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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Richardson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.2992% base county rate, varies by district with school and municipal levies added
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Richardson County, Nebraska operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, municipal services, and various special districts. The county's property tax rate for tax year 2025 is 0.2992%, though this represents only the base county levy. Property owners typically pay significantly higher effective rates when school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts are included in their total tax bill.

Your actual property tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Richardson County, as different areas are served by different school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and other special taxing entities. Each of these jurisdictions adds their own levy to your total tax bill. Property taxes in Richardson County are assessed annually based on market value and serve as the primary funding mechanism for local government services and infrastructure maintenance.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.2992%Base Richardson County operations (FY 2025)
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district levies (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/village taxes (if applicable to location)
Fire DistrictsVariesRural fire protection districts
Natural ResourcesVariesNatural Resources District levy
Educational ServiceVariesEducational Service Unit levy
Community CollegeVariesSoutheast Community College levy

Note: The rates shown are for levy year 2025. Your total effective rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. School district levies typically represent the largest component of your total property tax bill, often exceeding 1.0% alone.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 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 Richardson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are significant changes to a property during the tax year. These most commonly arise from new construction, substantial improvements, or changes in property ownership that trigger reassessment. When property improvements are completed or when the county assessor discovers previously unassessed value, a supplemental tax bill is issued for the remaining portion of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and your total effective tax rate is 2.0%, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately $1,000 ($100,000 × 2.0% × 6/12 months remaining in the tax year). Supplemental taxes become due immediately upon issuance and follow the same penalty structure as regular property taxes if not paid timely.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $45,000 (up to $40,000 actual value reduction + growth cap benefits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.10%
  • Annual Tax: $5,355
  • Monthly Escrow: $446

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $45,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $555,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.05%
  • Annual Tax: $11,378
  • Monthly Escrow: $948

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $45,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $955,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.00%
  • Annual Tax: $19,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,592

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Richardson County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of the annual estimated property tax bill plus a small cushion for rate increases. Lenders usually pay your property taxes directly to Richardson County before the April 30th and November 30th due dates.

Each year, your lender will provide an escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's tax payments and adjusting your monthly escrow amount based on current tax assessments. If property taxes increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump-sum payment or increased monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Richardson County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are paid in two installments: the first half is due April 30th and the second half is due November 30th for tax year 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Nebraska Homestead Exemption, which requires annual application using Form 458 filed with the county assessor between February 2nd and June 30th. This is NOT automatic and must be applied for each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption provides up to $40,000 in actual value reduction for qualifying homeowners and caps annual assessment increases. It does not reduce your home's market value but limits taxable assessed value growth. You must apply annually between February 2-June 30.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Richardson County? A: Nebraska requires annual assessment of all property. The county assessor reviews market values each year, with assessment notices typically mailed in April.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Richardson County Board of Equalization by June 30th following the assessment notice. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes after the April 30th and November 30th deadlines. Unpaid taxes may result in tax certificate sales.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Richardson County Treasurer's office at www.co.richardson.ne.us for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do property taxes vary within Richardson County? A: Different areas are served by different school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and special taxing entities. Each adds their own levy to your total tax bill, creating variation across locations within the county.

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