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Updated 2025 Tax Year

DeKalb County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in DeKalb 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
~1% of market value (varies by taxing district including schools, fire, ambulance)
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

DeKalb County, Missouri operates under Missouri's property tax system, where property taxes serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows Missouri's assessment practices with properties typically assessed at a percentage of their market value, with residential properties generally assessed at 19% of true market value.

Property tax rates in DeKalb County vary by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, ambulance districts, and other municipal services. The effective tax rate typically ranges around 1% of market value, though this can vary significantly based on your specific location and the combination of taxing authorities that serve your property. Property owners should note that their exact tax rate depends on which school district, fire district, and other special districts their property falls within.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school district operations and debt service
Road & BridgeVariesCounty road maintenance and improvements
Fire ProtectionVaries by districtLocal fire district services (where applicable)
Ambulance DistrictVaries by districtEmergency medical services
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library services (where applicable)
Other Special DistrictsVariesAdditional local services as applicable

Levy Year: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (due December 31, 2025). The Missouri State Auditor's Office determines final rates annually. Property owners should consult their actual tax bill for precise rates, as these vary significantly based on location within DeKalb County and which combination of special taxing districts serve their property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental bills 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.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include property sales that result in reassessment, completion of new construction projects, major home additions or improvements, and changes in property use classification. For example, if you purchase a home in DeKalb County that becomes reassessed at a higher value than the previous assessment, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference. The supplemental amount is calculated by multiplying the increase in assessed value by the applicable tax rate, then prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$57,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): ~$570
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$48

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$114,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): ~$1,140
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$95

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$190,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): ~$1,900
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$158

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific location within DeKalb County based on local taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in DeKalb County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly property tax payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Lenders typically pay property taxes directly to the county on December 31st to ensure timely payment and protect their mortgage interest. Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected based on current tax assessments.

Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has current contact information and is receiving tax bills properly. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the DeKalb County Collector by the December 31st deadline. The county may charge a $5.00 duplicate bill fee if you need to obtain a copy of your tax bill for payment purposes.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are DeKalb County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due annually by December 31st. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Missouri offers various tax credits including homestead credits for seniors and disabled persons. Most credits require separate application through the County Assessor's Office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit for qualifying seniors and disabled persons caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply with the County Assessor's Office to receive this benefit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in DeKalb County? A: Missouri law requires reassessment cycles, but frequency varies. Contact the County Assessor's Office for current assessment schedules and appeal procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Contact the County Collector's Office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the DeKalb County Collector's Office for available online payment options and any associated processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your tax rate depends on which school district, fire district, ambulance district, and other special districts serve your property. Rates vary significantly by location within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Equalization during specified appeal periods. Contact the County Assessor's Office for deadlines and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calculatorsauditor.mo.gov
03
Tax Doc
Across the Country, Americans Will Pay Less in Taxes ...whitehouse.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
05
Tax Doc
Missouri Senior Citizens May Be Eligible for Property Tax ...house.mo.gov
06
County
Collector's Office | Buchanan County, MO - Official Websiteco.buchanan.mo.us
07
2023 DeKalb Legislative Agenda.pdfdekalbcountyga.gov
08
PT-50Pdekalbcountyga.gov
09
*RE-5364526*propertyappraisal.dekalbcountyga.gov
10
County
DeKalb County Property Tax Inquirydekalbil.devnetwedge.com
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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