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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Butler County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Butler 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
0.2819% county base rate, typically 0.8%+ total (varies by school and special districts)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Butler County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services, with taxes collected annually based on assessed property values.

The effective property tax rate in Butler County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. While the county-wide base rate is approximately 0.2819% for 2025, your actual rate may be higher depending on which school district, fire district, library district, and other special taxing jurisdictions serve your property. Property owners should expect their total effective rate to typically range from 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value when all taxing districts are combined.

Property assessments in Missouri are conducted every two years on odd-numbered years, with the most recent countywide reassessment occurring in 2023. All property taxes are based on assessed value as of January 1st of the tax year, regardless of when during the year a property may be sold.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to the 2025 levy year in Butler County:

ComponentRateDescription
Butler County General Revenue0.2819%County operations, services, and administration
School DistrictsVariesRanges from 3.50-4.50% depending on district
Fire Protection DistrictsVariesTypically 0.25-0.75% where applicable
Library DistrictsVariesUsually 0.15-0.35% where applicable
Road DistrictsVariesApproximately 0.10-0.25% in applicable areas
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional rates for incorporated cities

Important Note: Your actual tax rate depends on which combination of these taxing districts serve your property location. The county rate of 0.2819% represents only the county portion - your total rate will be significantly higher when school and other district taxes are included. Contact the Butler County Assessor's office at (573) 686-8070 for your specific tax rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Butler 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 taxes in Butler County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or exemption status. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements exceeding $5,000 in value, changes in agricultural use classifications, or corrections to assessment errors.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year affected. For example, if a home addition increases your assessed value by $20,000 and is completed on July 1st, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $20,000 for half the tax year (July through December).

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the assessment change and become due 30 days from the bill date. Unlike regular property taxes, supplemental taxes cannot be paid through mortgage escrow accounts and must be paid directly to the Butler County Collector's office. Failure to pay supplemental taxes by the due date results in the same penalties and interest charges as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

The following examples show annual property tax calculations for Butler County, assuming a combined effective rate of 1.1% (county, school, and local districts combined):

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 × 19% (residential assessment ratio) = $57,000
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$750 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $56,250
  • Annual Tax: $56,250 × 1.1% = $619
  • Monthly Tax (if escrowed): $619 ÷ 12 = $52

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 × 19% = $114,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase capped (if filed)
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $114,000
  • Annual Tax: $114,000 × 1.1% = $1,254
  • Monthly Tax: $1,254 ÷ 12 = $105

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 × 19% = $190,000
  • No Credits Applied: $190,000
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $190,000
  • Annual Tax: $190,000 × 1.1% = $2,090
  • Monthly Tax: $2,090 ÷ 12 = $174

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Butler County Assessor for credit eligibility and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Butler County require property tax escrow accounts for loans exceeding 80% loan-to-value ratio. Your lender collects monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and maintains these funds in an escrow account to pay your annual property tax bill when due.

Lenders typically pay Butler County property taxes in early December to ensure payment by the December 31st deadline. Your lender will receive the tax bill directly from the Butler County Collector's office and should pay the full amount from your escrow account. After payment, you'll receive a copy of the paid tax receipt for your records, usually within 30-45 days.

Each year, your lender must provide an escrow analysis showing the account activity and any required payment adjustments. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. You can verify that your taxes were paid by checking the Butler County Collector's online payment system or calling (573) 686-8072. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for paying taxes directly by December 31st to avoid penalties and potential impact on vehicle registration renewals.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Butler County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: Property taxes for the 2025 levy year are due by December 31, 2025. Personal property taxes can be paid in two installments with the first half due December 20 and second half due May 10 to avoid interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Butler County offers several tax credits that require separate applications: Senior Citizens Tax Credit for those 65+ or 100% disabled (reduces tax bill), Homestead Preservation Credit (limits assessment increases), and Agricultural Use classifications. None are automatic - you must file applications with the Butler County Assessor's office by March 1st annually.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but instead caps annual assessment increases to protect long-term residents from dramatic tax increases. You must apply with the Assessor's office, and the credit limits how much your assessed value can increase each year, typically to 10% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less.

Q: When does Butler County reassess properties? A: Butler County conducts comprehensive property reassessments every two years in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.). However, new construction and major improvements are assessed when completed, and market adjustments may occur annually based on sales data.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Butler County Board of Equalization by June 1st following the assessment notice. You can file informally with the Assessor first, then formally appeal to the Board of Equalization if unsatisfied. Contact the Assessor's office at (573) 686-8070 for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Property taxes not paid by December 31st become delinquent and accrue interest and penalties. Additionally, delinquent property taxes can prevent vehicle registration renewals in Missouri, and properties may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Butler County offers online property tax payments through their official website. Contact the Butler County Collector's office at (573) 686-8072 for online payment portal information and accepted payment methods. Convenience fees may apply for online payments.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Butler County? A: Property tax rates vary by location because different areas are served by different combinations of special taxing districts including school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal boundaries. Your total rate is the sum of all taxing jurisdictions that serve your specific property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Tax Rates for County: Butlerauditor.mo.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
Personal Property Taxes | Butler County, KS - Official Websitebucoks.gov
05
About Personal Propertystlouis-mo.gov
06
Tax Doc
IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe ...irs.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
08
Homestead Exemptionauditor.bcohio.gov
09
County
Butler County - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
10
FORM 11 C (REV. 05-1974)irs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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