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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ellis County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 2% combined rate (varies by taxing districts including school, fire, and municipal)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ellis County, Oklahoma operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners 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 county's current combined tax rate is approximately 2%, though this can vary significantly based on your property's location within special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal service areas.

The Ellis County Assessor's Office determines property values annually, while the County Treasurer's Office handles tax collection and payment processing. Property tax bills are mailed annually, typically in late summer or early fall, with payment due in October. It's important to note that your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, as each district adds its own millage rate to fund specific services. The 2025 no-new-revenue property tax rate is currently under review following public hearings held by the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General FundVariesBasic county operations, roads, courthouse
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and bond payments
Career TechnologyVariesVocational and technical education programs
County Health DepartmentVariesPublic health services and facilities
Emergency Medical ServiceVariesAmbulance and emergency medical response
Fire Protection DistrictsVariesFire protection and emergency services
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library services and facilities

Note: The combined rate averages approximately 20 mills (2%) but varies significantly by location within Ellis County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. These rates apply to the current tax year and are subject to annual review. Contact the Ellis County Assessor's Office at the courthouse for your specific district's current millage rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ellis 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 Ellis County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property sales that result in reassessment, additions or improvements that increase property value, and changes in property use classification (such as agricultural to residential).

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $50,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill calculated as: ($50,000 × your tax rate × remaining months in tax year ÷ 12 months). If your total tax rate is 2% and 9 months remain in the tax year, your supplemental tax would be approximately $750 ($50,000 × 0.02 × 9/12). Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 60-90 days after the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market value): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,500
  • Annual Tax (2% rate): $670
  • Monthly Payment: $56

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market value): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $68,000
  • Annual Tax (2% rate): $1,360
  • Monthly Payment: $113

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5% of market value): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000
  • Annual Tax (2% rate): $2,280
  • Monthly Payment: $190

Note: These examples use estimated rates and credits. Actual rates vary by taxing district location. Credits shown require application and approval - they are not automatic. Contact the Ellis County Assessor's Office to determine your specific tax rate and available credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ellis County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders mandate escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects approximately 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. When your tax bill becomes due in October, your lender pays the county directly from your escrow account.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits and payments, and they may adjust your monthly escrow payment based on actual tax amounts and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will typically spread any escrow shortage over the following 12 months. You can request to pay any shortage immediately to avoid higher monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the Ellis County Treasurer's Office, as you remain ultimately responsible for 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 Ellis County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are typically due in October annually. Tax statements are mailed by the Ellis County Tax Office in late summer. Contact the Ellis County Tax Office for specific deadlines for the current tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Oklahoma offers homestead credits for primary residences, senior citizen credits, disabled veteran credits, and agricultural use classifications. All credits require application through the Ellis County Assessor's Office - none are automatic. Applications must be filed by March 15 for the following tax year.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically provides a reduction in taxable assessed value (often $1,000) for your primary residence. Additionally, it may cap annual assessment increases. You must apply through the County Assessor's Office, and the credit applies only to your primary residence where you live on January 1 of the tax year.

Q: When does the county reassess property values? A: Ellis County conducts annual assessments with values based on January 1 market conditions. Property owners receive assessment notices in spring and have appeal rights if they disagree with valuations. Contact the County Assessor's Office for appeal deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payment? A: Late penalties and interest begin accruing after the October due date. Contact the Ellis County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates and payment options if your taxes become delinquent.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by county office capabilities. Contact the Ellis County Tax Office or visit their website to determine available online payment methods, accepted forms of payment, and any associated processing fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Ellis County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal service areas. Each district adds its own millage rate, causing variation across the county.

Q: How do I find out which taxing districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Ellis County Assessor's Office with your property address or parcel number. They can provide a complete breakdown of all taxing districts that apply to your specific property and their current millage rates.

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