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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Burt County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.2810% base county rate, varies by location due to special districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Burt County, Nebraska operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, county operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property taxes in Burt County fund essential services such as education, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and other municipal infrastructure. The county's property tax rate for FY 2025 is 1.2810%, though this represents the baseline rate that applies countywide.

It's important to understand that your actual property tax rate may vary from this baseline depending on your specific location within Burt County. Special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, natural resource districts, and municipal improvement districts can add additional levies to your tax bill. These special assessments mean that two properties of identical value in different areas of the county may have different total tax obligations based on the overlay of various taxing jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy1.2810%Core Burt County operations and services
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations and bond payments
Municipal LevyVariesCity/town services (if within city limits)
Fire District LevyVariesRural fire protection services
Natural Resources DistrictVariesEnvironmental and water management
Community College LevyVariesNortheast Community College district
Special Improvement DistrictsVariesLocal infrastructure improvements

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 tax levy year. School district rates and special district assessments vary significantly by location within Burt County. Contact the Burt County Assessor's office at (402) 374-2955 for your specific total tax rate based on your property's location and applicable taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Burt 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 Burt County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction or improvements completed after the January 1 assessment date, changes in property ownership that remove exemptions or credits, and corrections to assessments discovered during the year.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for your property's location. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition after January 1, and your total tax rate is 2.5% (including all special districts), your supplemental tax would be approximately $1,250 ($50,000 × 2.5%). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60 days of the triggering event and become due upon receipt, with penalties accruing if not paid within 30 days.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Rural Burt County

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$45,000 (limits assessment growth)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Total Tax Rate: 2.45% (base + school + special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $6,248
  • Monthly Escrow: $521

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Agricultural Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Agricultural Land Credit: -$75,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $525,000
  • Total Tax Rate: 2.68%
  • Annual Tax: $14,070
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,173

Example 3: $1,000,000 Commercial Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Total Tax Rate: 2.89% (includes economic development district)
  • Annual Tax: $28,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,408

Note: All credits require annual application and approval. Rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most homeowners with mortgages in Burt County have their property taxes collected through an escrow account managed by their lender. Your mortgage servicer estimates your annual property tax obligation and divides it by 12, adding this amount to your monthly mortgage payment. The servicer typically maintains a cushion of 1-2 months of tax payments in the escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes become due.

Property taxes in Burt County are typically paid in two installments, and your lender will make these payments directly to the county treasurer on your behalf. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your tax payments were calculated and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. It's important to review your escrow statements and verify that payments are being made correctly, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring your property taxes are paid on 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 Burt County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments. Contact the Burt County Treasurer at (402) 374-2955 for specific due dates, as payment schedules can vary by county in Nebraska.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Exemption is the primary tax credit available, which caps annual assessment increases. You must file an application between February 1st and June 30th EVERY YEAR at the Assessor's office. This credit is NOT automatic and requires annual renewal.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption doesn't reduce your property's market value. Instead, it limits how much your assessed value can increase each year (typically by 10%). You must file annually between February 1-June 30 to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Burt County? A: Nebraska law requires properties to be assessed annually at market value as of January 1st. The County Assessor reviews property values each year and may adjust assessments based on market conditions and property improvements.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, if you believe your assessment is incorrect, you can file an appeal with the Burt County Board of Equalization. Appeals must typically be filed by June 30th following the assessment.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Burt County Treasurer immediately if you cannot make payments by the due date to discuss payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Burt County Treasurer's office at (402) 374-2955 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when I didn't make any improvements? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, new or increased special district levies, school bond issues, or the expiration of previous tax credits. The County Assessor can provide a detailed explanation of changes to your specific tax bill.

Q: What special districts might affect my tax bill? A: Common special districts in Burt County include school districts, fire protection districts, natural resource districts, community college districts, and various improvement districts. Your exact combination depends on your property's location.

Q: Do I need to file anything if I'm a new homeowner? A: New homeowners should contact the Assessor's office to ensure proper records and to apply for any applicable credits like the Homestead Exemption. Don't assume previous owners' credits will transfer automatically.

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