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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cole County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cole 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
0.7244% effective rate (varies significantly by taxing district and location within county)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cole County, Missouri's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. The county follows Missouri's state assessment practices, with properties assessed at market value and taxed based on local levy rates that vary by taxing jurisdiction within the county.

The effective property tax rate in Cole County for 2025 is approximately 0.7244% for areas including the Village of Centertown and the City of Jefferson City. However, actual rates vary significantly depending on your property's location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal services. Property owners should verify their specific rate based on their exact location and applicable taxing jurisdictions.

Property assessments in Cole County are conducted on a regular cycle, with the County Assessor determining market values based on recent sales data, property characteristics, and local market conditions. All property tax bills are calculated using the assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate for your specific area within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Total Levy Rate (FY 2025)0.7244%Combined rate for participating jurisdictions
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
County General RevenuePortion of 0.7244%County operations, roads, public safety
Municipal ServicesVariesCity/village services (where applicable)
Fire Protection DistrictVariesLocal fire and emergency services
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure improvements, bonds

Note: The 0.7244% rate applies specifically to areas within the Village of Centertown and City of Jefferson City for levy year 2025. Rates vary by location within Cole County based on which combination of taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Cole County Assessor's Office to determine your exact rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cole 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 property taxes in Cole County are triggered when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year, most commonly due to new construction, major improvements, or ownership transfers that prompt reassessment. These supplemental bills cover the difference between the original assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June and the county assessor determines this increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional tax owed from June through December. The calculation would be: $50,000 × 0.7244% × (7 months ÷ 12 months) = approximately $211.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from annual tax bills and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date. These taxes are in addition to your regular annual property tax bill and cannot be appealed through the same process as regular assessments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Citizens Credit (if applicable): -$750
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,250
  • Annual Tax: $299,250 × 0.7244% = $2,168
  • Monthly Escrow: $181

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,900
  • Annual Tax: $598,900 × 0.7244% = $4,337
  • Monthly Escrow: $361

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits: $0 (most credits phase out at higher values)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.7244% = $7,244
  • Monthly Escrow: $604

Note: Tax credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Credits shown are examples and actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances and program requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cole County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account to pay your tax bills when due.

Lenders typically pay Cole County property taxes in late December to meet the December 31st deadline. Your lender will receive the tax bill directly from the county and handle payment on your behalf. After payment, you should receive documentation showing the amount paid and your remaining escrow balance.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement, as changes in your property's assessed value or tax rates may require adjustments to your monthly escrow payment. If your taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require additional escrow payments or increase your monthly amount to prevent shortfalls.

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 Cole County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due annually by December 31st for the current tax year. Bills are typically mailed in October and November.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits may include homestead credits, senior citizen credits, and disabled veteran credits. All credits require annual application through the Cole County Assessor's Office and are not automatically applied.

Q: What is the homestead credit and how does it work? A: The homestead credit helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping annual increases. You must file an application with the County Assessor, and the credit is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Cole County? A: Properties are typically reassessed every two years, though the County Assessor may review properties more frequently if significant changes occur or market conditions warrant.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Cole County Collector's Office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you miss the December 31st deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Cole County typically offers online payment options through the County Collector's website. Check the official Cole County website for current payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? A: Your total tax rate depends on which special districts serve your property (school district, fire district, library district, etc.). The 0.7244% rate applies to specific areas and your actual rate may differ based on your location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Cole County Board of Equalization during the specified appeal period, typically in June and July. Contact the County Assessor's Office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or veterans? A: Missouri offers various tax credit programs for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying groups. These require separate applications with specific eligibility requirements and documentation.

Q: What happens if I disagree with a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental tax bills can be contested through the same appeal process as regular assessments, but must be filed within the specified timeframe after the supplemental bill is issued.

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: Coleauditor.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
Fiscal Note LR No. 1046S.01I Bill No. SJR 18senate.mo.gov
05
Tax Doc
Special Tax Billsjeffersoncitymo.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
07
LR No. 4176-01 Bill No. HB 1367documents.house.mo.gov
08
fiscal notesenate.mo.gov
09
fiscal notesenate.mo.gov
10
Senate Action for 12/1/2025senate.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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