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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Monroe County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - base county rate plus school, fire, and special districts (typically 1.5-3.5% total effective rate)
1st Due
Dec 31
2nd Due
Jun 30
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Monroe County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including county government operations, public schools, fire protection districts, and various special service districts. Property taxes in Monroe County are levied based on assessed value, which is determined by the County Assessor and represents a percentage of the property's fair market value as established by Missouri state law.

The effective property tax rates in Monroe County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county, as different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire protection districts, ambulance districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions. While the base county tax rate has been reduced to a historic low of $5.67 per $1,000 of assessed value for the 2026 budget year, total tax bills typically range from approximately $8 to $15 per $1,000 of assessed value when all local taxing districts are combined. Property owners should note that Missouri assesses residential property at 19% of fair market value, meaning your assessed value will be significantly lower than your home's market value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $1,000DescriptionLevy Year
Monroe County General$5.67County operations, road maintenance, law enforcementFY 2026
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school funding (varies by location)FY 2025-2026
Fire Protection DistrictsVaries by districtFire and emergency servicesFY 2025-2026
Ambulance DistrictsVaries by districtEmergency medical servicesFY 2025-2026
Library DistrictsVaries by districtPublic library servicesFY 2025-2026
Special Road DistrictsVaries by districtLocal road maintenanceFY 2025-2026

Note: Total tax rates vary significantly by location within Monroe County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Contact the Monroe County Clerk's office or Missouri State Auditor's Office for current rates specific to your property's location and taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 30
Delinquent after Apr 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 Monroe County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, assessment, or physical characteristics outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction or improvements completed after the January 1 assessment date, property ownership transfers that reveal previously unreported improvements, or corrections to assessment errors discovered during the tax year.

Supplemental taxes 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 you complete a $50,000 home addition in June that increases your assessed value by $9,500 (19% of market value), and your total tax rate is $12 per $1,000, you would owe approximately $57 in supplemental taxes ($9,500 × $12 ÷ $1,000 × 6 months ÷ 12 months) for the remainder of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit Applied: -$1,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming $12/$1,000 rate): $672
  • Monthly Escrow: $56

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Property Tax Credits Applied: Varies by eligibility
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Annual Tax (assuming $12/$1,000 rate): $1,368
  • Monthly Escrow: $114

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Property Tax Credits Applied: Varies by eligibility
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Annual Tax (assuming $12/$1,000 rate): $2,280
  • Monthly Escrow: $190

Important: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Monroe County Assessor's office for available credits and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Monroe County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12th of your annual tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Monroe County when they become due on November 1st each year.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and any surplus or shortage adjustments. Since property tax amounts can change due to reassessments or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted annually. If you pay off your mortgage or choose not to escrow, you become responsible for making tax payments directly to the Monroe County Collector by the November 1st due date to avoid penalties and potential delinquency proceedings.

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 Monroe County for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due by November 1st each year for the current fiscal year. Taxes not paid by this date become delinquent, and additional penalties apply if not paid by April 1st of the following year.

Q: What property tax credits are available in Monroe County and how do I apply? A: Missouri offers several property tax credits including the Senior Citizens Property Tax Credit, Disabled Persons Property Tax Credit, and Veterans Disability Tax Credit. All credits require separate applications filed with the Missouri Department of Revenue or County Assessor's office by specific deadlines, typically by March 1st annually.

Q: Does Missouri offer a Homestead exemption and what does it do? A: Missouri has been considering phased-in homestead property tax credits for certain seniors, but these require legislative approval and application. Any homestead-type credit would limit assessment increases rather than reduce market value, and would require annual application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Monroe County? A: Missouri law requires reassessment of all real property every two years. Residential properties are reassessed on even-numbered years, while commercial properties are reassessed on odd-numbered years.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Taxes paid after November 1st are subject to penalties and interest. Taxes remaining unpaid after April 1st may be subject to additional collection procedures including potential tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my Monroe County property taxes online? A: Contact the Monroe County Collector's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods, as these services vary by county.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my property tax bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions serving your property, including school districts, fire districts, ambulance districts, and other special districts. These rates vary significantly by location within Monroe County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment if I believe it's too high? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Monroe County Board of Equalization by a specific deadline, typically in July. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms, procedures, and deadlines for the current assessment year.

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