Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Bourbon County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

Authority	Avg. Rate
County General Fund	0.45%
School District (Avg)	1.20%
City / Local (Avg)	0.35%

How Property Tax Works in Bourbon County

Understanding property tax is essential to navigating the financial realities of homeownership in Bourbon County. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

The process begins with the county assessing your property’s value.

• Appraisal: A professional appraiser determines your property’s market value, considering factors like location, size, and condition.
• Assessed Value: Based on the appraisal, your property is assigned an assessed value. This is used for tax calculations, not necessarily its actual market value.

The assessed value then undergoes a series of adjustments before being presented to taxpayers:

• Taxable Value: Your property’s assessed value is adjusted to account for specific local factors like school district levies and other services.
• Millage Rate: The millage rate is set by the Bourbon County Board of Supervisors. This refers to a tax rate applied to your taxable property value, calculated in terms of mill rates (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value).

The final calculation determines the amount of property taxes you’ll owe based on the assessed value and the millage rate. The total tax burden will be presented in your annual tax bill.

Available Exemptions

Many homeowners are eligible for specific exemptions that can significantly reduce their tax obligations, providing financial relief. Here's a breakdown of some key exemptions available in Kansas:

• **Homestead Exemption:** If you are the owner-occupant of your primary residence and have lived there for at least one year, this exemption allows you to reduce your property taxes by a specific percentage.
• **Senior Citizen Exemption:** Kansas offers an exemption specifically for senior citizens aged 65 or older who meet certain income criteria. This reduces property taxes for eligible seniors.
• **Disability Exemption:** Individuals with disabilities that significantly limit their ability to work can qualify for this exemption.
• **Veteran Exemption:** Active military personnel and veterans, including those receiving disability benefits, are eligible for a veteran’s exemption.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding the payment schedule and deadlines is crucial to avoid late fees and potential penalties:

To ensure timely tax payments and avoid penalties:

• **Deadline:** The property tax deadline in Bourbon County, Kansas, typically falls on December 31st of each year.
• **Payment Options:** You can choose to pay your property taxes in one lump sum or through installments. To avoid penalties for late payments, you should make at least partial payment before the due date.
• **Late Payment Penalties:** If your payment is past due by the deadline, you may be subject to late fees and interest charges.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe there's been an error in your property assessment or millage rate, it’s important to formally appeal:

To initiate the appeal process, follow these steps:

• **Contact the Bourbon County Appraiser:** You can start by contacting the county appraiser's office directly. They can provide you with specific instructions and details on the appeals procedure.
• **Formal Appeal Document:** You will need to submit a formal written appeal, citing your reasons for disagreement with the assessment.
• **Hearing Opportunity:** If necessary, you may be invited to attend a hearing or provide additional documentation to support your argument.

Please remember that this guide is meant to offer general information about Bourbon County property taxes and exemptions. Consult with official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate details. You can find further assistance by visiting the Bourbon County Assessor's website or contacting their office directly.