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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hickory County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hickory 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, varies significantly by location due to overlapping special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hickory County, Missouri operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county government operations. Property taxes in Missouri are assessed at the county level, with Hickory County's assessment process managed by the County Assessor's Office. The effective tax rate in Hickory County typically ranges around Missouri's base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts.

Property taxes in Hickory County are calculated based on assessed valuation, which is determined by the County Assessor and subject to state assessment ratios. Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within the county, as different areas are served by various school districts, fire protection districts, ambulance districts, and other special taxing authorities. Each of these entities may levy additional taxes beyond the base county rate, making it essential to understand which districts serve your property when estimating your annual tax obligation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 property tax rates for Hickory County are still being finalized by local taxing authorities. Property owners should check with local government offices for current rate information as rates vary by taxing district location.

ComponentEstimated Rate RangeDescription
County General0.2000 - 0.4000Basic county services, roads, courthouse operations
School Districts2.5000 - 4.0000Local school district operations and debt service
Fire Protection0.1000 - 0.3000Fire protection district services (varies by district)
Ambulance Districts0.0500 - 0.1500Emergency medical services
Road Districts0.1000 - 0.2500Special road and bridge maintenance
Other Special Districts0.0500 - 0.2000Library, hospital, or other local services

Note: These rates apply to FY 2025 tax levy and are expressed per $100 of assessed valuation. Your total rate depends on which combination of districts serve your property location. Contact the Hickory County Assessor's Office for your specific district combination and finalized rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hickory 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 Hickory County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, valuation, or improvements made after the January 1 assessment date. Since property taxes attach as an enforceable lien on January 1 of each tax year, any changes occurring after this date may trigger a supplemental assessment.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: new construction or major improvements completed after January 1, change in property ownership that removes an exemption or credit, or correction of assessment errors discovered mid-year. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the original assessment and the revised assessment, then applying the appropriate tax rate to this difference for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June, and your assessed value increases by $10,000 (at the residential assessment ratio), you would owe supplemental taxes on that $10,000 increase from June through December. With a total tax rate of 3.0000 per $100, this would result in a supplemental bill of approximately $175 for the seven-month period ($10,000 ÷ 100 × 3.0000 × 7/12 months).

Example Calculation

Below are property tax calculations for three home values in Hickory County, using an estimated combined tax rate of 3.2000 per $100 of assessed value. These examples assume residential property assessment at 19% of market value and application for available homestead credits where applicable.

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $57,000 (19% of market value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,792 ($56,000 ÷ 100 × 3.2000)
  • Monthly Escrow: $149

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $114,000 (19% of market value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax: $3,616 ($113,000 ÷ 100 × 3.2000)
  • Monthly Escrow: $301

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $190,000 (19% of market value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $189,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,048 ($189,000 ÷ 100 × 3.2000)
  • Monthly Escrow: $504

Note: These calculations are estimates. Actual rates vary by specific taxing district location. Credits shown require annual application and approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hickory County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in a dedicated escrow account. Since property taxes are levied on September 1 and bills are typically mailed in October and November with a December 31 due date, your lender will pay the taxes directly to the Hickory County Collector when due.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If your actual tax bill differs significantly from the escrowed amount, your monthly payment may be adjusted to correct any shortage or surplus. Property owners should review their escrow statements carefully and notify their lender of any assessment changes, successful appeals, or new tax credits that might affect future tax obligations. You can also make voluntary additional escrow payments if you anticipate tax increases due to improvements or assessment changes.

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 Hickory County for the 2025 tax year? A: Property taxes are due by December 31, 2025. Taxes are levied on September 1, and bills are typically mailed in October and November.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Missouri offers several tax credits including the Homestead Preservation Credit for seniors and disabled persons, which caps assessment increases. Most credits require annual application through the County Assessor's Office by specific deadlines. Contact the Hickory County Assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Preservation Credit work? A: This credit limits property tax increases to 5% in reassessment years and 2.5% in non-reassessment years for qualifying senior citizens and disabled persons. It does not reduce your property's market value but caps how much your tax bill can increase. You must apply annually and meet income and age/disability requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hickory County? A: Missouri law requires reassessment cycles, though the specific schedule varies by county. Contact the Hickory County Assessor's Office for the current reassessment schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Unpaid property taxes become delinquent after December 31 and are subject to penalties and interest. Contact the Hickory County Collector's Office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by county. Contact the Hickory County Collector's Office to inquire about online payment systems, accepted payment methods, and any associated processing fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when my neighbors' stayed the same? A: Tax bills can vary due to different special taxing districts serving different areas, individual property improvements, successful or unsuccessful assessment appeals, or different applications for available tax credits. Your specific combination of taxing districts determines your total rate.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Hickory County? A: Different areas of Hickory County are served by various special districts for services like fire protection, ambulance service, schools, and road maintenance. Each district may levy taxes, so your total rate depends on which districts serve your property location. The County Assessor can provide a breakdown of districts affecting your property.

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