HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lewis County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.2972% county rate plus additional school district and local service levies (varies by location)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lewis County, Missouri operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real and personal property within the county, with the state of Missouri requiring assessment at 19% of true market value for residential properties.

The effective property tax rate in Lewis County varies by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, and other local service areas. For the 2025 tax year, the general revenue tax rate for Lewis County is 0.2972%, though property owners will pay additional levies from their respective school districts and other local taxing jurisdictions. The combined effective rate typically ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, depending on the specific combination of taxing districts where your property is located.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Lewis County General Revenue0.2972%County operations, services, and general fund
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations (varies by district)
Fire Protection DistrictVariesFire and emergency services (if applicable)
Ambulance DistrictVariesEmergency medical services (if applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (if applicable)
Road DistrictVariesLocal road maintenance and improvement

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. The Canton R-V School District is one example of the school districts serving Lewis County residents. Your total property tax rate depends on which combination of special taxing districts serve your specific property location. Contact the Lewis County Assessor's Office to determine the exact rate for your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lewis 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 Lewis County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that add significant value, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previously assessed values.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed and assessed in July, the supplemental tax would apply to that additional assessed value from July through December of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): $1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax (1.2% effective rate): $672
  • Monthly Escrow: $56

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): $1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax (1.2% effective rate): $1,356
  • Monthly Escrow: $113

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less: Senior Tax Credit (if qualified and applied): $750
  • Net Taxable Value: $189,250
  • Annual Tax (1.2% effective rate): $2,271
  • Monthly Escrow: $189

Note: Tax credits shown are examples and require separate application. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts. All credits must be applied for annually and are not automatic.

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 Lewis County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax liability and collect 1/12th of that amount with each monthly mortgage payment. The escrow account ensures funds are available when property taxes become due on December 31st each year.

Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to Lewis County before the December 31st deadline. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing the account activity and any adjustments to your monthly payment. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners are responsible for verifying that taxes are paid correctly and on time, 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 Lewis County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due by December 31st each year for the current tax year. Personal property tax returns must be filed by April 1st, with payment also due by December 31st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Lewis County offers several tax credits that require application, including the Homestead Credit for primary residences and Senior/Disability Tax Deferral for qualifying individuals. The senior deferral allows taxpayers 65+ with household income of $70,000 or less to defer tax increases beyond the previous year's amount. Applications must be filed between January 1st and October 15th of the year deferral is first claimed.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides property tax relief for primary residences but requires annual application. This credit typically caps the amount of assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply with the Lewis County Assessor's Office - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lewis County? A: Missouri requires county assessors to conduct physical inspections and reassessments on a regular cycle. Property values are reviewed annually, with comprehensive reappraisals occurring every few years. Property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with assessed values.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Delinquent taxes become a lien on the property and can eventually lead to tax sale proceedings if left unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Lewis County Collector's Office to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Lewis County? A: Different areas of Lewis County are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, ambulance districts). Your total rate depends on which districts provide services to your specific property location.

Q: How do I find out which taxing districts my property is in? A: Contact the Lewis County Assessor's Office with your property address or parcel number to determine which school district and other special taxing districts serve your property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Tax Rates for County: Lewisauditor.mo.gov
02
Parcel number 011263000000parcels.lewiscountywa.gov
03
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
04
County
Lewis County - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
05
Forms and Manuals - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
06
About Personal Propertystlouis-mo.gov
07
Homestead exemptionsenate.mo.gov
08
WRITTEN TESTIMONYlewiscountywa.gov
09
County
Lewis County Collector and Property Tax Systemauditor.mo.gov
10
County
Lewis County Financial Statementsauditor.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