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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Callaway County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Callaway 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
Approximately 1% of assessed value, varies by taxing district (school, fire, municipal)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Callaway County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property owners in Callaway County pay taxes based on assessed valuations determined by the county assessor, with rates that typically align with Missouri's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on your specific location within Callaway County, as different areas are served by various special taxing districts including school districts, fire protection districts, municipal services, and other local authorities. For example, properties within the City of Fulton, City of Auxvasse, or Village of Kingdom City will have different rate combinations than unincorporated areas. This district-based system means two properties with identical assessed values can have different tax bills depending on their location and the services provided in their area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentDescription
County GeneralBase county operations and services
School DistrictsLocal school district funding (varies by district)
MunicipalCity services (applies only within city limits)
Fire ProtectionFire district services (varies by district)
Special AssessmentsVarious local improvement districts

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Callaway County are not yet finalized. Updated rates will be available through the Missouri State Auditor's Office once approved. Rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts including the City of Auxvasse, City of Fulton, Village of Kingdom City, and various rural fire and school districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Callaway 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 Callaway County are additional assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements made after the annual assessment date. These supplemental bills cover the difference between the previous assessment and the new higher assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value halfway through the tax year, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately six months of taxes on that additional $50,000 assessment. The supplemental tax is calculated using the same tax rate applicable to your property's location but only applies to the increased assessed value for the remaining tax period.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $57,000 (19% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Up to $1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$55,900
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): ~$559
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$47

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $114,000 (19% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Up to $1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$112,900
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): ~$1,129
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$94

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $190,000 (19% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Senior/Disability Credit (if applicable): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$190,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): ~$1,900
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$158

Note: Credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by taxing district location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Callaway County require property tax escrow accounts for homeowners with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Callaway County on the due dates in April and September.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if your property taxes increase or decrease. If your escrow account has a shortage, you may need to make up the difference or accept higher monthly payments. Conversely, overages are usually refunded or credited toward future payments. Property owners can verify tax payments and balances by contacting the Callaway County Collector's office directly.

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 Callaway County? A: Property taxes for FY 2026 are due in two installments: April 15 and September 15. Contact the county collector's office to confirm any changes to these deadlines.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Missouri offers several tax credits that require annual application, including the Homestead Preservation Credit for seniors 65+ with household income under $70,000, and disability credits for qualifying individuals. These are credits that reduce your tax bill, not exemptions, and must be applied for between January 1 and October 15.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's assessed value but rather caps annual assessment increases beyond what you paid the previous year. This credit requires filing an application and is available to qualifying seniors and disabled individuals receiving Social Security income.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Missouri law requires properties to be reassessed at least every two years, though Callaway County may assess annually. Assessment notices are typically mailed in summer with appeal deadlines in early fall.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Callaway County Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Callaway County Collector's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods for property tax bills.

Q: Why do neighboring properties have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts serving your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties in different districts have different rate combinations.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Callaway County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically in August or September. Contact the county assessor's office for specific deadlines and required documentation.

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: Callawayauditor.mo.gov
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Ratesauditor.mo.gov
04
Schedule WPD-6, Part 5 Page 1 of 678icc.illinois.gov
05
Tax Doc
2026 Tax Calendar - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
06
Tax Doc
Missouri Department of Revenue Provides Tax Relief for ...dor.mo.gov
07
Homestead exemptionsenate.mo.gov
08
Tax Doc
IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe ...irs.gov
09
Transportation Improvement Programjeffersoncitymo.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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