HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Johnson County
Property Tax Guide

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

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

How Property Tax Works

Johnson County, Missouri operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values, which are set at approximately 19% of true market value for residential properties. The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within the county, ranging from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, depending on which special taxing districts serve your specific property.

Property tax rates in Johnson County are comprised of multiple components, including county operations, school districts, fire protection districts, and other special assessments. Each property's total tax rate depends on its location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that provide services to that area. This means two properties with identical values can have different tax bills based on their specific location within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.339276%Basic county operations and services
FMLR (Fire, Medical, Library, Roads)0.050000%Fire protection, medical services, library, and road maintenance
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district levies (rates vary by district)
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional levies for services like water, sewer, lighting

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Total effective rates typically range from 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value depending on special taxing districts serving your property location. Contact the Johnson County Assessor's Office for your specific district combination and total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Johnson 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 Johnson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements adding significant value, or ownership transfers that result in reassessment above the current assessed value.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed in July and your total tax rate is 1.0%, you would owe approximately $500 in supplemental taxes (($100,000 × 0.19 assessment ratio × 1.0% tax rate) × 6/12 months remaining).

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $57,000 (19% of market value)
  • Less: Senior Citizens Credit: -$750 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,250
  • Annual Tax: $562.50 (at 1.0% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $46.88

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $114,000 (19% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: Assessment increase capped (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,140 (at 1.0% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $95

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $190,000 (19% of market value)
  • Credits Applied: Varies by eligibility (all require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000 (assuming no applicable credits)
  • Annual Tax: $1,900 (at 1.0% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $158.33

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by special district location.

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 Johnson County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments include 1/12th of the annual property tax bill. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and may require a cushion of 1-2 months of taxes. Property tax bills are sent directly to your mortgage servicer when an escrow account exists.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders will adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. If taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, expect escrow payment adjustments. Property owners should verify that their lender receives and pays tax bills on time, as late payment penalties still apply even when taxes are escrowed. Tax payments through escrow are typically made in December to meet the December 31st due date.

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 Johnson County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by December 31st annually. Payments received after this date incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Available tax credits include Senior Citizens Credit ($750 for qualifying seniors) and Homestead Credit (limits assessment increases). ALL credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but caps annual assessment increases to help limit tax growth. You must file an application with the County Assessor to receive this benefit - it's not automatically applied.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Missouri law requires reassessment every two years. Johnson County follows the state schedule with reassessments occurring in even-numbered years for most residential properties.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your assessment to the Johnson County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed by specific deadlines, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What penalties apply for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Contact the Johnson County Collector's Office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Johnson County Collector's Office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do properties in the same subdivision have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts (fire, school, library, etc.) that serve each property. Even neighboring properties may be served by different district combinations, resulting in different total tax rates.

Q: Where can I find my property's specific tax rate and district information? A: Contact the Johnson County Assessor's Office at the county courthouse or visit their office for detailed information about your property's specific taxing districts and total effective rate.

Q: Are there tax credits for disabled veterans or other specific groups? A: Various tax credits may be available for qualifying individuals. Contact the Johnson County Assessor's Office to discuss eligibility requirements and application procedures for all available credits.

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

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate