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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dunklin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Dunklin County, MO. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate plus special districts (varies by location within county)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dunklin County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government operations, with taxes levied on September 1 and bills typically mailed to taxpayers in November when they become payable.

The effective tax rate in Dunklin County varies significantly by location due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, and municipal levies. Based on available data, property owners can expect rates that align with Missouri's base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates depend on the specific combination of taxing districts where your property is located. Properties are assessed annually, and the actual tax burden is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable tax rates for all relevant local taxing districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General RevenueVaries by districtFunds county operations and services
School District LevyVaries by districtLocal school district funding
Municipal LevyVaries by cityCity services (if within city limits)
Fire Protection DistrictVaries by districtEmergency fire services
Special AssessmentsVariesBonds, improvements, special projects

Note: Tax rates shown are for the 2025 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts in Dunklin County. For example, City of Arbyrd has a General Revenue component, while City of Cardwell includes a Streets assessment. Contact the Dunklin County Auditor for your specific district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dunklin 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 Dunklin County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year, a supplemental tax bill may be issued to account for the change in assessed value.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate for the remaining months of the fiscal year. For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in March that wasn't included in the September assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the period from your ownership date through the end of the fiscal year. This ensures that all property owners pay their proportional share of taxes based on when they owned taxable property during the year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Tax Credits: -$1,100 (Homeowner Tax Credit, if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,900
  • Tax Rate: ~1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$2,989
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$249

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Applicable Tax Credits: -$1,100 (Homeowner Tax Credit, if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,900
  • Tax Rate: ~1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$5,989
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$499

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Applicable Tax Credits: -$1,100 (Homeowner Tax Credit, if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,900
  • Tax Rate: ~1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$9,989
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$832

Note: Tax credits shown require application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within Dunklin County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dunklin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill, holding these funds in escrow until taxes are due. Since Dunklin County property taxes are typically due when bills are mailed in November, lenders usually pay the full annual amount at that time.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow account statements showing deposits, payments made on your behalf, and any surplus or shortage. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Dunklin County Collector & Treasurer's office or using their online payment system to confirm your account status.

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 Dunklin County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are levied on September 1 and bills are typically mailed in November, at which time they become due and payable. The first installment is generally due by June 1st of the following year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit available is the Homeowner Tax Credit of up to $1,100 for property owners who own and occupy their home. This credit requires application and is not automatic. Contact the Dunklin County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Missouri's homestead-type provisions typically limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value directly. These protections cap the annual growth in assessed value for qualifying homeowners, but you must file an application to receive this benefit.

Q: How often are properties assessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually in Dunklin County. If you disagree with your assessment, you have the right to appeal. Contact the Dunklin County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines, which are typically in the spring following the assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to unpaid property taxes. Contact the Dunklin County Collector & Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Dunklin County offers online tax payment options. Visit the Dunklin County website and look for the "Pay Taxes Online" section under the Collector & Treasurer's office.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase even with stable assessments if local taxing districts raise their rates, pass new bond issues, or implement special assessments for improvements or services.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on your location within Dunklin County, you may pay taxes to school districts, fire protection districts, municipal governments, and special assessment districts for infrastructure improvements. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable district charges.

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