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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hayes County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hayes 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
0.9061% effective rate (varies by district based on school districts, fire districts, and special taxing jurisdictions)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hayes County, Nebraska operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, fire protection, and other special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local governmental entities, with the tax rate determined by combining levies from various taxing jurisdictions within your specific location.

The effective property tax rate for Hayes County is approximately 0.9061% based on 2025 tax levies, though this rate varies significantly depending on your exact location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, fire districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions. Property owners should expect their actual rate to differ based on which special districts serve their property. The county uses a market value assessment system, with taxes calculated on the full assessed value of real property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.15% - 0.25%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District0.45% - 0.65%K-12 education funding (varies by district)
ESU (Educational Service Unit)0.02% - 0.04%Regional educational support services
Community College0.08% - 0.12%Mid-Plains Community College support
Fire District0.05% - 0.10%Fire protection services (if applicable)
Weed Control0.01% - 0.02%Noxious weed management
Total Effective Rate~0.9061%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Actual rates vary by location within Hayes County based on which school district, fire district, and other special taxing jurisdictions serve your property. Contact the Hayes County Assessor for your specific tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hayes 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 property taxes in Hayes County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the regular assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that remove previous exemptions, or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and the county discovers it during a March inspection, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $100,000 at Hayes County's tax rate (approximately $906) prorated for the remaining 9 months of the tax year, resulting in about $679 in supplemental taxes due within 30 days of billing.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (limits future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax ($300,000 × 0.9061%): $2,718
  • Monthly Escrow: $227

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (limits future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax ($600,000 × 0.9061%): $5,437
  • Monthly Escrow: $453

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (limits future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax ($1,000,000 × 0.9061%): $9,061
  • Monthly Escrow: $755

Note: All tax credits require application and are not automatic. Homestead exemptions limit assessment increases rather than reducing current assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hayes County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment to ensure taxes are paid on time. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion of up to two months' payments as allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Hayes County are due in two installments: the first half by July 1st and the second half by December 1st each year. Your lender will pay these bills directly to Hayes County from your escrow account. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly, typically with 60 days' notice from your lender.

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 Hayes County for 2026? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: first half by July 1, 2026, and second half by December 1, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Hayes County offers homestead exemptions for residents over 65 with limited income and qualified disabled individuals. All tax credits require application - none are automatic. Contact the Hayes County Assessor's office for applications and specific qualification requirements.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption doesn't reduce your current assessed value but caps future assessment increases, providing long-term tax relief. You must file an application with the county assessor and requalify periodically.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hayes County? A: Nebraska law requires properties to be assessed annually at market value. Hayes County conducts regular market analysis and physical inspections on a rotating basis to ensure fair and accurate assessments.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. First half payments made after July 1st and second half payments after December 1st are subject to additional charges as specified by Nebraska state law.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location within Hayes County determines which school district, fire district, and other special taxing jurisdictions apply to your property. Each adds their levy rate to your total tax rate, which is why rates vary by location within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Hayes County Board of Equalization by June 30th following the assessment notice. Contact the Hayes County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

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 Certificate of Taxes Levied Reports (CTL) as of ...revenue.nebraska.gov
02
2024revenue.nebraska.gov
03
County
hayes county, nebraskahayescounty.ne.gov
04
County
Hayes County Board of Commissionershayescounty.ne.gov
05
Tax Doc
2025 REPORTS AND OPINIONS OF THE PROPERTY TAX ...revenue.nebraska.gov
06
Nebraska Delinquent Real Property Listrevenue.nebraska.gov
07
County
Hayes County Assessor - Homestead Exemptionshayescounty.ne.gov
08
Services Offeredhayescounty.ne.gov
09
Nebraska Homestead Exemptionrevenue.nebraska.gov
10
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATEhayescounty.ne.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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