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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.2103% effective rate for 2024-2025 levy year, varies by taxing district location
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Aug 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Nebraska operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, county operations, and various special districts. The county's effective tax rate for the 2024-2025 levy year is approximately 1.2103%, with a total property tax request of $3,441,751.01. This rate represents the combined levy from all taxing jurisdictions within the county.

Property tax rates in Franklin County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, natural resource districts, and municipal boundaries. The Nebraska state average is around 1%, making Franklin County's rate slightly above the state average. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which special districts serve their property location, and the county has chosen to deny tax levies to miscellaneous districts for the current tax year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
Natural Resources DistrictVariesWater and soil conservation programs
Municipal LeviesVariesCity services (where applicable)
Total Combined Rate1.2103%FY 2024-2025 average rate

Note: Actual rates vary by property location within Franklin County based on specific taxing districts. The Franklin County Board of Supervisors has denied real and personal property tax levies to all miscellaneous districts for the current levy year. Contact the County Assessor for your property's specific district combination and exact rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Apr 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Aug 31
Delinquent after Apr 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 Franklin County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-tax year. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new and old assessed values, then prorating for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a $500,000 home receives a $50,000 improvement in July, and the improvement increases the assessed value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be approximately $302 ($50,000 × 1.2103% × 6/12 months = $302.58). Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill in addition to their regular annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax ($298,800 × 1.2103%): $3,616
  • Monthly Payment: $301

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax ($598,800 × 1.2103%): $7,249
  • Monthly Payment: $604

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Annual Tax ($998,800 × 1.2103%): $12,089
  • Monthly Payment: $1,007

Note: Credits shown are estimates and require application. Actual credits may vary based on eligibility and application approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly tax payments along with principal and interest, depositing funds into an escrow account. The lender pays property taxes directly to Franklin County when due on December 31st each year.

Property owners should verify their escrow account annually, as lenders may adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, expect your monthly escrow payment to adjust accordingly. Property owners who pay taxes directly (without escrow) receive tax statements from the County Treasurer and must ensure payment reaches the county by the December 31st deadline to avoid penalties.

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 Franklin County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by December 31, 2025. The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31.

Q: What tax credits are available in Franklin County and do I need to apply? A: Tax credits available include homestead credits for qualifying residents, disability credits, and senior citizen credits. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic. You must apply between February 1st and June 30th every year at the Assessor's Office.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps assessment growth and provides tax relief for qualifying homeowners. You must file an application annually between February 1st and June 30th to maintain eligibility.

Q: What are the income and value limits for senior and disability credits? A: For over-age 65 applicants, the maximum exemption is up to $40,000 of taxable value or 100% of the county's average assessed value of single-family residential property, whichever is greater. For disabled applicants, the maximum assessed value threshold is $110,000 or 225% of the county's average assessed value, whichever is greater.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed during the protest period, typically between May 1st and June 30th. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific dates and appeal procedures for your assessment year.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Property taxes become delinquent after December 31st. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Real estate taxes are payable in two installments and become delinquent May 1st and September 1st if paying in installments.

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

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Your property's location determines which special taxing districts apply (school district, NRD, municipality, etc.). The combination of all applicable district rates creates your total tax rate, which may differ from the county average of 1.2103%.

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