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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Knox County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$3.90 per $100 of assessed valuation (varies by district with additional levies)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Knox County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services. The county's property tax rate for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is set at $3.90 per $100 of assessed valuation, though your actual tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within the county due to additional special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, and municipal assessments.

Property taxes in Knox County are assessed annually based on a percentage of your property's market value, following Missouri's statewide assessment practices. The effective tax rate you pay depends on both the base county levy and any additional district assessments that apply to your specific property location. It's important to understand that tax rates can vary significantly within Knox County boundaries based on which school district, fire district, and other special taxing jurisdictions serve your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base County Levy$3.90Knox County general operations (FY 2025-2026)
School DistrictVariesLocal school district assessment (varies by district)
Fire ProtectionVariesFire district services (if applicable)
MunicipalVariesCity/town services (if within city limits)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (if applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure, bonds, or special projects

Note: The $3.90 rate represents Knox County's base levy for fiscal year 2025-2026. Your total effective rate will be higher when combined with school district taxes and other special district assessments. Properties in different areas of Knox County will have different total rates depending on which taxing jurisdictions serve that location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 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 property taxes in Knox County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, major improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These supplemental taxes ensure that property taxes are properly assessed for the entire tax year, even when changes occur mid-year. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, then applying the current tax rate to that difference for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Knox County in July and the previous assessment was significantly lower than the current market value, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December. Similarly, if you complete a major home renovation or addition, the increased assessed value will trigger a supplemental assessment for the remainder of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (at state rate): $57,000
  • Less: Senior Tax Credit (if applicable): -$1,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax ($3.90 base + estimated $6.10 districts): $5,600
  • Monthly Payment: $467

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applicable): -$1,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated $10.00 total rate): $11,300
  • Monthly Payment: $942

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $190,000
  • Less: Tax Credits (if applicable): -$1,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $189,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated $10.00 total rate): $18,900
  • Monthly Payment: $1,575

*Tax credits shown are examples and require application. Actual credits and rates vary by specific property location and qualifying circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most homeowners in Knox County pay property taxes through an escrow account managed by their mortgage lender. Your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pays the Knox County Collector directly when taxes are due. Knox County property taxes are paid in two installments: the first installment is due in April, and the second installment is due in October.

If you have an escrow account, your lender will typically pay these installments on your behalf. However, you should verify that payments are made on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid. You can check payment status through the Knox County Assessor's office. If you don't have an escrow account, you'll need to make these payments directly to Knox County by the specified due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Knox County property taxes due for fiscal year 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment in April and second installment in October. Contact the Knox County Assessor's office for exact dates.

Q: What tax credits are available in Knox County and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits may include homestead credits, senior citizen credits, and disabled veteran credits. All credits require application and are not automatic. Contact the Knox County Assessor's office for current applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead tax credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value, helping limit tax growth on your primary residence. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic and must be renewed periodically.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Knox County? A: Missouri requires reassessment cycles, but frequency can vary. Contact the Knox County Assessor's office for the current reassessment schedule and information about appealing assessments.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: All unpaid property taxes become delinquent as of January 1 of the following year. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges, and prolonged delinquency can result in tax lien procedures.

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

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Knox County based on special taxing districts. Your property may be in different school, fire, library, or municipal districts than nearby properties, resulting in different total tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed within specific deadlines. Contact the Knox County Assessor's office for appeal procedures, required forms, and filing deadlines for the current tax year.

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