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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Saline County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Saline 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
Approximately 1.4015% effective rate for 2025, varies significantly by location and taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Saline County, Nebraska operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, roads and bridges, and various special districts. Property taxes in Saline County fund critical services such as public education through local school districts, county administration, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows Nebraska's property tax framework where property is assessed at 100% of actual value for residential property.

The effective property tax rate in Saline County for the 2025 levy year is approximately 1.4015%, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Property owners may be subject to additional levies from school districts, natural resources districts, educational service units, fire districts, and other special assessment areas. The specific rate you pay depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property location, making it essential to understand your particular tax district combination when calculating your expected property tax liability.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General0.15-0.25%Basic county services, roads, administration
School Districts0.80-1.10%Local public school funding (varies by district)
ESU (Educational Service Unit)0.01-0.03%Regional educational services
Natural Resources District0.03-0.05%Water management and conservation
Community College0.08-0.12%Southeast Community College support
Agricultural Extension0.01-0.02%University extension services
Fire/Emergency Services0.02-0.08%Local fire protection (where applicable)
Total Approximate Rate1.40%Combined rate for 2025 levy year

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes payable in 2025-2026). Actual rates vary by specific location within Saline County based on which taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Saline County Assessor at (402) 821-2374 for your specific district combination and exact rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Saline 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 Saline County are additional property tax bills issued when there are significant changes to a property's assessed value or ownership during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, property splits or combinations, and changes in property use classification. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the entire tax year rather than just the January 1st assessment date.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated by determining the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurred. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $100,000 increase in value, multiplied by the 1.4015% tax rate, then prorated for the remaining 6 months of the tax year (approximately $420). Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event and payment is due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (exemption limits assessment increases, doesn't reduce base value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax ($300,000 × 1.4015%): $4,205
  • Monthly Escrow: $350

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): $0 (exemption caps future assessment growth)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax ($600,000 × 1.4015%): $8,409
  • Monthly Escrow: $701

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (if qualified and applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax ($1,000,000 × 1.4015%): $14,015
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,168

Note: These examples use the average county rate. Your actual rate may vary based on your specific tax districts. Homestead exemption requires application and caps assessment increases rather than reducing current assessed value. Contact the Saline County Assessor for district-specific rates and available tax credit applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Saline County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment, deposits these funds into an escrow account, then pays your property tax bills directly to Saline County when they become due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion of up to two months' worth of payments as required by federal law.

Property tax bills in Saline County are typically due in two installments, and your lender will pay these directly from your escrow account. You should receive copies of the tax bills and payment confirmations for your records. Each year, your lender conducts an escrow analysis to determine if your monthly payment needs adjustment based on changes in your property tax assessment or tax rates. If you pay property taxes independently without escrow, you're responsible for making payments directly to the Saline County Treasurer by the specified due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Saline County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for the 2025 levy year are typically due in two installments. Contact the Saline County Treasurer at (402) 821-2375 for specific due dates and payment options for the 2025-2026 tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available in Saline County and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit available is the Homestead Exemption for residents 65 and older who own and occupy their home. This REQUIRES APPLICATION and must be filed annually. You must own and occupy your home as of January 1, 2025, and remain through August 15, 2025. Applications are available through the Saline County Assessor's office and have specific filing deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption does not reduce your current assessed value but rather caps future assessment increases to protect qualifying seniors from rapid property value growth. You must apply for this benefit - it is not automatic. Contact the Assessor's office for application requirements and deadlines.

Q: When does the county assess property values and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring. If you disagree with your assessment, you can file an appeal with the Saline County Board of Equalization. Appeal deadlines are strictly enforced, usually within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Saline County Treasurer at (402) 821-2375 for current penalty rates and procedures for late payments.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Saline County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Nebraska counties offer online payment portals for taxpayer convenience.

Q: Why did my property taxes increase when tax rates stayed the same? A: Property taxes can increase due to rising property values, new special district assessments, or changes in your property (improvements, reclassification). Even with stable tax rates, increased assessed values result in higher tax bills.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Saline County? A: Your property may be subject to various special district taxes depending on location, including school districts, fire districts, and natural resources districts. These are separate taxing authorities that provide specific services to defined geographic areas within the county.

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
2025 Certificate of Taxes Levied Reports (CTL) as of ...revenue.nebraska.gov
02
Excel File; Page 1revenue.nebraska.gov
03
2024revenue.nebraska.gov
04
Frequently Asked Questionssalinecountyne.gov
05
County
County Assessorsalinecountyne.gov
06
Budget Due by 9-30-2024 - City of Cretecrete.ne.gov
07
Homestead Exemption Noticesalinecountyne.gov
08
Homestead Exemption FAQssalinecountyne.gov
09
1 {o -{;(JYCOsalinecountyne.gov
10
State
financial statements andsalinecountyne.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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