Howard County Property Tax Records

Howard County property tax records are kept at the courthouse on 1 Courthouse Square in Fayette, Missouri. The county has about 10,000 residents, and the assessor and collector offices handle all property tax matters from this central location. You can look up tax bills, assessed values, and payment history by contacting the assessor at (660) 248-3400 or the collector at (660) 248-2195. This page walks through how to search for records, pay your taxes, and appeal an assessment in Howard County.

Howard County Property Tax Assessments

The Howard County Assessor works from 1 Courthouse Square in Fayette. Call (660) 248-3400 for questions about property values. The assessor determines the market value of every parcel as of January 1 each year. Residential property in Howard County is assessed at 19% of market value under RSMo 137.115. Commercial property uses 32%, and agricultural land is assessed at 12% based on productivity.

The assessor keeps parcel maps and ownership records for all property in the county. If you need to check who owns a piece of land or what its assessed value is, this is the office to contact. The office also handles the assessment appeals process at the county level. Real property gets reassessed every two years in odd-numbered years. The assessor uses sales data, cost estimates, and income analysis to set values. Personal property, which includes cars, trucks, boats, and farm equipment, is assessed at 33 1/3% of book value.

The Missouri Counties directory for Howard County lists all county office contacts.

The directory page provides phone numbers and addresses for every Howard County government office.

Paying Howard County Property Taxes

The Howard County Collector is at 1 Courthouse Square, Fayette MO 65248. Phone is (660) 248-2195. The collector sends out tax statements each fall. All bills are due by December 31.

You can pay at the collector's window, mail a check, or ask about other payment methods. Mailed payments must carry a December 31 postmark. Late payments trigger interest and penalties under RSMo 139.031. The collector also runs delinquent tax sales for properties that have gone unpaid. These sales follow the process outlined in Chapter 140 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Buyers at the sale pay the back taxes and get a certificate. The original owner then has a set time to redeem the property.

Personal property declarations are due by March 1 each year. Late penalties run from $15 to $105 based on assessed value, per RSMo 137.280. You need a paid personal property tax receipt or waiver to renew vehicle plates in Missouri.

Howard County Tax Appeals

If you think your Howard County property is assessed too high, file an appeal with the Board of Equalization through the county clerk before the third Monday in June. Bring proof of a lower value, like an appraisal or comparable sales data.

Should the board deny your appeal, you can take it to the Missouri State Tax Commission. File by September 30 or within 30 days of the decision. The commission holds formal hearings and can change assessed values. No fee applies for residential appeals. The Missouri State Assessors Association offers guides that help taxpayers understand the process.

Howard County Property Tax Credits

The Missouri Department of Revenue runs a Property Tax Credit for seniors and 100% disabled individuals. The max credit is $1,100 for homeowners and $750 for renters. You file this claim with your state income tax return. You will need your paid tax receipt from the year before.

The Howard County Circuit Clerk-Recorder at (660) 248-2194 handles court records, land records, and deeds. If you need to trace ownership history or find a deed tied to a tax record, that office can help. The Missouri Association of Counties is another good resource for finding Howard County office contacts and services.

Note: You can file your Property Tax Credit claim online through the Missouri DOR Online Services portal.

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