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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Knox County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Knox 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
Base county rate 0.132144 per $100 assessed value, varies by district with school and special levies
1st Due
Dec 31
2nd Due
Apr 30
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Knox County, Nebraska operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services, with taxes calculated based on assessed property values and local tax rates set by various taxing authorities.

The property tax rate for Knox County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal services. For the 2025 tax year, the base county rate is 0.132144 per $100 of assessed valuation, though your total effective rate will likely be higher when school district levies and other special assessments are included. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to vary depending on which specific taxing districts serve their property location.

Property taxes in Knox County are assessed annually based on market value as of January 1st, with payments due in two installments throughout the year. The county follows Nebraska's standard assessment practices, with most residential properties assessed at approximately 100% of market value, though various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners who submit the required applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Knox County Base Levy0.132144County operations, services, and infrastructure
School District LevyVaries by districtK-12 education funding (varies by school district)
Municipal LevyVaries by cityCity services (applies only within city limits)
Fire District LevyVaries by districtFire protection services
Other Special DistrictsVariesAdditional services like libraries, NRDs, etc.

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Your total property tax rate depends on which combination of taxing districts serve your specific property location. Properties in different areas of Knox County will have different total effective rates due to varying special district boundaries and levies. The county's final property tax request for 2025 was $4,162,340.06.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Apr 30
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 Knox County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the January 1st assessment date. These taxes ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated when properties change hands or increase in value due to improvements during the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by: property sales that result in reassessment, completion of new construction or major renovations, and additions or improvements that increase property value. The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Knox County in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $300,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 difference in assessed value, calculated for the remaining 6 months of the tax year. This ensures that you pay the appropriate amount based on the property's current value rather than the previous owner's assessment.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $0 (caps future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: ~2.50% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: ~$7,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$625

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior Credit (if qualified and applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Tax Rate: ~2.50% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: ~$15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Limited at this value
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: ~2.50% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: ~$25,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,083

Important: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Knox County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Knox County when they become due.

Knox County property taxes are due in two installments: the first half payment is due by June 1st, and the second half payment is due by December 1st. Your lender will typically pay these installments on your behalf using funds collected in your escrow account. Lenders usually conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value or tax rates.

If you pay your own property taxes without escrow, you're responsible for making both installment payments directly to Knox County by the due dates. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. You can verify your tax amounts and payment status through the Knox County Treasurer's office, and it's important to keep records of all payments for tax deduction purposes.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Knox County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by June 1st and second half by December 1st. These dates apply to the current tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available in Knox County and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits include homestead credits for qualifying residents, senior citizen credits for those over 65 (up to $40,000 exemption), and disabled veteran credits. All credits require annual application between February 1st and June 30th at the County Assessor's office. Credits are not automatic and must be renewed annually.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your current assessed value but limits future assessment increases to help provide property tax stability. You must file an application annually between February 1st and June 30th to maintain this protection.

Q: When does Knox County reassess properties? A: Property assessments are conducted annually as of January 1st. Personal property schedules must be filed between January 1st and May 1st each year, reporting what was owned as of January 1st.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Knox County Assessor's office if you believe your assessment is incorrect. There are specific deadlines and procedures for filing assessment appeals that must be followed.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Knox County Treasurer's office immediately if you cannot make payments by the June 1st or December 1st deadlines to discuss options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Knox County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do properties in different parts of Knox County have different tax rates? A: Total tax rates vary by location due to different combinations of special taxing districts including school districts, fire districts, municipalities, and other local service districts that serve different areas of the county.

Q: What's the maximum exemption for senior citizens? A: For residents over 65, 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. Applications must be filed annually between February 1st and June 30th.

Q: What's the income limit for the disabled person's exemption? A: For most disabled applicants, the maximum assessed value of the homestead eligible for exemption is $110,000 or 225% of the county's average assessed value of single-family residential property, whichever is greater. Contact the Assessor's office for specific qualification requirements and application procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 9:00 A.M.knoxcountyne.gov
02
County
Center, Nebraska - Knox Countyknoxcountyne.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Certificate of Taxes Levied Reports (CTL) as of ...revenue.nebraska.gov
04
County
Personal Property FAQs – Knox Countyknoxcountyne.gov
05
County
Knox Countyknoxcountyne.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questionsknoxcountyne.gov
07
Table 26D 2021 Homestead Exemptionrevenue.nebraska.gov
08
Homestead Exemption FAQsknoxcountyne.gov
09
Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application Part Arevenue.nebraska.gov
10
County
Knox County, Nebraska Independent Auditor's Report and ...knoxcountyne.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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