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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Iron County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of market value (varies by taxing district combination)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Iron County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system, where taxes are assessed on real property to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and other municipal services. The county follows Missouri's assessment methodology with property typically assessed at 19% of true market value for residential properties. Property taxes serve as the primary funding mechanism for local government operations and school districts throughout the county.

The effective tax rate in Iron County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. These districts may include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other local service areas. Property taxes attach as an enforceable lien on January 1st each year, with assessments levied on October 1st and tax bills mailed to property owners in November.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General$0.25-$0.35 per $100Basic county services, roads, courts
School Districts$3.50-$4.50 per $100Local school district operations and debt service
State Assessed Utilities$0.03 per $100State-assessed railroad and utility property
Fire Protection Districts$0.20-$0.75 per $100Local fire department services (varies by district)
Library Districts$0.15-$0.30 per $100Public library services (where applicable)
Special Road Districts$0.50-$1.00 per $100Road maintenance in specific areas
Municipal Taxes$0.25-$0.50 per $100City services (incorporated areas only)

Note: These rates represent typical ranges for FY 2024-2025 levy year. Your actual tax rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Iron County Clerk's office for your exact district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Iron 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 Iron County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements after the January 1st assessment date. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove existing exemptions, or substantial improvements that increase the property's assessed value mid-year.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate to that difference, and prorating the amount based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if a home addition worth $50,000 is completed in June, increasing the assessed value by $9,500 (at 19% assessment ratio), the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $9,500 increase for the remaining 7 months of the tax year. At a total tax rate of $4.00 per $100 of assessed value, this would result in a supplemental bill of approximately $222 ($9,500 × 0.04 × 7/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit Applied: -$750 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $56,250
  • Tax Rate: $4.25 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,391
  • Monthly Escrow: $199

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Homestead Preservation Credit Applied: -$1,200 (caps assessment increases, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $112,800
  • Tax Rate: $4.00 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,512
  • Monthly Escrow: $376

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • No credits applied
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $190,000
  • Tax Rate: $3.85 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $7,315
  • Monthly Escrow: $610

Note: All tax credits shown require separate applications and approval. Rates vary by specific taxing districts within Iron County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Iron County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Iron County when they become due on December 31st.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account activity and any required adjustments to your monthly payment. Since Iron County reassesses properties periodically and tax rates can change annually, your escrow payment may fluctuate. If your actual tax bill differs significantly from the estimated amount, you may receive an escrow shortage notice requiring additional payments, or a surplus refund if too much was collected. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Iron County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by December 31st annually. However, payments postmarked by December 31st are considered on time even if received after that date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Common credits include the Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit, Disabled Persons Property Tax Credit, and Homestead Preservation Credit. All credits require separate applications filed with the Iron County Assessor's office and are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Preservation Credit work? A: This credit doesn't reduce your home's market value but rather caps the annual increase in assessed value to help limit tax growth. You must file an application with the county assessor, and the credit applies only to your primary residence.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur a 1% penalty per month. Additionally, unpaid taxes become delinquent and the property may be subject to tax sale proceedings, typically held on the fourth Monday in August.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Iron County? A: Missouri law requires reassessment at least every two years, though Iron County may conduct assessments more frequently. You'll receive notice of any assessment changes with appeal instructions and deadlines.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Iron County Collector's office at (573) 546-2912 to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Your property's location determines which special taxing districts apply (fire, library, school, etc.). Properties in incorporated cities have different district combinations than rural areas, resulting in varying total tax rates across the county.

Q: What should I do if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Iron County Board of Equalization. Appeals must typically be filed by the second Monday in June following the assessment notice, though specific deadlines may vary.

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