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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ozark County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of market value (varies by taxing districts including school, fire, ambulance, and library districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ozark County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, emergency services, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes in Ozark County are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the County Assessor at 19% of true market value for residential properties. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire protection districts, ambulance districts, and library districts. Properties in different areas of Ozark County will have different total tax rates based on the combination of these local taxing jurisdictions. The county reassesses all real property every two years on an odd-year cycle, with the next countywide reassessment scheduled for 2025.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates represent components typically found in Ozark County tax bills, though your specific rate will depend on your property's location and applicable special districts:

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General$0.25-$0.35Basic county services, roads, courts
School District$3.50-$4.50Local school district operations and debt
Ambulance District$0.24Emergency medical services (rate shown: $0.2405)
Fire Protection$0.15-$0.40Fire department services (varies by district)
Library District$0.10-$0.25Public library services (if applicable)
Total Range$4.24-$5.74Per $100 of assessed value

Note: These rates are estimates based on available data. The 2025 levy year rates are not yet finalized. Contact the Missouri State Auditor's Office or Ozark County Clerk for current certified rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ozark 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 property taxes in Ozark County are additional tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or taxable status. Common triggers include new construction completion, property splits or combinations, removal of exemptions, or corrections to assessments discovered after the regular tax roll is finalized.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they cover the period from when the change became effective through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in September and the assessed value increases by $50,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional taxes owed from September through December. The supplemental amount is calculated by applying your property's total tax rate to the change in assessed value, then prorating for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property taxes for different market values in Ozark County, assuming a total tax rate of $4.85 per $100 of assessed value and standard residential assessment ratio of 19%:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $57,000 (19% of market value)
  • Less Senior/Disabled Credit: $0 (if not applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $57,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,765 ($57,000 ÷ 100 × $4.85)
  • Monthly Escrow: $230

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $114,000
  • Less Senior/Disabled Credit: -$1,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,000
  • Annual Tax: $5,481
  • Monthly Escrow: $457

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $190,000
  • Less Senior/Disabled Credit: -$1,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $189,000
  • Annual Tax: $9,167
  • Monthly Escrow: $764

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location and special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ozark County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes based on current tax bills and divide this amount into 12 monthly payments collected with your mortgage payment. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Ozark County when they become due.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. Property taxes in Ozark County are generally due by April 15th, and lenders usually pay these by the deadline to avoid penalties. You should receive annual statements showing escrow account activity and can request information about your account balance at any time.

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 Ozark County? A: Property taxes are typically due April 15th annually. For the current fiscal year, verify the exact deadline with the Ozark County Collector's office as dates may vary slightly year to year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Missouri offers a Property Tax Credit for seniors 65+ with household income under $70,000 and certain disabled individuals. This credit must be applied for annually by October 15th and is not automatic. Additionally, there's a homestead-type deferral program that allows eligible seniors to defer tax increases beyond the previous year's amount.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Missouri's homestead program primarily works as a deferral system rather than a traditional exemption. Eligible taxpayers can defer increases in property taxes beyond what they paid the previous year. This doesn't reduce the market value assessment but caps the tax increase. Applications must be filed between January 1st and October 15th of the first year you claim the deferral.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Ozark County? A: Ozark County conducts full reassessments every two years on odd years. The next countywide reassessment is scheduled for 2025. You can appeal your assessment within 30 days of receiving your notice of assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Ozark County Collector for specific penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the April deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Ozark County Collector's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Missouri counties now offer online payment systems.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when I didn't make any improvements? A: Tax increases can result from countywide reassessment, changes in local tax rates, or removal of previous exemptions/credits. Special district rate changes (schools, fire, ambulance) are common causes of tax increases.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate is the sum of all taxing jurisdictions serving your property. These may include county, school district, fire protection district, ambulance district, and library district. Each sets its own rate, and the combination determines your total tax burden.

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