New and seasoned homeowners need to pay property taxes. But it is important to know that tax rates vary across the country and change as the market fluctuates. With so many things impacting a region’s tax rate, it can be difficult to understand your tax responsibilities.

Home and auto insurance

comparison app

Jerry

is here to help you understand the details of property taxes in your area. This article explores the ins and outs of property taxes in Nebraska’s Wayne County—including how and when to pay your taxes to avoid any penalties.

Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Shop Now

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Property tax 101

If you’re new to paying property taxes or are looking for a refresher, here are the basic facts to know:

Local governments assign property taxes—these taxes pay for public works and services, ranging from health care to education, fire safety, public transportation, and other city projects.

These taxes apply to real property, which includes land, buildings, and homes.

A local tax assessor will assign tax rates based on market values and the local tax rate. This tax accessor will assign taxes on a property-by-property basis.

Market conditions and local budgets cause frequent fluctuations in property taxes, so know that tax rates are not fixed.

Property taxes are how local governments collect money to fund services for the people in the community.

MORE:

Can you negotiate upgrades on new construction homes?

What is the property tax rate in Wayne County?

The average property tax rate in Nebraska’s Wayne County is 1.68% of assessed home values, falling below the state’s average property tax of 1.76%. Residents of this county can expect an average annual payment of $1,717 in property taxes.

How Wayne County property taxes are determined

Your tax rate will be set by your local tax assessor, who will evaluate your property and assign a tax rate based on the fair market value. Remember: home improvement projects or additions will need to be reappraised by the tax assessor to make sure you have the most accurate rate.

If you think your property’s value has been miscalculated, you can submit a property tax appeal to the

tax accessor’s office

and request a reassessment.

If the property is your primary residence, you might be able to apply for a Homestead Exemption. This exemption reduces the appraised valuation of your residence before calculating how much is owed in property taxes.

A Homestead Exemption is also helpful in the long run—if you are unable to make tax payments, this exemption protects your home from being repossessed by the local government. Applying for one is easy—just call the

Wayne County Assessor’s Office

and ask for details on the Homestead Exemption program.

What do Wayne County property taxes pay for?

You may be wondering what happens to your dollars after taxes have been paid. The revenue collected from Wayne County property taxes fund community services, including:

School districts

Transportation

Roads and highways

Municipal government projects

Local services like libraries

MORE:

What is a responsible payer discount?

How to pay property taxes in Wayne County

Residents should keep an eye out for tax payment notices starting on December 1st. Be prepared to make property tax payments by the May 1st and September 1st due dates every year. If the due date happens to fall on a holiday or weekend, your tax payment will be due the following business day.

When you’re ready to make a payment, you can pay online or in person. Here’s how:

Online: E-checks and credit or debit cards can all be used to

pay property taxes online

. But be aware that card payments will be subject to a 2.25% convenience fee and e-checks will have a flat $1.00 convenience fee.

In-person: Visit the

Wayne County Treasurer’s Office

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, and drop your

payment in the dropbox

located on the north side of the courthouse. The Treasurer’s Office address is located at County Treasurer’s Office, 510 Pearl Street, Suite 4, Wayne, NE 68787

MORE:

Nebraska car insurance laws

How to save money on homeowners and car insurance in Nebraska

No matter the county you call home or circumstances you’re facing,

Jerry

will help you find savings on homeowners and

car insurance

in Nebraska.

You might be asking, “how?” Jerry makes it simple: in 45 seconds, the app gathers customized quotes from 50+ top insurance providers and makes sure that they are tailored to your needs. You can browse all quotes in one place and pick the insurance plan that is best for you!

Need more convincing? Jerry will also help you bundle home and auto insurance and handle the hassle of canceling any old policies. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.

“
Jerry
was wonderful! I used it for my auto and renters policies. I trusted it so much that I signed up my homeowner's insurance under Jerry as well. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable.” —Mary Y.

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

When are property taxes due in Wayne County?

Tax notices are sent to residents in December and property tax payments are due on May 1st and September 1st each year.

How do I get my Nebraska property tax statement?

Your property tax statement will be mailed to you every year on December 1st, so that you have ample time to review and decide whether you need your property reassessed before your first property tax payment is due in May.

Are property taxes high in Wayne County?

Wayne County property taxes average about $1,717 a year, ranked in the top highest property taxes in the country. However, Wayne County residents pay less than the state’s average annual payment of $2,164 a year.

Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance

Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!

Try Jerry