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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Saunders County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Saunders 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
County rate 0.40%, total effective rates vary significantly by taxing district combinations
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Saunders County, Nebraska fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. The county operates under Nebraska's property tax system where real estate is assessed annually and taxed based on market value. Property owners in Saunders County can expect effective tax rates that vary significantly depending on their specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal services.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property. For the FY 2025-2026 levy year, the preliminary county tax rate is 0.40%, but when combined with school districts, municipalities, and other special districts, total effective rates typically range from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value. Your specific rate will be determined by the combination of all taxing entities that provide services to your property location within Saunders County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.40%Preliminary rate for FY 2025-2026 county services
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district levies (varies by district)
MunicipalitiesVariesCity/village taxes (if within city limits)
Fire DistrictsVariesRural fire protection districts
Natural ResourcesVariesLocal NRD assessments
Other Special DistrictsVariesLibraries, ESUs, bonds, improvements

Note: The rates shown are for levy year 2025-2026. Your actual total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location. The county rate of 0.40% represents only a portion of your total property tax bill. School district levies typically represent the largest component of property taxes in Nebraska.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Saunders 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 Saunders County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements during the tax year. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year. Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same tax rate that applies to your property but are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding substantial improvements like additions or pools, or removing exemptions that previously applied to the property. For example, if you purchase a $400,000 home in March and the previous assessment was significantly lower, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering April through the end of the tax year based on the difference in assessed values multiplied by your area's total tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.0% effective rate): $6,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $500

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.0% effective rate): $12,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,000

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits: Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.0% effective rate): $20,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,667

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Actual rates vary by taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Saunders County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Saunders County when they become due, typically in August and September.

Lenders analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payment 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 property taxes due in Saunders County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due by August 24th, with an extended deadline until September 10th. Contact the Saunders County Treasurer for specific due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Nebraska offers various tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying homeowners. These require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Contact the Saunders County Assessor at 402-XXX-XXXX for available credits and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits how much your home's assessed value can increase each year (typically capped at around 10%), rather than reducing your home's market value. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic.

Q: When does the county assess properties? A: Saunders County assesses all real property annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring, with appeals due by specific deadlines.

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

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Saunders County Treasurer's office for online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Saunders County Board of Equalization by the specified deadline, typically in summer. Final appeals can be made to the Tax Equalization and Review Commission by September 10th.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Saunders County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, municipalities, and other special taxing entities, creating varying total tax rates across 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
County
Adopted Final Budget - Saunders County - Nebraska.govsaunderscounty.ne.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 Certificate of Taxes Levied Reports (CTL) as of ...revenue.nebraska.gov
03
2024revenue.nebraska.gov
04
ESU #2clerk.douglascounty-ne.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Assessment and Taxation Calendarrevenue.nebraska.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questionssaunderscounty.ne.gov
07
Sitemapsaunderscounty.ne.gov
08
County
County Assessorsaunderscounty.ne.gov
09
Tax Doc
Tax Year 2025 Homestead Exemptionrevenue.nebraska.gov
10
CITY OF WAHOO, NEBRASKA September 30, 2020 ...wahoo.ne.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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