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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Scott County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.3% of assessed value (varies by taxing district combination)
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Scott County, Missouri's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Scott County are administered at the county level, with the County Assessor determining property values and the County Collector managing tax collection and payment processing.

The effective property tax rate in Scott County varies significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, fire protection districts, and municipal services. Property owners can expect rates typically ranging from approximately 0.8% to 1.3% of assessed value, depending on their specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve their property. All property is assessed at 19% of its true value in money for residential properties, with commercial properties assessed at 32% of true value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General~0.25-0.35County operations, courts, sheriff services
School Districts~0.45-0.65Local school district operations and debt service
Fire Protection~0.10-0.15Fire protection district services
Municipal Services~0.05-0.25City services (where applicable)
Library District~0.02-0.05Public library services
Total Combined~0.87-1.45Varies by specific location and districts

Note: These rates apply to FY 2024-2025 levy year and represent typical ranges. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within Scott County and which special taxing districts serve your area. The 2025 rates are not yet finalized - contact the Missouri State Auditor's Office for updates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Scott 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 Scott County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or substantial improvements that occur after the January 1 assessment date but before the end of the tax year. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions throughout the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessment, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a new home is completed in June, the owner would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December for the difference between the vacant land assessment and the improved property assessment. Supplemental taxes follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes and become delinquent if not paid by December 31.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $57,000
  • Less: Senior Tax Credit (if applicable): -$750
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,250
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $563
  • Monthly Payment: $47

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $114,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applicable): -$1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $112,900
  • Annual Tax (at 1.1% rate): $1,242
  • Monthly Payment: $104

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (19%): $190,000
  • Less: Property Tax Credit (if qualified): -$1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $188,900
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $2,267
  • Monthly Payment: $189

Note: All tax credits shown require separate application and income qualification. Credits are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Scott County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to manage property tax payments. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county directly when taxes become due on December 31 each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if property taxes increase or decrease. Property owners are responsible for notifying their lender of any tax credits they receive to avoid overpayment into escrow. If you pay your mortgage off or refinance, you become responsible for making direct tax payments to the Scott County Collector's Office by the December 31 deadline.

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 Scott County? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due by December 31, 2024. Payments received after this date are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Scott County offers several tax credits including the Senior Citizens Tax Credit, Disabled Person Tax Credit, and Property Tax Credit for lower-income homeowners. All credits require separate applications with income verification and must be filed annually. Contact the County Assessor's Office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit helps limit assessment increases for eligible seniors (65+) with household income of $70,000 or less, and disabled individuals receiving Social Security. It caps your tax increases rather than reducing your home's value. You must apply between January 1 and October 15 of the first year you claim the deferral.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Scott County? A: Missouri law requires reassessment of real property every two years on odd-numbered years. The next county-wide reassessment will occur in 2025, with new values taking effect for the 2025 tax year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Scott County Board of Equalization by the second Monday in June following the assessment year. You'll need comparable property data and evidence supporting your claim that the assessment exceeds fair market value.

Q: What penalties apply for late payment? A: Missouri law mandates penalties for taxes not paid by December 31. Contact the County Collector's Office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Scott County Collector's Office directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for your property tax bill.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Scott County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties in different areas of the county are served by different combinations of these districts, resulting in varying total tax rates.

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: Scottauditor.mo.gov
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
Tax Doc
Sales and Use Tax Rate Tablesdor.mo.gov
04
What Fees and Penalties May I Owe?stc.mo.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
06
Tax Doc
IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe ...irs.gov
07
Homestead exemptionsenate.mo.gov
08
County
Scott County Mn Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
09
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
10
County
Scott County Financial Statementsauditor.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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