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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Burke County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.560% effective rate (varies by taxing district including school districts and city boundaries)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Burke County, North Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Burke County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies depending on the specific taxing districts where the property is located.

The effective property tax rate in Burke County is approximately 0.560% for the 2025 tax year, though this rate can vary significantly based on your property's location within special taxing districts such as school districts, city boundaries, and other local service areas. Property assessments in North Dakota are conducted on a regular cycle, with most residential properties assessed at market value. Property owners should note that actual tax bills will depend on both the assessed value of their property and the specific combination of taxing jurisdictions that apply to their location within Burke County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariableBasic county services, administration, law enforcement
School DistrictVariableLocal school district operations and facilities
City/MunicipalVariableCity services (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVariableFire protection, water districts, other special services
Total Rate~0.560%Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: The total tax rate of approximately 0.560% applies to the 2025 levy year. Actual rates vary by specific location within Burke County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. Rural properties may have different rates than those within city limits, and school district boundaries significantly impact the total rate applied to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Burke 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 property taxes in Burke County are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value or ownership status during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, completion of building permits, property improvements that increase value, or corrections to previous assessments. Unlike the regular annual tax bill, supplemental taxes are calculated from the date the change occurred through the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in Burke County in July, and the county's tax rate is 0.560%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $140 ($50,000 × 0.560% × 6/12 months remaining in the tax year). This supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular annual property tax bill and would have its own due date, typically 30 days from the date of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,000
  • Annual Tax: $295,000 × 0.560% = $1,652
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $138

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,000
  • Annual Tax: $595,000 × 0.560% = $3,332
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $278

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Annual Tax: $995,000 × 0.560% = $5,572
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $464

Note: Homestead Property Tax Credit must be applied for annually and is not automatically applied. Eligibility and credit amounts vary based on income and other factors. Contact the Burke County Assessor's office for current application requirements and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Burke County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Burke County when they become due, typically by the April 15 deadline.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly mortgage payment may increase to cover the higher tax amount. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. Property owners can verify that their taxes have been paid by checking with the Burke County Treasurer's office or accessing online payment records. If you pay off your mortgage, you become responsible for paying property taxes directly and should contact the county to ensure you receive tax bills at your current address.

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 Burke County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due April 15. If paid by January 15, you receive a 5% early payment discount. Contact the Burke County Treasurer's office to confirm specific dates for the current tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which requires annual application and is based on income eligibility. This credit reduces your tax bill, not your assessed value. Applications must be filed by the deadline specified by the county assessor - this is not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit typically caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value rather than reducing the market value itself. For example, it may limit assessment increases to 10% per year even if market value rises more. You must apply annually to maintain this benefit.

Q: When are properties assessed in Burke County? A: North Dakota conducts property assessments on a regular cycle. Contact the Burke County Assessor's office for your property's specific assessment schedule and to learn about the appeals process if you disagree with your assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Burke County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the April 15 deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many North Dakota counties offer online payment options. Check the Burke County Treasurer's website or call their office to confirm available electronic payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why does my tax rate differ from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on the specific taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties in different areas of Burke County may have different combinations of these districts.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection, water, or library services. If your property receives these services, you pay additional taxes to fund them. These districts have separate governing boards and can adjust their tax rates independently from county and school taxes.

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