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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Red Willow County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.290468% for 2025 (varies by location due to different school and special districts within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Red Willow County, Nebraska operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including county government operations, schools, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for these local governmental entities. The county's property tax rate for 2025 is 0.290468%, representing a 6% decrease from the previous year's rate.

It's important to understand that your actual property tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within Red Willow County. This variation occurs because different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, natural resource districts, and other special taxing entities. Each of these districts adds their own levy to the base county rate, creating unique total tax rates for different geographic areas within the county.

Property taxes in Red Willow County are calculated based on the assessed value of your property, which is determined by the county assessor. Nebraska law requires most real property to be assessed at 100% of its actual value, though agricultural and horticultural land receives special valuation treatment.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school district operations and bonds
Educational Service UnitsVariesRegional educational support services
Community CollegeVariesMid-Plains Community College support
Natural Resources DistrictVariesMiddle Republican Natural Resources District
Fire DistrictsVaries by locationLocal fire protection services
Municipal LeviesVaries by cityCity services (if within city limits)
Total Combined Rate0.290468%FY 2025 average rate

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Individual property tax bills will show the specific combination of levies that apply to each property location. Properties in different school districts or fire districts within Red Willow County will have different total rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Red Willow 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 Red Willow County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or use. The most common triggers include new construction completion, change of ownership that removes an exemption, or discovery of previously unassessed improvements.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and the county tax rate is 0.290468%, you would owe approximately $145 in supplemental taxes (($100,000 × 0.00290468) × 6/12 months remaining in the tax year).

Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 30-60 days after the assessment change is processed by the county assessor's office. These taxes become due immediately upon billing and follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (exemptions reduce assessed value, must apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.00290468 = $871.40
  • Monthly Escrow: $871.40 ÷ 12 = $72.62

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Available Exemptions: $0 (must apply separately)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.00290468 = $1,742.81
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,742.81 ÷ 12 = $145.23

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Exemptions: $0 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.00290468 = $2,904.68
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,904.68 ÷ 12 = $242.06

Note: All tax credits and exemptions require separate application with the Red Willow County Assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Red Willow County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill and pays the county directly when taxes become due. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected.

Property taxes in Red Willow County are paid in two installments: the first half is due by April 15th, and the second half is due by October 15th. Your mortgage company will typically pay each installment a few days before the due date to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the Red Willow County Treasurer. You can verify your tax amount and payment status through the county treasurer's office. Keep records of all tax payments for income tax deduction purposes.

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 Red Willow County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by April 15, 2025, and second half by October 15, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Nebraska offers various tax credits including the Homestead Exemption for qualified homeowners. All tax credits require separate application with the Red Willow County Assessor's office - they are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption is actually a tax credit that helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence. You must apply annually with the county assessor, and it caps the growth of your home's assessed value, rather than reducing the market value directly.

Q: When does the county assess properties? A: Red Willow County conducts property assessments annually with a January 1st assessment date. Any personal property brought into the county between January 1 and July 1 must be listed for assessment before July 31st.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Red Willow County Board of Equalization. Appeals must typically be filed by June 30th following the assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Nebraska law imposes penalties and interest on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Red Willow County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and procedures.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Contact the Red Willow County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas of Red Willow County are served by different school districts, fire districts, and other special taxing entities. Each adds their own levy to create your total tax rate.

Q: How often do tax rates change? A: Tax rates are set annually during the budget process. The 2025 rate of 0.290468% represents a 6% decrease from the previous year, but rates can fluctuate based on local government budget needs and property valuations.

Q: What services do my property taxes fund? A: Your taxes support county government operations, public schools, fire protection, natural resources management, community college services, and various special districts depending on your location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
2024-2025 budget.pdfredwillowcountyne.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 REPORTS AND OPINIONS OF THE PROPERTY TAX ...revenue.nebraska.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Certificate of Taxes Levied Reports (CTL) as of ...revenue.nebraska.gov
04
Personal Propertyredwillowcountyne.gov
05
Treasurerredwillowcountyne.gov
06
Sourcenebraskalegislature.gov
07
State
financial statements withredwillowcountyne.gov
08
2022 Audit Reportredwillowcountyne.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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