Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Dallas County

Property taxes in Dallas County are calculated based on the assessed value of your real estate and the local tax levy rates, often referred to as millage rates. The process begins with the County Assessor, who determines the "market value" of your property as of January 1 of the assessment year. Under Missouri law, residential property is assessed at 19% of its true market value, while agricultural property is assessed at 12% and commercial property at 32%.

Once the assessed value is established, it is multiplied by the combined tax rate of all local taxing districts—such as the school district, county government, fire protection districts, and ambulance services—that provide services to your specific location. These rates are expressed in dollars per $100 of assessed valuation. The final tax bill is the product of your assessed value divided by 100, multiplied by the total levy rate.

Available Exemptions

Missouri offers several programs to provide tax relief to qualifying residents. It is important to note that these exemptions often require annual applications:

• General Homestead Exemption: While Missouri does not have a broad "homestead exemption" that reduces the taxable value of a home, certain local tax freezes may apply to specific senior populations under recent state legislation.
• Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief: The Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker) provides a partial refund to seniors (age 65+) and individuals with 100% disability who meet specific income guidelines. This is filed through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
• Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may be eligible for a total exemption from property taxes on their primary residence.
• Disabled Individuals: Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may qualify for additional state-level credits to offset their tax burden.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Dallas County are mailed annually, typically in November. Payment is due in full by December 31 of the tax year. The county does not currently offer a standard installment plan for current-year taxes; however, taxpayers are encouraged to pay promptly to avoid penalties.

If taxes remain unpaid after December 31, they are considered delinquent. Interest and penalties begin to accrue on January 1. Continued delinquency may result in the property being placed on the list for a tax sale, where the county may sell the tax lien to recover unpaid funds.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The process follows a structured path:

• Informal Review: Contact the Dallas County Assessor’s office to discuss your property’s valuation. Often, errors in square footage or property characteristics can be corrected here.
• Board of Equalization: If you remain dissatisfied, you may file a formal appeal with the Dallas County Board of Equalization. You must provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales, to support your claim.
• State Tax Commission: If the Board of Equalization’s decision is not satisfactory, you may appeal to the Missouri State Tax Commission.