HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Putnam County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Putnam 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
Varies by district from ~1% base rate plus special district additions
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Putnam County, Missouri operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes are levied on October 1st each year, with tax bills typically mailed to property owners in November. The county serves as the collection agent for its own taxes as well as most other local government entities, though some cities may collect their own taxes.

The effective tax rate in Putnam County varies significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, road districts, and other municipal services. Based on Missouri's statewide average assessment rate of approximately 1% of market value, property owners can expect their actual tax burden to depend on which special districts serve their specific property location. Special Road & Bridge districts, such as the Unionville SRD and Lake Thunderhead SRD, add additional levies that vary by area within Putnam County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
Special Road & Bridge0.35Road maintenance and bridge repairs (varies by district)
Unionville SRD0.35Special road district serving Unionville area
Lake Thunderhead SRDVariesSpecial services for Lake Thunderhead area

Note: These rates apply to the 2024 levy year for taxes due in 2025. The 2025 levy rates have not yet been officially determined by the Missouri State Auditor's Office. Actual total rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific special taxing districts in Putnam County. Contact the Putnam County Assessor's Office for your specific district combination and total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Putnam 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 Putnam County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value (typically 19% of the improvement cost in Missouri, or about $19,000) multiplied by your total tax rate, then prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. The county bills and collects these supplemental taxes separately from regular annual property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less Tax Credits (if applied): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 2.5% rate): $1,375
  • Monthly Escrow: $115

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less Tax Credits (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $111,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 2.5% rate): $2,775
  • Monthly Escrow: $231

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less Tax Credits (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $185,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 2.5% rate): $4,625
  • Monthly Escrow: $385

Note: Tax credits shown require separate application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by special district location.

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 Putnam County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Putnam County when they become due.

Since Putnam County property taxes are due September 15th (first installment) and December 15th (final installment), your lender will typically make payments on these dates. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, as special district variations can cause confusion. You can verify your actual tax bill through the Putnam County Collector's office and provide updates to your lender if their escrow calculations are incorrect.

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 Putnam County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due September 15th for the first installment and December 15th for the final payment. These deadlines apply to taxes levied in 2024 for the 2025 collection year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Most property tax credits in Missouri require separate application and are not automatic. Contact the Putnam County Assessor's office between July 1st and December 1st to apply for available credits including senior citizen credits and disabled veteran credits.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Missouri's homestead-type credits typically cap annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These credits require annual application during the specified filing period and are not automatically applied to your property.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Putnam County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the September 15th or December 15th deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Putnam County? A: Missouri law requires property reassessment on a regular cycle. Contact the Putnam County Assessor's office for the current reassessment schedule and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessment.

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

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Putnam County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, road districts (like Unionville SRD), and other municipal services, each with their own tax levy.

Q: What if I farm my property - are there special considerations? A: Property owners who actively farm their land may be eligible for Farm Use exemptions, which can significantly reduce assessed values. This requires application and proof of agricultural use - contact the Putnam County Assessor for details and deadlines.

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: Putnamauditor.mo.gov
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
County
THE PUTNAM COUNTY LEGISLATUREputnamcountyny.gov
04
County
Putnam County Financial Statementauditor.mo.gov
05
County
Putnam County Assessor's Officeputnamcountywv.gov
06
Tax Doc
Form 2823 - 2019 Credit Institution Tax Returndor.mo.gov
07
Tax Doc
2032H.01I Bill No.: HJR 57 Subject: Taxation and Revhouse.mo.gov
08
County
T:\1 - 2025\2 - SCHOOL PROCESSING 2526\1 ... - Putnam Countyputnamcountyny.gov
09
County
Putnam Countyauditor.mo.gov
10
County
THE PUTNAM COUNTY LEGISLATUREputnamcountyny.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