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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McPherson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.240194 per $100 assessed value (base county rate), varies significantly by location with school and special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McPherson County, Nebraska operates on an annual property tax cycle that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are levied based on assessed valuations determined by the County Assessor, with tax rates varying significantly by location within the county depending on which special taxing districts apply to your property.

For the 2025 tax year, the base county tax rate is 0.240194 per $100 of assessed value, representing a slight decrease from the 2024 rate of 0.242605 per $100. However, your actual effective tax rate will be higher when combined with school district levies, municipal taxes (if applicable), and special district assessments such as fire districts, natural resources districts, and community college levies. Most properties in McPherson County can expect total effective tax rates ranging from approximately 1.5% to 2.2% of assessed value, depending on their specific location and applicable taxing districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General0.240194Base county operations, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictVariesK-12 education funding (rates vary by district)
ESU (Educational Service Unit)VariesRegional educational services
Community CollegeVariesMid-Plains Community College levy
Natural Resources DistrictVariesMiddle Republican NRD or applicable district
Fire DistrictVariesRural fire protection (if applicable)
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your total tax rate depends on which combination of these taxing districts applies to your specific property location. Contact the McPherson County Assessor at (308) 587-2363 for your property's exact taxing district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McPherson 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 McPherson County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, valuation, or taxable status. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, changes in exemption status, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the regular tax roll is finalized.

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 $50,000 home addition in July and your total tax rate is 2.0%, you would owe supplemental taxes of approximately $500 (50% of the year remaining × $50,000 × 2.0% = $500). These supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the valuation change and have separate due dates from your regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (example credit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.8% (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $5,310
  • Monthly Escrow: $442

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.9% (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $11,305
  • Monthly Escrow: $942

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.1% (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $20,895
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,741

Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual rates vary by property location and applicable taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McPherson County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing funds into an escrow account that pays your tax bills when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax amount each month, plus additional reserves to ensure sufficient funds.

Property taxes in McPherson County are paid in two installments: the first half is due by April 15th and the second half by October 15th. Your escrow servicer should make these payments automatically, but you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring timely payment. Review your annual escrow analysis statement carefully and verify that your lender has current tax information, especially after assessment changes or new construction. Contact the McPherson County Treasurer at (308) 587-2579 to confirm your tax payments have been received if you have concerns about your escrow account management.

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 McPherson County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: first half by April 15th and second half by October 15th. Payments received after these dates incur penalty and interest charges.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Nebraska offers homestead exemptions that must be applied for annually with the County Assessor by June 30th. These credits typically cap assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Contact the McPherson County Assessor at (308) 587-2363 for current applications and eligibility requirements.

Q: Do I need to file annually for homestead credits? A: Most homestead credits require initial application only, but some income-qualified programs require annual renewal. Verify your specific credit requirements with the County Assessor to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in McPherson County? A: Nebraska requires annual assessment updates, with comprehensive reappraisals typically conducted every 4-6 years depending on market conditions and state mandates.

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

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as specified by Nebraska state law, typically starting at 14% annual interest rate on delinquent amounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online in McPherson County? A: Contact the McPherson County Treasurer at (308) 587-2579 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property location determines which special taxing districts apply (fire, school, natural resources, etc.). Each district adds its levy rate to your total tax calculation, making location a significant factor in your overall tax burden.

Q: What if I own agricultural or commercial property? A: Agricultural land may qualify for special agricultural valuation, while commercial properties follow different assessment procedures. Contact the County Assessor for property-type specific information and available programs.

Q: How do I verify which taxing districts apply to my property? A: The County Assessor can provide a breakdown of all taxing districts that apply to your specific property address, along with current levy rates for each district.

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