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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Valley County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.4015% effective rate (varies significantly by school district, fire district, and special taxing jurisdictions)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Valley County, Nebraska operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. The property tax is the primary revenue source for these services, with taxes calculated based on assessed property values and various levy rates set by local taxing authorities.

For the 2025 levy year, Valley County's effective property tax rate is approximately 1.4015%, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different school districts, fire districts, natural resources districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions. Property owners should note that their exact tax rate depends on which combination of these special districts serve their property. The Nebraska Department of Revenue oversees the assessment process, with local assessors determining individual property values based on market conditions and property characteristics.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General Fund0.25% - 0.35%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District0.80% - 1.00%Local school operations and facilities
ESU/Community College0.05% - 0.10%Educational service units and community colleges
Natural Resources District0.02% - 0.05%Water management and conservation
Fire District0.05% - 0.15%Fire protection services (varies by district)
Cemetery District0.01% - 0.03%Cemetery maintenance (where applicable)
Total Effective Rate~1.4015%Combined rate for 2025 levy year

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and actual rates vary by specific location within Valley County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Valley County Assessor for your exact district combination and rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Valley 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 Valley County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or significant property improvements. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year, prorated accordingly.

Common triggers include: purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, change in property use classification, or correction of assessment errors. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value from July through the remainder of the tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated using the same tax rate as your regular property tax bill but applied only to the increased assessed value for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (92% of market): $276,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applied): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $251,000
  • Annual Tax ($251,000 × 1.4015%): $3,518
  • Monthly Payment: $293

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (92% of market): $552,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applied): -$40,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $512,000
  • Annual Tax ($512,000 × 1.4015%): $7,176
  • Monthly Payment: $598

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (92% of market): $920,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applied): -$40,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $880,000
  • Annual Tax ($880,000 × 1.4015%): $12,333
  • Monthly Payment: $1,028

Note: Homestead exemption amounts shown are estimates and require annual application. Actual exemption amounts may vary based on county averages and individual circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Valley County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly mortgage payments include 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill. Lenders typically collect this amount monthly and pay your property taxes directly to Valley County when due. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing tax payments made and any adjustments needed.

Property taxes in Valley County are typically due in two installments: the first half by April 15th and the second half by October 15th of each year. If you have an escrow account, your lender handles these payments automatically. Property owners without escrow accounts are responsible for making payments directly to the Valley County Treasurer by these deadlines. You can verify your tax payments and escrow account accuracy by checking with the Valley County Treasurer's office or accessing online tax records.

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 Valley County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - first half by April 15th and second half by October 15th. These dates apply to the 2025 tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Exemption, which requires annual application by June 30th. This credit can reduce taxable value by up to $40,000 for qualifying homeowners over 65, or for disabled veterans/individuals. Applications must be filed with the Valley County Assessor each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption is a tax credit that reduces your assessed value, not your market value. It caps assessment increases and provides direct tax savings. You must apply annually by June 30th, and the exemption amount varies based on age, disability status, and county average home values.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Valley County? A: Nebraska requires annual assessment updates, with Valley County conducting field reviews on rotating schedules. Major reassessments typically occur every 4-6 years, with annual adjustments for market changes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Valley County Board of Equalization between May 1st and June 30th. You can request forms from the County Assessor's office and must provide evidence supporting your claim for a lower valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. After the delinquency date, interest accrues monthly, and properties may eventually face tax sale proceedings if taxes remain unpaid for multiple years.

Q: Can I pay my Valley County property taxes online? A: Contact the Valley County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated processing fees for electronic payments.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Valley County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, natural resources districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions. Your total rate depends on which specific districts serve your property location.

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