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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Madison County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% of assessed value, varies by location due to overlapping special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Madison County, Missouri operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, hospitals, libraries, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are collected by the Madison County Sheriff's Office and distributed among various taxing authorities including school districts, the hospital district, library district, and municipal governments. The effective tax rate in Madison County is approximately 1% of assessed value, though this varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts.

Property tax bills in Madison County reflect assessments from multiple local authorities, with school districts typically representing the largest portion of your total tax liability. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as ambulance districts, fire protection districts, and municipal services. The Missouri State Auditor's Office publishes annual tax rate compilations, with 2024 rates currently available and 2025 rates pending publication.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
School Districts65-70% of totalLocal school operations and debt service
County General Revenue4-6% of totalCounty government operations
Hospital District4-5% of totalMadison County hospital services
Special Road and Bridge6-8% of totalCounty road maintenance and improvements
Library District2-3% of totalPublic library services
Assessment Fund1-2% of totalProperty assessment operations
Cities/Municipalities1-3% of totalMunicipal services (if applicable)
Other Special DistrictsVariableAmbulance, fire protection, colleges

Note: These percentages reflect the FY 2024 levy year based on available data. FY 2025 rates are not yet published by the Missouri State Auditor's Office. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Madison County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Madison 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 Madison County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional tax liability based on the increased assessment and the current tax rates for all applicable taxing districts.

For example, if you complete a home addition valued at $50,000 in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year. The calculation uses the same combined tax rate that applies to your property from all local taxing authorities, prorated for the portion of the year the improvement was in place.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less Senior Credit (if applicable): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $52,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $520
  • Monthly Escrow: $43

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applicable): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $1,140
  • Monthly Escrow: $95

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $1,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $158

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving each property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Madison County require borrowers to establish property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax liability each month, plus an additional cushion as allowed by federal law. The escrow account pays your property tax bill directly to the Madison County Sheriff's Office when due.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting your monthly payment if necessary based on actual tax bills and assessment changes. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or special district levy changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information with the county to ensure timely payment and avoid delinquency penalties.

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 Madison County? A: The first installment is typically due by May 10th. If unpaid by the deadline, the bill becomes delinquent and is transferred to the Madison County Clerk's Office with additional penalty fees.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Most tax credits in Missouri require separate applications and are not automatic. Contact the Madison County Assessor's office to inquire about available exemptions and application requirements, as these vary by situation and must be applied for annually.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Homestead-type credits typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These require filing applications with specific deadlines and income qualifications. Contact the county assessor for current program details and application procedures.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Missouri law requires reassessment every two years for residential property. Contact the Madison County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessed value.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalty fees and are handled by the Madison County Clerk's Office. Continued delinquency can result in tax sale proceedings, typically held in early October.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office directly for current payment options and online portal availability, as payment methods may vary.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing districts serving your property, including school districts, hospital districts, library districts, and any municipal services. Rates vary significantly by location within the county.

Q: Who do I contact with questions about my property tax bill? A: For current taxes, contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office. For delinquent taxes, contact the Madison County Clerk's Office. For assessment questions, contact the Madison County Assessor's office.

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