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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Carter County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Carter 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
Varies by location due to different taxing districts (county, school, fire, ambulance districts)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Carter County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes in Missouri are assessed at the local level, with Carter County's tax rates determined by various taxing authorities including the county, school districts, municipalities, and special service districts.

The effective property tax rate in Carter County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, and ambulance districts. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on which services their specific property location receives. Tax rates are set annually and can change based on local budget needs and voter-approved levies.

Property taxes in Carter County are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the County Assessor and represents a percentage of the property's fair market value. The actual tax burden depends on your property's assessed value, applicable tax credits (which require application), and the specific tax rate for your location's combination of taxing districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The property tax rate structure for Carter County varies by taxing district combination. Below is a general framework of tax rate components:

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.3500County operations, roads, courthouse
County Road & Bridge0.2000Road maintenance and infrastructure
School District3.5000-4.5000Local school district operations and debt service
State Blind Pension0.0300State-mandated levy
Fire Protection District0.5000-1.0000Local fire protection services (if applicable)
Ambulance District0.2500Emergency medical services (if applicable)

Note: These rates are estimates and actual rates for levy year 2024 (taxes due December 2025) will be finalized by the County Clerk. Your total tax rate depends on which special districts serve your property location. Contact the Carter County Clerk's Office at the courthouse in Van Buren for current certified tax rates specific to your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Carter 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 Carter County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to assessments during the current tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, subdivision of land, or corrections to previous assessment errors.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value in July, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example: A property owner completes a $100,000 home addition on July 1st. If the local tax rate is 4.5000%, the additional assessed value would be approximately $19,000 (19% assessment ratio). The supplemental tax would be $855 ($19,000 × 0.045) prorated for 6 months, resulting in approximately $427.50 due within 30 days of the supplemental bill date.

Example Calculation

Below are property tax calculations for three different home values in Carter County, assuming a combined tax rate of 4.2000% and Missouri's 19% residential assessment ratio:

$300,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $57,000 (19% of market value)
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$1,100 (maximum, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,900
  • Annual Tax: $2,348 ($55,900 × 0.042000)
  • Monthly Escrow: $196

$600,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $114,000 (19% of market value)
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$1,100 (maximum, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,900
  • Annual Tax: $4,742 ($112,900 × 0.042000)
  • Monthly Escrow: $395

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $190,000 (19% of market value)
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax: $7,980 ($190,000 × 0.042000)
  • Monthly Escrow: $665

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

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Carter County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the Carter County Collector when they become due on December 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted. Missouri law allows lenders to maintain a cushion of up to two months of escrow payments. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, disbursements, and any surplus or shortage.

If you pay property taxes directly (without escrow), ensure payments reach the Carter County Collector by December 15th to avoid delinquency. The Collector's office is located at the Carter County Courthouse in Van Buren. Online payment options may be available through the county's website, though service fees typically apply for electronic payments.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Carter County property taxes due for the 2024 tax year? A: Property taxes are due December 15, 2024. Payments postmarked after this date are considered delinquent and subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit provides up to $1,100 for qualifying homeowners age 65+ who meet income requirements. The Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit is available for qualifying disabled veterans. Both require annual application to the County Assessor's office before the deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead Preservation Credit work? A: This credit limits annual assessment increases on owner-occupied homes to protect against rapid property value growth. It caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value and requires filing an application with the County Assessor to activate.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Carter County? A: Missouri requires reassessment every two years for residential property and annually for commercial property. Carter County follows an odd-year reassessment cycle for residential properties.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Carter County Board of Equalization by the published deadline, typically in July. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific forms and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay property taxes late? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties. Properties with unpaid taxes may be subject to tax sale procedures, with listings published 30 days before sale.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Carter County Collector's office to inquire about online payment options and associated service fees.

Q: How are special district taxes determined? A: Special districts (fire, ambulance, school) set their own tax rates based on local needs and voter-approved levies. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Q: Do I automatically receive tax credits and exemptions? A: No, most tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How do I find my property's specific tax rate? A: Contact the Carter County Clerk's office with your property address or parcel number to determine which taxing districts apply to your specific location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Sales and Use Tax Rate Chartdor.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
Delinquent Taxes - Carter County Clerkcarter.countyclerk.us
05
County
Carter County Collector and Property Tax Systemauditor.mo.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
07
Tax Doc
IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe ...irs.gov
08
Forms and Manuals - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
09
Bill Searchsenate.mo.gov
10
Bill List - 2026 - Senatesenate.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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