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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Stephens County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.7% base county rate + school and municipal district levies (varies by location within county)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Jan 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Stephens County, Oklahoma operates under a property tax system that funds essential county services, schools, and local government operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for maintaining roads, public safety, education, and other municipal services throughout the county. The county's effective property tax rate for 2025 is approximately 0.7% for County Maintenance and Operation, though this represents just one component of your total property tax bill.

Your actual property tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Stephens County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. These additional levies are layered on top of the base county rate, meaning property owners in different areas of the county pay different total rates. The assessment process follows Oklahoma's statewide guidelines, with property typically assessed at fair market value as of January 1st each year, and taxes levied each October 1st on that assessed value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Maintenance & Operation0.7%Base county services, roads, administration
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operational funding
Municipal LevyVariesCity/town services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, other local services
Bond IssuesVariesVoter-approved debt service for capital projects

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your total effective rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Stephens County Assessor's office at (580) 255-0977 for your specific district combination and total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Stephens County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jan 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Stephens County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. Since Oklahoma levies property taxes each October 1st based on the assessed value as of January 1st of the same year, any significant changes occurring after the initial assessment may result in supplemental tax bills.

Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding major improvements like additions or pools, or splitting/combining parcels. The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for your area. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition and your total effective tax rate is 2.5%, you would owe approximately $1,250 in supplemental taxes, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$1,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated total with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $6,578
  • Monthly Escrow: $548

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$1,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated total with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $13,178
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,098

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$1,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated total with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $21,978
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,831

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Rates shown are estimates and vary by specific location within Stephens County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Stephens County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. Since Oklahoma property taxes are typically due in two installments, lenders usually collect enough to maintain a cushion of 1-2 months of tax payments.

Property tax bills are generally mailed to your lender if you have an escrow account, and the lender is responsible for making payments on time. However, it's important to verify that your lender receives and pays your tax bills correctly, as you remain ultimately responsible for the taxes. You can monitor your account through the Stephens County Treasurer's office or online payment portal. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, remember to update your mailing address with the county to ensure you receive future tax bills directly.

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 tax returns due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax returns must be filed with the Stephens County Assessor's office between January 1 and April 1 each year. The current tax year ends on June 30.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Oklahoma offers a homestead exemption that must be applied for separately - it's not automatic. Applications must be filed by March 15 to take effect for the current tax year. If filed after March 15, the exemption begins the following tax year. Contact the County Assessor at (580) 255-0977 for applications.

Q: Does the homestead credit reduce my home's market value? A: No, the homestead exemption is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, and in some cases may limit assessment increases. It does not reduce your property's actual market value or assessed value for most purposes.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Oklahoma requires annual assessment updates, with properties reviewed as of January 1st each year. However, full reappraisals may occur on rotating cycles or when significant market changes occur.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Stephens County Treasurer's office at (580) 255-3741 for specific penalty rates and deadlines.

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

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts like school districts, fire districts, and municipalities levy additional taxes on top of the base county rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Stephens County Board of Equalization. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures specific to the current tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
1 GF Rev & Exp FY26 (version 1).xlsbstephenscountyga.gov
02
State
HOME_IncomeLmts_State_OK_...huduser.gov
03
Tax Doc
Sales Tax News Release January 2026 - Oklahoma.govoklahoma.gov
04
County
County Property Tax Facts Stephens - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxstevenscountywa.gov
06
County
STEPHENS COUNTY, OKLAHOMA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ...digitalprairie.ok.gov
07
2026-2027 Form 921 Application for Homestead Exemptionoklahoma.gov
08
Tax Doc
Task Force on Ad Valorem Tax Assessment Practicesformer.okhouse.gov
09
Tax Doc
Final Report of the Senate Property Tax Assessments and ...senate.ga.gov
10
County
STEPHENS COUNTY - Oklahoma Digital Prairiedigitalprairie.ok.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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