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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Macon County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.86% average countywide, varies significantly by taxing district
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Macon County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the County Assessor and reassessed periodically. The effective tax rate in Macon County is approximately 0.86% of assessed property value for the 2025 tax year, though this represents a countywide average.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Macon County due to special taxing districts. These districts may include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other special service areas. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by checking which taxing districts apply to their property location, as this can result in meaningful differences in total tax liability even for properties with similar assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General0.2500%Basic county services, administration, roads
School District0.4500%Local school district operations and facilities
Fire Protection0.0800%Fire and emergency services (varies by district)
Library District0.0300%Public library services (where applicable)
Special Assessments0.1000%Various municipal bonds and improvements
Total Average0.8600%Combined rate (varies by location)

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and are estimates based on available data. Actual rates vary significantly based on the specific taxing districts that serve your property location. Contact the Macon County Recorder of Deeds office to determine the exact rate for your property's tax districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Macon 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 taxes in Macon County are triggered when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year, such as new construction, major improvements, or changes in ownership that reveal previously unreported value. When these events occur, the County Assessor adds the additional assessed value to the current year's assessment as an adjusting entry in the property tax system.

The supplemental tax is 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 after the change occurred. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July (halfway through the tax year), and this increases your assessed value by $20,000, you would owe supplemental tax on $20,000 × 0.86% × 0.5 (remaining portion of year) = $86. This supplemental bill is typically issued separately from your regular annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19% of market): $57,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,900
  • Annual Tax ($55,900 × 0.86%): $481
  • Monthly Escrow: $40

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19% of market): $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,900
  • Annual Tax ($112,900 × 0.86%): $971
  • Monthly Escrow: $81

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19% of market): $190,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $188,900
  • Annual Tax ($188,900 × 0.86%): $1,625
  • Monthly Escrow: $135

Note: Credits shown require application and approval. Actual tax rates vary by special district location within Macon County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Macon County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account. The lender typically pays your property taxes directly to Macon County when they become due.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits and payments, and they must maintain adequate reserves while avoiding excessive collection. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, often providing 60 days notice of payment changes. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the Macon County Recorder of Deeds office, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax payment 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 property taxes due in Macon County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due April 15. Contact the Macon County Assessor's office to confirm any extensions or payment plan options.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Missouri offers several tax credits that require application, including homestead credits for owner-occupied properties (maximum $1,100 for owners) and senior citizen credits. Applications must be filed with the County Assessor's office and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping annual assessment growth. This credit requires filing an application with the County Assessor and must be renewed periodically. It does not reduce market value but can limit tax bill increases.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Macon County? A: Properties are reassessed on a periodic cycle. Contact the County Assessor's office for the current reassessment schedule and your property's next reassessment year.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Macon County Board of Equalization within the specified appeal period, typically 30 days after assessment notices are mailed. Contact the County Assessor for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Macon County Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Macon County Collector's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Macon County? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and library districts that serve different areas. Your total rate depends on which combination of districts serves your property location.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts provide specific services (schools, fire protection, libraries) and levy their own taxes. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and can significantly impact your total tax rate.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Macon County Assessor's office for assessment and exemption questions, or the County Collector's office for payment and billing questions. Phone numbers and addresses are available on the county website.

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