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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Howard County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Howard 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
Varies by location within county due to different taxing districts (school, fire, special districts)
1st Due
Dec 31
2nd Due
Jun 30
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Howard County, Missouri operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including county operations, road maintenance, schools, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local government functions, with tax bills calculated based on assessed property values and applicable tax rates that vary by location within the county.

The effective tax rate in Howard County varies depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, and other local service areas. Tax assessments are conducted annually, with taxes levied on September 1st and bills typically mailed to property owners in November. Property owners should note that tax rates and assessed values can change year to year based on local budget requirements and property reassessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available 2024 data, Howard County's property tax structure includes multiple components:

ComponentDescription
General FundCounty maintenance and operations
Road & Bridge FundCounty road maintenance and infrastructure
Special Road & Bridge FundAdditional road improvements
School DistrictsLocal school district operations (varies by district)
Special DistrictsFire protection, library, and other local services (varies by location)

Important Note: The complete 2025 property tax rates for Howard County have not been finalized. Property owners should check with the Missouri State Auditor's Office and Howard County Assessor for the most current rates. Tax rates vary significantly within the county based on which school district and special taxing districts serve your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Howard County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 30
Delinquent after Apr 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 Howard County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that affect the property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated based on current ownership and property conditions.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change in property ownership, completion of new construction or major improvements, subdivision of property, or correction of assessment errors. When a supplemental tax is levied, the additional tax amount is calculated based on the difference between the previous and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year affected. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed mid-year, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value for the remaining months of that tax year.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property tax calculations for Howard County properties, noting that actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts:

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value (19% of market value): $57,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $1,140 - $1,710*
  • Monthly Escrow: $95 - $142

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value (19% of market value): $114,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $2,280 - $3,420*
  • Monthly Escrow: $190 - $285

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value (19% of market value): $190,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $3,800 - $5,700*
  • Monthly Escrow: $317 - $475

*Range reflects variation in tax rates across different taxing districts within Howard County. These calculations assume standard residential assessment ratios and do not include potential tax credits, which require separate application and can reduce your final tax bill.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Howard County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill. The lender holds these funds in a separate escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Howard County when they become due.

Property tax bills are mailed in November and are due by July 1st of the following year, though semi-annual payment options are available. Your lender will typically pay the full annual amount by the July deadline. Each year, your lender conducts an escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in increases or decreases to your monthly escrow payment based on current tax assessments and any changes in tax rates within your specific taxing districts.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Howard County? A: Real property taxes are due annually by July 1st, with semi-annual payment options available. Personal property tax returns are due by April 15th each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Missouri offers a Property Tax Credit for qualifying residents, providing up to $750 for renters and $1,100 for homeowners who owned and occupied their home. This credit requires a separate application and is not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that limits assessment increases? A: Missouri does not have a traditional homestead exemption that caps assessment growth. However, you should check with the Howard County Assessor for any local assessment limitation programs that may require application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Missouri law requires properties to be reassessed every odd-numbered year, though some changes may trigger interim assessments. The next county-wide reassessment is scheduled for 2025.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Howard County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements if you cannot meet the July 1st deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Howard County Collector's office directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property tax bill includes levies from all applicable taxing districts serving your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, and other special service areas. This is why tax rates vary significantly within Howard County based on your property's location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Howard County Board of Equalization during their designated hearing period. Contact the Howard County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and appeal procedures for the current tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 - Budget Cover Page - Howard Countyco.howard.tx.us
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County: Howardauditor.mo.gov
04
Online Services - Missouri Department of Revenue - MO.govdor.mo.gov
05
Tax Doc
Personal Property Taxhowardcountymd.gov
06
Tax Doc
Real Property Taxhowardcountymd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
08
State
Missouri State Tax Commission »stc.mo.gov
09
State
Mike Karickhoff | State of Indiana House of Representativesin.gov
10
County
Howard County Financial Statementsauditor.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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