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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cedar County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cedar County, NE. 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
$8.47 per $1,000 of assessed valuation (varies by taxing districts within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cedar County, Nebraska operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the county's 2025 tax rate set at $8.47 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This rate represents the combined levy from multiple taxing entities including the county, school districts, municipalities, and various special districts.

Property tax bills in Cedar County can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, natural resources districts, and municipal boundaries. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, depending on your property's assessed value and the specific taxing districts that serve your area. Nebraska uses a fractional assessment system where residential and commercial properties are assessed at different percentages of market value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $1,000Description
County General~$2.50County operations, roads, courthouse, sheriff
School Districts~$4.50K-12 education (varies by district)
Municipal~$0.75City services (if within city limits)
Fire District~$0.35Fire protection services
Natural Resources District~$0.15Water management, conservation
Other Special Districts~$0.22Varies by location
Total Combined Rate$8.47FY 2025 average rate

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and represent averages across Cedar County. Your actual tax rate will depend on the specific combination of taxing districts serving your property location. School district levies can vary significantly between districts within the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cedar 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 Cedar County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or characteristics that occur after the annual assessment but during the current tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove exemptions, building additions, or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $75,000, you would receive a supplemental bill for roughly 9 months of additional taxes (April through December) on that $75,000 increase. At Cedar County's $8.47 rate, this would equal approximately $476 in supplemental taxes ($75,000 ÷ 1,000 × $8.47 × 9/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,000
  • Annual Tax: $295,000 ÷ 1,000 × $8.47 = $2,498
  • Monthly Payment: $208

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $592,500
  • Annual Tax: $592,500 ÷ 1,000 × $8.47 = $5,018
  • Monthly Payment: $418

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $990,000
  • Annual Tax: $990,000 ÷ 1,000 × $8.47 = $8,387
  • Monthly Payment: $699

Note: Homestead Credit amounts are estimates and require annual application. Credits reduce your tax bill, not your assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cedar County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing them into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Cedar County when due on December 31st, or may split payments with half due by April 30th and the remainder by August 31st.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if taxes increase or decrease significantly. You'll receive an escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and any shortage or surplus. If you have an escrow account, verify that your lender pays on time to avoid penalties, and review your annual statement to ensure taxes are being paid correctly. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Cedar County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due December 31st annually. You can pay in two installments: first half by April 30th (becomes delinquent May 1st) and second half by August 31st (becomes delinquent September 1st).

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Nebraska Homestead Credit is available for qualifying homeowners age 65+ or disabled, requiring annual application by June 30th. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Veterans may qualify for additional credits. All credits require application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your home's assessed value but instead limits annual assessment increases to protect eligible seniors and disabled homeowners from rapid tax increases. You must apply annually by June 30th through the Cedar County Assessor's office.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Cedar County conducts property assessments annually, with physical inspections rotating through different areas of the county over several years. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late spring with appeal deadlines in early summer.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. After May 1st (first half) or September 1st (second half), interest accrues monthly. Unpaid taxes eventually result in tax liens and potential tax deed sales.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Cedar County Treasurer's office at (402) 254-7411 for current online payment options and accepted methods. Many Nebraska counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Cedar County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, municipalities, and other special taxing districts. Your specific location determines which entities can tax your property, creating rate variations across the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Cedar County Board of Equalization by the deadline printed on your assessment notice (typically in July). Appeals must demonstrate your assessment exceeds fair market value or contains factual errors.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
2025 REPORTS AND OPINIONS OF THE PROPERTY TAX ...revenue.nebraska.gov
02
wynot 101cedarcountyne.gov
03
County
COUNTY ADJUSTED NET BOOK PERSONALrevenue.nebraska.gov
04
Treasurer FAQcedarcountyne.gov
05
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX CALENDAR - Nebraska.govrevenue.nebraska.gov
06
Tax Doc
The Basics of Nebraska's Property Taxnebraskalegislature.gov
07
County
Cedar County Nebraskacedarcountyne.gov
08
News Flashsarpy.gov
09
Servicescedarcountyne.gov
10
Tax Doc
2019 REPORTS AND OPINIONS OF THE PROPERTY TAX ...revenue.nebraska.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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