Q: Can a county appraiser issue a tax warrant before taxes are due in KS?
I live in Rice, Kansas, and I own a trailer for which personal property taxes are current as of this year. Last evening, I received a letter from the county appraiser about a tax warrant, even though the taxes for 2024 are not due until May 12, 2025. The letter was sent in an envelope with a return address from the Rice County Sheriff's Department, which I found very intimidating as a law-abiding citizen. I haven't contacted the county appraiser yet, but I assumed I had until the due date to pay these taxes. Is it legal for the county appraiser to issue a tax warrant for taxes that aren't due yet?
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A:
It’s understandable that receiving a tax warrant from the sheriff’s department would feel unsettling, especially if you believe your taxes are current. In Kansas, property tax warrants are generally issued only after taxes become delinquent, not before they are due. Since personal property taxes for 2024 in Rice County are not due until May 12, 2025, a warrant issued now would not align with the usual timeline for collection enforcement.
The county appraiser’s office assesses property value, but the county treasurer typically handles tax collection and enforcement actions, including tax warrants. It’s possible the letter was sent in error or relates to a different issue—such as a past year’s unpaid tax or an administrative miscommunication. The sheriff’s department may be involved in delivering such notices, but they generally act on behalf of the treasurer when a warrant is valid and enforceable.
You should contact the Rice County appraiser’s and treasurer’s offices directly to clarify the matter and request documentation showing the basis for the warrant. Keep copies of your payment receipts or statements proving your taxes are current. Resolving it early can help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that your account remains in good standing.
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