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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McLean County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Tax Rate
Varies by district due to 200+ taxing bodies; base rate plus special district additions
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McLean County, North Dakota operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes in McLean County are administered by the County Treasurer, who oversees the collection and distribution of tax revenue to nearly 200 different taxing bodies throughout the region. The county follows North Dakota's standard assessment practices with property typically assessed at market value.

Property tax rates in McLean County vary significantly by location within the county due to the presence of multiple special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, park districts, and other local improvement districts. While North Dakota's statewide base rate averages around 1%, actual effective rates in McLean County can differ based on your specific property location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve your area. The McLean County property tax system does not impose assessment caps, meaning property values can fluctuate with market conditions, though various tax credits are available to qualifying homeowners to help manage tax burden increases.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 property tax rates for McLean County have not yet been finalized, as these rates are determined annually by the county board and various taxing districts. The following represents the typical structure of McLean County property tax components:

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services, administration, law enforcement
School DistrictVariesK-12 education funding (varies by school district)
Township/CityVariesLocal municipal services and infrastructure
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, parks, rural water, road districts
State Mill LevyVariesState-mandated assessments

Note: Final tax rates for levy year 2025-2026 will be determined later in 2025 by the McLean County Board of Commissioners and individual taxing districts. Rates can vary significantly within the county depending on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location. Property owners should contact the McLean County Assessor's office for the most current rate information applicable to their specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McLean 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 McLean County are additional property tax assessments that may be levied when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes are appropriately adjusted for mid-year changes that affect the property's taxable status.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction or improvements completed during the tax year, changes in property classification (such as agricultural land being developed for residential use), or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the initial tax roll is finalized. When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date the change occurred through the end of the tax year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in July, and the local tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 × 1.2% = $600) × (6 months remaining in tax year ÷ 12 months = 50%) = $300 in supplemental taxes due. Property owners receive separate billing for supplemental taxes, which typically have different due dates than regular property tax payments.

Example Calculation

The following examples demonstrate property tax calculations for McLean County properties, assuming an effective combined tax rate of 1.1% (actual rates vary by location and taxing districts):

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Property Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Tax After Credits: $3,300 - $500 = $2,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $233

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Property Tax Credit Applied: -$400 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Tax After Credits: $6,600 - $400 = $6,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $517

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Property Tax Credit Applied: $0 (income limits typically exclude higher-value properties)
  • Net Tax After Credits: $11,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $917

Important Notes: Tax credits shown require annual application and income qualification. The Homestead Property Tax Credit application deadline is April 1st. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within McLean County based on applicable special taxing districts. These examples are illustrative only - contact the McLean County Assessor for precise calculations based on your property's location and circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most McLean County property owners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their mortgage lenders. Under this system, lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, depositing these funds into a separate escrow account specifically designated for property tax and insurance payments.

McLean County real estate taxes are due April 15th annually, and mobile home taxes are due March 1st. Mortgage servicers typically pay these taxes on behalf of homeowners before the due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges. Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow account analyses to ensure adequate funds are available and to adjust monthly payments if tax amounts change significantly from year to year.

Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has current contact information for McLean County tax payments, which are processed by the McLean County Collector. If you pay your own taxes (without escrow), you'll receive tax statements directly from the county and are responsible for meeting all payment deadlines. Online payment options may be available through the McLean County Treasurer's office, and property owners can contact the office directly to verify payment receipt and account status.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are McLean County property taxes due for 2025-2026? A: Real estate taxes are due April 15, 2026, and mobile home taxes are due March 1, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available to McLean County homeowners? A: The primary credit available is the North Dakota Homestead Property Tax Credit, which provides income-based tax reductions for qualifying homeowners. This credit requires annual application by April 1st and is not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Property Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides a direct reduction to your property tax bill based on your income level, not a reduction in assessed value. It helps limit the impact of property tax increases but requires annual application to your local assessor or county director.

Q: Are there automatic exemptions for seniors or veterans? A: No exemptions are automatic. All property tax credits and exemptions in North Dakota require application. Contact the McLean County Assessor's office to determine what programs you may qualify for and obtain the necessary application forms.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in McLean County? A: North Dakota requires annual assessment of all property. Property values are reviewed each year and may be adjusted based on market conditions and property improvements.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the McLean County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the due date.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the McLean County Board of Equalization during the specified appeal period. Contact the McLean County Assessor's office for appeal deadlines and required forms.

Q: Can I pay my McLean County property taxes online? A: Contact the McLean County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within McLean County? A: Tax rates differ based on the combination of special taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, and other local service areas. Your total rate reflects all applicable district levies.

Q: Who do I contact for questions about my McLean County property taxes? A: For assessment questions, contact the McLean County Assessor. For payment and collection questions, contact the McLean County Treasurer. For tax credit applications, contact your local assessor or county director of tax equalization.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
McLean County Treasurer & Tax Collectormcleancountyil.gov
02
Tax Doc
2022 Property Tax Statistical Reporttax.nd.gov
03
Tax Doc
GUIDELINE: LOCAL TAXES BY LOCATION Rates Effective ...tax.nd.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Deadlinestax.nd.gov
05
County
McLean County, North Dakota - Homemcleancountynd.gov
06
Tax Doc
Homestead Property Tax Credittax.nd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Property Tax Credit and Renter's Refundtax.nd.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions & Creditstax.nd.gov
09
County
McLean County Commission Proceedingsmcleancountynd.gov
10
County
Final Financial Statements (McLean County AA 2021-22 [ ...mcleancountynd.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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