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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Saline County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Saline 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% effective rate (0.2739% county rate plus school districts and local jurisdictions, varies by district)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Saline County, Missouri serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. The county operates under Missouri's assessment system where residential properties are assessed at 19% of their true market value, while the statewide average effective tax rate is approximately 1%.

Your actual property tax rate in Saline County will vary depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal services. For the 2025 levy year, the general revenue rate for Saline County is 0.2739%, but when combined with school districts and other local taxing jurisdictions, total effective rates typically range from 0.8% to 1.4% of assessed value. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and applicable districts with the Saline County Assessor's office, as rates can differ significantly between municipalities and rural areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
General Revenue0.2739%County operations and services (FY 2025-2026)
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations (varies by district)
Fire ProtectionVariesFire district services (if applicable by location)
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library services (if applicable by location)
Municipal ServicesVariesCity services (for incorporated areas only)
Special AssessmentsVariesVoter-approved bonds and special projects

Note: The total tax rate for your property depends on which special taxing districts serve your address. School district rates typically represent the largest component of your total tax bill. The General Revenue rate shown applies to the 2025 levy year and may change annually based on county budget requirements. Contact the Saline County Collector of Revenue for your specific total rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Saline 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 Missouri are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership or improvements made during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, or ownership transfers that prompt reassessment. Unlike the annual tax bill cycle, supplemental taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurs.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in Saline County in March, and the improvement increases your assessed value by $9,500 (19% of $50,000), you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering March through December. With a hypothetical total tax rate of 1.2%, the additional annual tax would be $114, but the supplemental bill would be prorated for 10 months, resulting in approximately $95 in additional taxes due.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,100 (maximum)
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,900
  • Annual Tax (1.2% rate): $671
  • Monthly Escrow: $56

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,100 (maximum)
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,900
  • Annual Tax (1.2% rate): $1,355
  • Monthly Escrow: $113

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,100 (maximum)
  • Net Taxable Value: $188,900
  • Annual Tax (1.2% rate): $2,267
  • Monthly Escrow: $189

Important: These examples use a hypothetical 1.2% total tax rate. Your actual rate will depend on your specific location and applicable taxing districts. Homestead credits require annual application and are not automatic - contact the Saline County Assessor to apply.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Saline County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to the Saline County Collector of Revenue when they become due on October 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if your property taxes increase or decrease. Property owners can verify their tax payments and balances by contacting the Saline County Collector's office directly. If you pay taxes independently (without escrow), you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the collector's office by the October 15th deadline to avoid penalties and potential inclusion in the annual tax sale held on the fourth Monday in August.

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 Saline County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due annually by October 15th. For FY 2025-2026, the deadline is October 15, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Credit is available for primary residences, providing up to $1,100 in tax relief for qualifying homeowners. This credit requires annual application with the Saline County Assessor and is NOT automatic - you must file paperwork to receive it.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work exactly? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence and provides direct tax bill reduction. It doesn't reduce your property's market value but caps how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year. You must apply annually to maintain eligibility.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Missouri requires counties to reassess properties every two years. Contact the Saline County Assessor for the current reassessment schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Properties with unpaid taxes by October 15th become delinquent and subject to penalties and interest. Delinquent properties are included in the annual tax sale held on the fourth Monday in August (August 24, 2026, for the next cycle).

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Saline County Collector of Revenue office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Your location determines which special taxing districts apply (school, fire, library, municipal). These districts can significantly impact your total tax rate, which is why rates vary across the county.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment with the Saline County Board of Equalization. Appeal deadlines are strictly enforced, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Saline County Assessor for specific procedures and deadlines.

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