HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Howell County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing district)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Howell County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, public schools, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Missouri are administered at the county level, with the Howell County Assessor's Office responsible for determining assessed values and the County Collector handling tax collection and distribution to various taxing jurisdictions.

The effective property tax rate in Howell County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county. Missouri assesses residential property at 19% of true market value, and the actual tax rate you pay depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, ambulance districts, and other local service areas. Due to these overlapping jurisdictions, two properties with identical market values in different parts of Howell County may have substantially different tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General$0.25-$0.35 per $100General county operations and services
School District$3.50-$4.50 per $100Local school district operations and debt service
State Blind Pension$0.03 per $100State-mandated levy for blind pension fund
Road & Bridge$0.15-$0.25 per $100County road maintenance and improvements
Ambulance District$0.15-$0.35 per $100Emergency medical services (varies by district)
Fire Protection$0.20-$0.50 per $100Fire protection services (varies by district)
Library District$0.10-$0.20 per $100Public library services (if applicable)

Note: These rates are estimates for planning purposes. The 2025 levy year rates will be finalized by local taxing authorities and officially announced by the Missouri State Auditor's Office. Your actual combined rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property location within Howell County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Howell 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 property taxes in Missouri are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or property improvements that occur after the annual assessment date but before the tax year ends. In Howell County, these situations most commonly arise from new home construction, major renovations, or property transfers that reveal previously unreported improvements.

When supplemental taxes are triggered, the County Assessor calculates the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed for the remainder of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and the annual assessment was completed in January, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value (19% of $50,000 = $9,500 additional assessed value) multiplied by your area's tax rate, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Senior Credit Applied: -$6,000 (if eligible and filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $51,000
  • Tax Rate: $4.25 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,168
  • Monthly Escrow: $181

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,200 (assessment growth limitation)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,800
  • Tax Rate: $4.50 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $5,076
  • Monthly Escrow: $423

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Tax Rate: $4.75 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $9,025
  • Monthly Escrow: $752

Note: All tax credits require annual application and approval. Credits shown are examples and actual eligibility and amounts vary based on individual circumstances.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Howell County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender estimates annual property taxes and divides this amount by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. The lender typically maintains a cushion of 2-3 months of payments to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes become due on December 15th.

Each year, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis to compare actual tax payments with collected escrow funds. If property values increase significantly or tax rates change, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted upward. Conversely, if taxes decrease or if the account has excess funds, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. You can request an escrow account statement from your lender at any time to verify the current balance and understand how your payments are calculated.

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 Howell County? A: Property taxes are due by December 15th each year. For the current tax year, this applies to taxes assessed in 2024 and payable by December 15, 2024.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Howell County offers several tax credits including Senior Citizens Credit (65+), Disabled Persons Credit, and Property Tax Credit for low-income households. All credits require annual application through the County Assessor's Office. Applications must typically be filed by March 1st for the upcoming tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is not automatic and requires annual filing. It limits assessment increases on your primary residence to a certain percentage each year, helping provide tax stability. You must apply through the County Assessor's Office before the March 1st deadline.

Q: When does the County Assessor update property values? A: Missouri law requires reassessment every two years. Howell County typically completes assessments by August, with new values taking effect for the following tax year. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights if they disagree with valuations.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Property taxes not paid by December 15th incur monthly penalties and interest. After one year of delinquency, properties may be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Howell County Collector's Office to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county. Most counties in Missouri offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Howell County? A: Tax rates differ based on special taxing districts serving each property, including school districts, fire districts, ambulance services, and library districts. Urban areas often have more taxing districts than rural properties.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Howell County Board of Equalization, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's Office for specific deadlines and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 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
State
2024 Property Tax Rates - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
04
LR No. 3925H.01I Bill No. HB 1527documents.house.mo.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
06
Tax Doc
IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe ...irs.gov
07
Resolution 2022-21 Talburt Rural Service Agreementwestplains.gov
08
LR No. 0844H.01I Bill No. HJR 4house.mo.gov
09
County
Howell Countyauditor.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate