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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ottawa County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1.35% effective rate (varies by district combination including county, school, municipal, and special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ottawa County, Oklahoma operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with the current effective tax rate for 2025 being approximately 1.35% of assessed value. This rate represents a composite of various taxing authorities including the county, school districts, municipalities, and special service districts.

Property tax rates vary significantly by location within Ottawa County due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts such as fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal improvement authorities. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and applicable districts with the Ottawa County Assessor's office, as your exact rate depends on the specific taxing jurisdictions where your property is located.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General0.25%Basic county services, roads, sheriff, courts
School Districts0.65% - 0.85%Local school funding (varies by district)
Municipal0.10% - 0.25%City services (if within city limits)
Special Districts0.05% - 0.20%Fire protection, libraries, other services
Total Composite Rate~1.35%Tax Year 2025 average

Note: These rates apply to Tax Year 2025 (collected in 2026). Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. School district rates vary between districts such as Miami, Commerce, Wyandotte, and others. Contact the Ottawa County Assessor at (918) 542-9408 for your property's exact rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ottawa 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 Ottawa County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the County Assessor calculates a prorated tax bill based on the increased assessed value for the remaining months of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July that increases your assessed value, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the July through December period. The calculation would be: ($50,000 increased assessed value × 1.35% tax rate × 6 months remaining ÷ 12 months = approximately $337.50). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued 30-60 days after the assessment change and have their own due dates separate from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Standard Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $34,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: $1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,500
  • Annual Tax ($33,500 × 1.35%): $452.25
  • Monthly Escrow: $37.69

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior/Disabled Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $69,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (applied): $1,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (applied): $1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $66,800
  • Annual Tax ($66,800 × 1.35%): $901.80
  • Monthly Escrow: $75.15

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (11.5%): $115,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $114,000
  • Annual Tax ($114,000 × 1.35%): $1,539.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $128.25

Note: All credits require separate applications and approval. Credits are not automatic and must be filed by applicable deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Ottawa County properties. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. The escrow account allows lenders to pay your property taxes directly to Ottawa County when due, ensuring continuous tax payment and protecting their mortgage interest.

Ottawa County property taxes for Tax Year 2025 are due in two installments: the first half is due February 19, 2026, and the second half typically due in October 2026. Lenders usually pay both installments from your escrow account on the due dates. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing escrow account activity, and you can verify payments were made by checking with the Ottawa County Treasurer's office at (918) 542-2801. After February 28th each year, tax payments must be made directly to Ottawa County rather than through third parties.

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 Ottawa County property taxes due for Tax Year 2025? A: The first half is due February 19, 2026. The second half due date will be announced later but typically falls in October. Taxes must be paid directly to Ottawa County after February 28th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Ottawa County offers homestead credits, senior citizen credits, and disabled veteran credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor by March 15th annually. Credits are not automatic and reduce your tax bill directly.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit provides assessment growth limitations and requires annual application by March 15th. If filed after March 15th, the credit begins the following tax year. Contact the County Assessor at (918) 542-9408 for current credit amounts and applications.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Ottawa County? A: Oklahoma requires annual assessment updates. The County Assessor reviews property values each year, with assessment notices typically mailed in spring. Property owners have appeal rights during specified periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Ottawa County Treasurer at (918) 542-2801 for current penalty rates and payment options.

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

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, library districts, school bonds, or municipal improvement districts. Your total rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Ottawa County Board of Equalization during designated appeal periods, typically in spring after assessment notices are mailed. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I miss the homestead credit application deadline? A: Applications filed after March 15th will be effective for the following tax year if you otherwise qualify. The County Assessor must notify taxpayers by January 1st if homestead credits are canceled, requiring reapplication.

Q: How can I verify what taxing districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Ottawa County Assessor's office at (918) 542-9408 with your property address or parcel number to determine your specific taxing district combination and exact tax rate.

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