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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Polk County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Polk 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 plus district rates (varies by location within county based on taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Polk County, Nebraska operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including county government operations, schools, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with assessments based on actual value as determined by the County Assessor. The county conducts property revaluations periodically to ensure fair and equitable assessments across all properties.

Property tax rates in Polk County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including school districts, municipalities, natural resources districts, and other special purpose districts. While the base county rate provides a foundation, your actual tax rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate by checking which districts apply to their specific address, as rates can differ significantly between areas within Polk County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Fund0.156289Basic county services and operations
Sinking Fund0.002062Debt service and capital improvements
Veterans' AidVariableSupport for county veterans' services
School DistrictVariableVaries by specific school district
MunicipalVariableCity/village services (if applicable)
Other DistrictsVariableFire, NRD, ESU, and other special districts

Rates shown are for levy year 2024-2025. The total effective rate typically ranges from approximately 1.4% to 2.2% of assessed value depending on your specific combination of taxing districts. Contact the County Assessor for your property's exact rate calculation, as additional levies may apply based on your location within various special taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Polk 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 Nebraska typically occur when there are significant changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. This can happen due to new construction, major improvements, or corrections to the original assessment. When supplemental taxes are imposed, they are calculated based on the difference between the original assessment and the revised assessment, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and the County Assessor determines this adds $45,000 to your assessed value, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional $45,000 for the remainder of the tax year. Using a 1.8% effective rate, this would result in approximately $810 in additional annual taxes, which may be billed separately from your regular property tax statement.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (caps future increases)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.8% effective rate): $5,400
  • Monthly Tax (if escrowed): $450

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (caps future increases)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.8% effective rate): $10,800
  • Monthly Tax (if escrowed): $900

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (caps future increases)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.8% effective rate): $18,000
  • Monthly Tax (if escrowed): $1,500

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and primarily limits future assessment increases rather than reducing current assessed value. Tax credits for veterans, disabilities, or other qualifying circumstances may further reduce the tax bill but require separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and pays the county directly when taxes are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential increases.

Property tax payments are due in two installments: the first by September 30th and the second by March 31st of the following year. If your taxes are escrowed, your lender will make these payments on your behalf. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account balance and any adjustments needed. It's important to review your tax statements even with escrow to ensure accuracy and to understand any changes in your tax liability.

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 Polk County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - first installment by September 30th and second installment by March 31st of the following year. Interest begins accruing on unpaid first installments after October 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Various tax credits may be available including homestead exemptions, veteran credits, and disability credits. These require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific application forms and deadlines, typically by February 1st annually.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption in Nebraska primarily caps future assessment increases rather than reducing your current assessed value. You must apply with your municipality by February 1st deadline, and it requires annual reapplication in many cases.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Polk County conducts periodic revaluations to ensure fair market assessments. The next scheduled revaluation is in 2025. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights during specified periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes at rates set by state law. First installment interest starts October 1st if unpaid, and second installment interest begins April 1st if unpaid.

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

Q: Why did my taxes increase when my rate stayed the same? A: Tax increases typically result from higher assessed values due to market appreciation, new construction, or revaluation. Even with stable rates, rising property values increase your tax bill.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location determines which special districts (school, fire, NRD, etc.) tax your property. Each district sets its own levy rate, so moving within the county can change your effective tax rate significantly.

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
FINAL PROPERTY TAX RATESpolkcounty.nebraska.gov
02
Tax Doc
Tax Rates for 2025-2026polkcounty.nebraska.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Certificate of Taxes Levied Reports (CTL) as of ...revenue.nebraska.gov
04
County
Polk County Assessor Homeassess.co.polk.ia.us
05
County
Property Tax - Polk County Iowapolkcountyiowa.gov
06
Calendar • Sexual Reproductive Health Clinic - East Grand Fopolkcountymn.gov
07
County
Services | Polk County - Nebraska.govpolkcounty.nebraska.gov
08
County
Assessor | Polk County - Nebraska.govpolkcounty.nebraska.gov
09
Permissive Exemptionspolkcounty.nebraska.gov
10
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991congress.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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