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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lawrence County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% total effective rate (varies by special taxing districts), 0.12% county rate
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lawrence County, Missouri operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are levied based on assessed value, which is determined by the County Assessor and reassessed periodically. The county's tax rate structure includes both county-wide levies and additional assessments from various special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, ambulance districts, and library districts.

Actual property tax rates vary significantly by location within Lawrence County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. While the general county property tax rate for 2025 is 0.12%, total effective rates typically range from 0.8% to 1.2% when all applicable special district levies are combined. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by consulting their annual tax bill or contacting the Lawrence County Collector, as rates can differ substantially between municipalities and unincorporated areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Lawrence County General0.12%Base county operations, roads, courthouse
School Districts0.40-0.60%Varies by district (Mount Vernon, Aurora, etc.)
Fire Protection Districts0.15-0.25%Emergency services (where applicable)
Ambulance Districts0.10-0.15%Emergency medical services
Library Districts0.05-0.10%Public library services
Parks & RecreationVariesMunicipal parks (city residents only)

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. Total effective rates range from approximately 0.82% to 1.22% depending on your property's location and applicable special taxing districts. Contact the Lawrence County Assessor at (417) 466-2471 for your specific district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, a supplemental tax bill is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, the assessor may increase the assessed value to reflect current market conditions. The supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value ($150,000 difference × 19% assessment ratio × applicable tax rate × 6/12 months remaining). Supplemental bills are typically issued 30-60 days after the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $57,000 (19% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Senior Credit (if applicable): -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,500
  • Annual Tax (1.0% effective rate): $565
  • Monthly Escrow: $47

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $114,000 (19% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,800
  • Annual Tax (1.1% effective rate): $1,252
  • Monthly Escrow: $104

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $190,000 (19% assessment ratio)
  • Less: No applicable credits at this value level
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax (1.15% effective rate): $2,185
  • Monthly Escrow: $182

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Rates vary by special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lawrence County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender pays your property taxes directly to the Lawrence County Collector when due, typically in December for the following year's taxes.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing collections, payments, and account balances. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify escrow payments against your actual tax bill by checking with the Lawrence County Collector's office at (417) 466-3711. Property owners without mortgages pay taxes directly and can choose annual or semi-annual payment options where available.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lawrence County? A: Property taxes for fiscal year 2025-2026 are typically due by December 31, 2025. Contact the Lawrence County Collector at (417) 466-3711 for specific due dates and payment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits include senior citizen credits (maximum $750-$1,100), disabled veteran credits, and homestead credits. All credits require annual application through the County Assessor's office. Applications are typically due by March 1st of each year.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits assessment growth to protect long-term homeowners from dramatic tax increases. You must file annually with the Assessor's office to maintain eligibility.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Lawrence County follows Missouri's reassessment cycle. Residential properties are reassessed every two years, while commercial properties are assessed annually. Contact the Assessor at (417) 466-2471 for your property's assessment schedule.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Lawrence County Board of Equalization by July 31st following the assessment notice. Contact the Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties as specified in Missouri statutes. Contact the County Collector for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Check with the Lawrence County Collector's office at (417) 466-3711 or visit the county website for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary across the county? A: Different areas of Lawrence County are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, ambulance services, and library districts. Your specific tax rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Tax Rates for County: Lawrenceauditor.mo.gov
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax-Rates.org — The 2024-2025 Tax Resourcemylrc.sdlegislature.gov
04
LR No. 3405H.01I Bill No. HJR 7documents.house.mo.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit FAQs - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
07
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document...uscis.gov
08
County
Lawrence County Financial Statementsauditor.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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