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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clay County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Clay 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
7.1859 mills ($7.19 per $1,000 assessed value) - varies significantly by taxing district location
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clay County, Missouri operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor at 19% of true market value for residential properties. The county's 2025 property tax rate is estimated at 7.1859 mills (or $7.19 per $1,000 of assessed value) for residential properties, though this rate is subject to final approval and varies significantly by 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 municipal services. These districts can add substantial levies beyond the base county rate, making it essential to understand your specific tax jurisdiction. The county serves multiple school districts and numerous special districts, each with their own approved millage rates that combine to create your total property tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General~1.500Basic county services and operations
School District~4.500Varies by district (Liberty, North Kansas City, etc.)
Fire Protection~0.800Local fire district services
Library District~0.300Public library services
Other Districts~0.886Parks, ambulance, road districts as applicable
Total Estimated7.1859Residential rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates are estimates for FY 2025-2026 and vary significantly by location within Clay County. The Clay County Board of Education has proposed a 4.59% increase in their millage rate for 2025. Your actual rate depends on your specific combination of taxing districts. Contact the Clay County Collector at (816) 407-3300 for your exact rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clay 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 Clay County are additional tax bills issued when property ownership changes, new construction is completed, or property improvements are discovered after the annual assessment. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed for the current tax year. Supplemental taxes are calculated from the date the change occurred through the end of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously under-assessed, or if you complete a home addition mid-year, the county will issue a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessed value from the effective date through December 31st. The supplemental tax uses the same millage rate as your regular property tax bill but is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Credit: -$1,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax ($56,000 × 0.0071859): $402.41
  • Monthly Escrow: $33.53

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$2,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,000
  • Annual Tax ($112,000 × 0.0071859): $804.82
  • Monthly Escrow: $67.07

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less: Available Credits: $0 (high-value properties typically don't qualify)
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax ($190,000 × 0.0071859): $1,365.32
  • Monthly Escrow: $113.78

All credits require separate applications and approval. Rates shown are estimates using 7.1859 mills.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Clay County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their lender. Your mortgage company estimates annual taxes, divides by 12, and collects this amount with your monthly mortgage payment. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account to cover rate increases and assessment changes.

Property tax bills are mailed to your lender when you have an escrow account, and payments are made directly by the mortgage company. Due to delays from Missouri's Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program, the 2025 tax payment deadline has been extended to January 30, 2026. You should verify that your lender is aware of payment deadlines and has sufficient funds in escrow. If your escrow analysis shows a shortage, you may need to increase monthly payments or make a lump sum payment to cover the deficit.

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 Clay County property taxes due for the current tax year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due January 30, 2026. This deadline has been extended due to delays from the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program (SB190).

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Clay County offers several tax credits including Senior Citizen Credit, Disabled Person Credit, and Disabled Veteran Credit. All credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor by March 1st annually. A Hardship Exemption program is also available for those experiencing financial difficulties.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Missouri's homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply with the County Assessor, and if approved, your assessment growth is capped at a specific percentage each year. This is NOT automatic and requires annual verification of eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Clay County? A: Clay County conducts periodic reassessments, with residential properties typically reassessed every few years. The county assessor also reviews properties when ownership changes or improvements are made.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After January 30, 2026, unpaid taxes become delinquent and additional fees apply. Continued non-payment can eventually lead to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Clay County offers online payment options through the County Collector's website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments typically include processing fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can occur due to higher millage rates approved by various taxing districts, even with unchanged assessments. School districts, fire districts, and other special districts may increase their rates annually.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Clay County contains multiple school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions. Your location determines which districts serve your property and their combined rates create your total millage rate, which can vary significantly across the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Newsclay.k12.ga.us
02
2025 *Rates are Estimates ONLYclaycountymo.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County: Clayauditor.mo.gov
04
County
Public Notification: Clay County Tax Deadline Extensionclaycountymo.gov
05
County
Clay County, MO | Official Websiteclaycountymo.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQclaycountymo.gov
07
County
Clay County Property Taxesnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
County
CLAY COUNTY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE - PERSONAL ...claycountymo.gov
09
County
Resources | Clay County, MOclaycountymo.gov
10
Bills Sponsored by Senator Johnsonsenate.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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