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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pierce County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Average 1.3830% (2024), varies by taxing districts and special jurisdictions within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pierce County, Nebraska operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including county operations, schools, municipalities, and various special districts. Property taxes in Pierce County fund essential services such as law enforcement, road maintenance, emergency services, public education, and local infrastructure projects. The county follows Nebraska's standard assessment practices, with properties typically assessed at 100% of market value.

The effective property tax rate in Pierce County varies by location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions and special districts. As of the 2024 tax year, the average property tax rate was approximately 1.3830%, though individual property owners may experience rates ranging from 1.2% to 1.6% depending on their specific location and applicable special assessments. These variations occur because different areas of the county fall within different school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and other special taxing authorities, each with their own approved levy rates.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 valuation)Description
County General$0.2500Basic county operations and services
County Road$0.0800Road maintenance and infrastructure
School Districts$1.0000-$1.2000Varies by school district boundaries
Municipal$0.3000-$0.5000City services (where applicable)
Fire Districts$0.0200-$0.0400Rural fire protection services
Agricultural Extension$0.0050County extension services
Total Average$1.3830Composite rate for FY 2024-2025

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by location within Pierce County based on special taxing districts. The City of Plainview requested $509,594.64 in property taxes, while Pierce County's total request was $5,600,000.00 for the current fiscal year. Contact the Pierce County Assessor at 402-329-4225 for rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pierce 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 Pierce County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments. When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in March and the county assessor updates the assessment, supplemental taxes would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year. At Pierce County's average rate of 1.3830%, this would result in approximately $575 in additional annual taxes, prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$3,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Annual Tax (1.3830%): $4,107
  • Monthly Payment: $342

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$3,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,000
  • Annual Tax (1.3830%): $8,257
  • Monthly Payment: $688

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$3,000 (requires application)
  • Disabled Veterans Credit: -$2,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Annual Tax (1.3830%): $13,761
  • Monthly Payment: $1,147

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Pierce County Assessor's office for current credit amounts and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Pierce County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Lenders collect monthly property tax payments along with mortgage payments and hold these funds in escrow until tax payments are due. The escrow servicer is responsible for making timely payments to Pierce County and ensuring all taxes, special assessments, and other charges levied on the property are paid in full.

Pierce County processes escrow payments through the Finance Department, and mortgage companies are subject to the same payment policies as individual taxpayers. Property owners should verify that their lender has accurate tax information and is making complete payments, as borrowers remain ultimately responsible for any unpaid taxes or penalties. The county recommends reviewing annual escrow statements and contacting your lender immediately if you receive delinquency notices, as this may indicate escrow calculation errors or processing delays.

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 Pierce County? A: For FY 2025-2026, property tax assessment occurs by April 15, with certification by August 20. The final payment deadline is typically November 1. Contact the Pierce County Finance Department for exact dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Nebraska offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit, Disabled Veterans Credit, and certain agricultural credits. ALL credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit in Nebraska caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit must be applied for annually and has specific income and residency requirements. Contact the county assessor for current application deadlines.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Pierce County conducts ongoing assessment updates. Personal property brought into the county between January 1 and July 1 must be listed for assessment before July 31.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact Pierce County Finance Department for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Pierce County offers online property tax payment options. You can also pay in person at county offices or by mail to the Pierce County Finance Department.

Q: How do I apply for property tax exemptions for non-profit organizations? A: Non-profit organizations must file exemption applications by December 31, or by June 30 if applying late. Contact the Pierce County Assessor at 402-329-4225 for application requirements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property valuation protests can be filed with the county assessor's office. Specific procedures and deadlines are available through the Pierce County Assessor at 402-329-4225.

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