Property taxes are an inevitable part of homeownership. But since tax rates vary based on location and fluctuations in the market, it can be tricky to see what you’ll be responsible for in regards to your property taxes.

Figuring out taxes can be hard—that’s why

home and car insurance

super app

Jerry

created this guide to understanding property taxes in your area. This article will go over the ins and outs of property taxes in Jackson County, like when and how to submit your payments in this western

Missouri

county.

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Property tax 101

If this is your first time paying property taxes, here are the basics you’ll need to know:

Your local government assigns property taxes in order to pay for community services and public works (education, fire safety, libraries, law enforcement, etc.)

Most property taxes will apply to real property, such as buildings, homes, and land

Your local tax assessor determines your property taxes by assigning tax rates based on local tax rates and market values

Property taxes aren’t set in stone—they are subject to change due to local budgets and market conditions

In layman’s terms, property taxes are community funding collected by the local government from people who have chosen to settle down in the area.

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What is the property tax rate in Jackson County?

The average tax rate in Jackson County, Missouri is 1.27% of assessed home values—a bit higher than the state average of 0.91%. Based on this average tax rate, you can reasonably expect to owe somewhere around the average of $1,647per year in property taxes.

The

Jackson County website

has a more detailed breakdown of their proposed 2022 tax rates.

How Jackson County property taxes are determined

All property located within Jackson County lies in multiple taxing districts at the school district, city, and county levels.

Each local government in the county decides on its own annual budget and adjusts local taxes accordingly. The county auditor is responsible for deciding on the tax rate for each individual district.

In contrast, the value of your property is decided by

your local tax assessor

. The value is determined by its fair market value. You will also have the option to

appeal the assessment

at your local office if you believe the calculations were incorrect.

If you own your own property and use it as your main residence, you could qualify for

exemptions

for tax reductions under Missouri law.

What do Jackson County property taxes pay for?

Property tax revenue in Jackson County, Missouri goes toward a variety of public services, including:

Watershed management

Transportation

Roads and highways

Regional sewer system

Public housing

Public health

Museums

Mosquito control

Libraries

Law enforcement

K-12 and community education

Building safety

Not satisfied with the allocation of your tax dollars? Watch for the next budget meeting for your chance to voice your concerns and influence decisions regarding the local budget.

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How to pay property taxes in Jackson County

Property taxes in Jackson County must be paid by December 31 every year. The postmark of the U.S. Postal Service can determine if a payment was made on time—if payment was mailed and postmarked on December 29, that payment is still considered to be made on time.

Residents of Jackson County have a few different

payment options

when it comes to property taxes. You can pay your property taxes online, in person, or by mail.

Online: The Jackson County website will accept payment via credit/debit card or e-check. Payment needs to be made before 11:40 p.m. on December 31st, and there will be a small service fee.

In person: Visit one of the two locations in Jackson County to pay your property taxes—The Jackson County Courthouse Collection Department or the Historic Truman Courthouse. The offices will accept cash, checks, money orders, bank drafts, or card transactions.

By mail: Checks, money orders, and bank drafts are accepted by mail but cash is not. Your payments must be postmarked no later than December 31 and can be sent to either of the two locations listed above.

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When are property taxes due in Jackson County?

Jackson County property taxes are due every year on December 31. If you choose to mail in your payment, it must be postmarked by this date.

How do I get my Missouri property tax statement?

Your property tax statement is mailed out to you before your payment is due. If you do not receive your statement by December 10, you’ll need to contact your local office.

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