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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Keya Paha County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.6745% for 2025 (varies by taxing district within county)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Keya Paha County, Nebraska operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and special districts. Property taxes in Keya Paha County fund essential services including public education, county operations, fire protection, and various improvement districts. The county's property tax rate for 2025 is 0.6745%, which is notably lower than the Nebraska state average of approximately 1%.

Property tax rates in Keya Paha County vary by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Your actual tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your specific property location. All property is assessed at 100% of its actual value as determined by the county assessor, with taxes calculated by multiplying the net taxable assessed value by the applicable tax rate for your area's taxing districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and bond payments
Community CollegeVariesNortheast Community College district
Natural ResourcesVariesNatural Resources District services
Fire ProtectionVariesRural fire protection districts (if applicable)
Total Average Rate0.6745%Combined rate for Levy Year 2025

Note: This 0.6745% represents the average rate for Keya Paha County based on 2025 Certificate of Taxes Levied reports. Your actual rate may differ based on the specific taxing districts that serve your property location. Special assessments for improvements or bond issues may result in additional charges not reflected in the base rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Keya Paha 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 Keya Paha County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, changes in property use classification, 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 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 July, and your area's tax rate is 0.6745%, you would owe approximately $337 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 0.006745 × 6 months remaining ÷ 12 months). These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own payment due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if qualified): $0 (assessment growth limitation only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.006745 = $2,024
  • Monthly Escrow: $169

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if qualified): $0 (assessment growth limitation only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.006745 = $4,047
  • Monthly Escrow: $337

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if qualified): $0 (assessment growth limitation only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.006745 = $6,745
  • Monthly Escrow: $562

Note: Homestead exemptions for qualified seniors (65+), disabled individuals, or disabled veterans require annual application and primarily limit assessment increases rather than reducing the current assessed value. Contact the Keya Paha County Assessor for application requirements and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Keya Paha County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of the annual tax bill. The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to the county treasurer when due.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You'll receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and any required changes to your monthly payment. It's important to review tax assessment notices and escrow statements for accuracy, as significant assessment changes can impact your monthly mortgage payment. If you pay property taxes directly rather than through escrow, remember that Keya Paha County real estate taxes are typically due April 15, with personal property taxes due July 31.

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 Keya Paha County for the current tax year? A: Real estate property taxes are typically due April 15, while personal property taxes are due July 31. Check with the Keya Paha County Treasurer for specific due dates for the current fiscal year, as dates may vary.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead exemptions are available for residents over age 65, certain disabled individuals, and certain disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. These require annual application to the County Assessor and primarily limit assessment increases rather than reducing current assessed value. Contact the assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead exemption caps annual assessment increases on your primary residence, providing property tax stability for qualified applicants. It does not reduce your home's current market value assessment but limits future assessment growth. You must apply annually and meet specific residency and age/disability requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Keya Paha County? A: Nebraska law requires properties to be assessed annually at 100% of actual value as of January 1st. The county assessor reviews property values each year, though not every property receives a physical inspection annually.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Keya Paha County Board of Equalization by the deadline specified on your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Keya Paha County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Keya Paha County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods, as services may vary.

Q: Why did my property taxes increase when the tax rate stayed the same? A: Property taxes can increase due to higher assessed values, new special district assessments, voter-approved bond issues, or changes in the mix of taxing districts serving your property. The total tax rate combines multiple jurisdictions that may change independently.

Q: What happens if I bring personal property into Keya Paha County mid-year? A: Personal property brought into the county between January 1 and July 1 must be listed for assessment before July 31 of that year. Contact the County Assessor to report and assess any qualifying personal property.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my property tax bill? A: Your property may be served by multiple taxing entities including school districts, community college districts, natural resource districts, and fire protection districts. Each has its own tax rate, and your total rate is the sum of all applicable district rates for your specific location.

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