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Benton County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated as 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the Benton County Collector when payments are due.

Benton County follows a split payment schedule, with the first installment due November 15th, and subsequent payments due February 15th and May 15th of the following year. Your lender will make these payments on your behalf according to this schedule. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment, typically providing 60 days advance notice of any changes to your monthly payment amount.

To verify that your lender has made proper payments, you can contact the Benton County Collector's office or check online payment records if available. Keep copies of your annual escrow analysis statement from your lender, and review it carefully to ensure accuracy. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for meeting all payment deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Benton County for FY 2025-2026? A: The first payment is due November 15, 2024, with subsequent payments due February 15, 2025, and May 15, 2025. You can pay the full amount by the November deadline or split it into these three installments.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Tax credits are available for seniors, disabled veterans, and certain other qualifying individuals, but they require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Contact the County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines. The maximum credit amounts vary, such as up to $750 for qualifying renters and $1,100 for qualifying homeowners.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Missouri's homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value rather than reducing the market value itself. This means your assessment can only increase by a limited percentage each year (often around 10%) even if market values rise faster. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic.

Q: When does the County Assessor reassess properties? A: Missouri law requires reassessment of all real property every two years. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the County Board of Equalization, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The exact penalty structure varies, but typically includes a percentage penalty plus monthly interest charges until paid in full.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Benton County Collector's office at the phone number provided (1-866-898-2918) to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be subject to taxes from multiple districts including school, fire protection, library, and other special districts. Each district sets its own rate, and your total tax is the sum of all applicable district rates multiplied by your assessed value.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Applications typically require proof of age, income, disability status, military service, or other qualifying criteria. Contact the County Assessor for specific documentation requirements for each type of credit, as incomplete applications will be rejected.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2024-2025 Approved Budgetfinance.bentoncountyor.gov
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calculatorsauditor.mo.gov
04
County
2024 property tax statements released by Benton County ...boc.bentoncountyor.gov
05
County
Dates to Remember | Camden County Missouricamdencountymo.gov
06
Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
07
PROPERTY EXEMPTION APPLICATIONbentoncountyar.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
09
County
Benton County Voters' Pamphletre.bentoncountyor.gov
10
County
Benton County Financial Statementsauditor.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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