Johnson County Property Tax Appeal, Kansas

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Johnson County is the most populous county in Kansas with over 636,000 residents, serving as a major suburban hub in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The county seat is Olathe, with Overland Park being the largest city and other notable communities including Lenexa, Shawnee, and Olathe. Property tax appeals matter significantly here because Johnson County has the highest property tax burden in Kansas, with a median annual bill of $4,805 compared to the national median of $2,400. With home values substantially above both state and national averages, even small assessment errors can cost homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.

Notable cities: Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood

Median Home

$378,600

Tax Rate

1.27%

Annual Tax

$4,805

Population

636,900

On the typical Johnson County home, valued near $378,600 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.27%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: 30 days from the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value

Notices are typically mailed around March 1st, making most appeals due by the end of March or early April. For 2026, the deadline was March 27, 2026 for notices mailed in late February. You must file within 30 days of the date printed on your notice, not the date you received it.

Want the full walkthrough? Read our Johnson County Property Tax Appeal Guide with evidence strategies and hearing tips.

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How Johnson County Assesses Property

11.5%of market value

Assessed by: Johnson County Appraiser's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: February-March

In Kansas, your property tax is calculated using two values: market value (what your home would sell for) and assessed value (11.5% of market value). For example, if your home's market value is $378,600 (Johnson County's median), your assessed value would be $43,539 (378,600 × 11.5%). At Johnson County's effective tax rate of 1.27%, this would result in approximately $4,806 in annual property taxes.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the State Board of Tax Appeals. You'll meet with county appraiser staff in an informal setting to discuss your property value. Present your evidence including comparable sales, photos, and repair estimates. The appraiser will review your information and make a decision, with approximately 45% of appeals resulting in a reduction.

1

Receive your Notice of Appraised Value in the mail (typically mailed late February to early March) and immediately note the 30-day deadline printed on the notice.

2

Review your property record card for errors in square footage, bedroom/bathroom counts, construction year, or other features that could inflate your assessment.

3

Gather evidence including recent comparable sales from your neighborhood, photos of property defects or needed repairs, contractor repair estimates, and any professional appraisals.

4

File your Informal Appeal Application within 30 days either online at https://appealportal.jocogov.org or by mailing the form on the back of your notice to the Johnson County Appraiser's Office at 11811 S Sunset Dr., Suite 2100, Olathe, KS 66061.

5

Attend your informal hearing with county appraiser staff (you'll receive at least 10 days notice of the hearing date) and present your evidence showing why your assessed value should be reduced.

6

Receive a written decision from the county. If you disagree with the outcome, you have 30 days from the decision mailing date to appeal to the State Board of Tax Appeals (Small Claims Division for properties assessed at $100,000 or less, or Regular Division for higher values).

7

If still unsatisfied after the State Board of Tax Appeals decision, you may appeal to District Court, though this requires filing within specific timeframes and may involve legal representation.

Required form: Informal Appeal Application (printed on back of Notice of Appraised Value) or online form

Filing Methods

mail:Johnson County Appraiser's Office, ATTN: Hearing Coordinator, 11811 S Sunset Dr., Suite 2100, Olathe, KS 66061
in-person:Sunset Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 2100, Olathe, KS 66061 (8am-5pm, M-F)

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales from your neighborhood showing similar homes selling for lessPhotos showing property defects, needed repairs, or condition issuesContractor estimates for repairs or documentation of damageReview of your Property Record Card highlighting any errors in square footage, features, or construction detailsProfessional appraisal (if available)Market analysis showing declining values in your area

Johnson County Assessor Contact

Johnson County Appraiser's Office

Phone: 913-715-9000

Address: 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 2100, Olathe, Kansas 66061-7060

Website: https://www.jocogov.org/department/appraiser

Online Portal: https://appealportal.jocogov.org

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Tax Exemptions in Johnson County

Homestead Refund Program

Up to $700 refund based on household income

Kansas offers a property tax refund (not a direct exemption) for low-income homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence.

Eligibility: Must be a Kansas resident for the full year, have household income of $43,389 or less, and own and occupy a home in Kansas as your primary residence.Deadline: January 1 - April 15 annually (filed with Kansas Department of Revenue)

SAFESR (Safe Senior) Property Tax Refund

75% of property taxes actually and timely paid on primary residence

Property tax refund for senior citizens age 65 or older who meet income requirements and occupy their home as their primary residence.

Eligibility: Must be age 65 or older for the entire year, meet household income requirements, and own and occupy a Kansas home as primary residence.Deadline: January 1 - April 15 annually (filed with Kansas Department of Revenue)

Senior or Disabled Veteran (SVR) Property Tax Refund

Percentage of property taxes paid based on income level

Property tax refund for qualifying senior citizens or disabled veterans who meet income and residency requirements.

Eligibility: Must be age 65+ or a disabled veteran with service-connected disability, meet income requirements, and own and occupy Kansas home as primary residence.Deadline: January 1 - April 15 annually (filed with Kansas Department of Revenue)

100% Disabled Veteran Exemption

100% exemption from property taxes on homestead

Complete property tax exemption for veterans with 100% service-connected permanent total disability and their surviving spouses (if not remarried).

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% service-connected permanent total disability certified by the VA, or their unremarried surviving spouses.Deadline: Apply with county appraiser with VA disability certification

Johnson County Property Tax Relief Pilot Program

Varies based on income and property value

County-funded pilot program offering property tax relief for Johnson County residents who meet income and property value requirements.

Eligibility: Home valued under $500,000 and household income below $39,000 for single person (income limits vary by household size).Deadline: Contact Johnson County for current application period

Johnson County Appeal Statistics

Success Rate

45%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Johnson County for 2026?
You have exactly 30 days from the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value to file an appeal with Johnson County. For 2026, notices were mailed around February 25th, making the deadline March 27, 2026 for most property owners. It's critical to mark your calendar immediately when you receive your notice, as missing this deadline means you cannot file an informal appeal for that year. If you miss the spring deadline, you can still file a Payment Under Protest appeal when paying your property taxes in December or April, though this requires paying your taxes simultaneously with filing the protest.
How do I file a property tax appeal online in Johnson County?
Johnson County offers an online appeal portal at https://appealportal.jocogov.org where you can file your appeal electronically. First, create an account on the portal. Then search for your property using your quick reference number, parcel number, address, or owner name. Complete the electronic Informal Appeal Application and upload supporting evidence such as comparable sales data, photos, and repair estimates. Submit your appeal before the 30-day deadline. The online system allows you to track your appeal status and receive notifications about your hearing date. You can also file by mail or in person if you prefer.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Johnson County?
Kansas does not offer a traditional homestead exemption that reduces assessed value. Instead, the state provides a Homestead Refund Program that refunds a portion of property taxes already paid. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $700 annually if their household income is $43,389 or less. Senior citizens age 65+ may qualify for the SAFESR program which refunds 75% of property taxes paid on their primary residence. Additionally, veterans with 100% service-connected permanent total disability receive complete property tax exemption on their homestead. These programs require annual applications filed with the Kansas Department of Revenue between January 1 and April 15.
What happens at an informal hearing in Johnson County?
At your informal hearing, you'll meet with county appraiser staff in a relatively casual setting to discuss your property's assessed value. The hearing coordinator will review the evidence you submitted, including comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, and property record card corrections. You'll have the opportunity to present your case explaining why your assessment is too high. The appraiser may ask questions about your property's condition and review their valuation methodology. The hearing typically lasts 20-30 minutes. All hearings must conclude by May 15th. You'll receive a written decision after the hearing, and approximately 45% of appeals in Johnson County result in some reduction to the assessed value.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Johnson County?
The amount you can save depends on how much your property is overassessed and the strength of your evidence. With Johnson County's median effective tax rate of 1.27%, every $10,000 reduction in your home's assessed market value saves approximately $127 annually in property taxes. If your $400,000 home is overassessed by $50,000 and you successfully reduce it to the correct value, you would save about $635 per year. Given that approximately 45% of appeals in Johnson County result in reductions, and nationwide data suggests 25% of homes are overassessed by an average of $5,000, many homeowners can achieve meaningful savings through the appeal process.
What evidence do I need for a successful Johnson County property tax appeal?
The strongest evidence includes recent comparable sales from your neighborhood showing similar homes (same square footage, age, condition, and location) that sold for less than your assessed value. Take photos documenting any property defects, needed repairs, outdated features, or condition issues that the county may not be aware of. Obtain contractor estimates for necessary repairs to demonstrate deferred maintenance costs. Review your Property Record Card for errors in square footage, bedroom/bathroom count, garage spaces, or construction year, as these mistakes directly inflate assessments. If you've had a professional appraisal done for refinancing or sale purposes, include that as well. The more concrete, documented evidence you provide, the better your chances of success.
Can I appeal if my mortgage company pays my property taxes through escrow?
Yes, you can absolutely appeal your Johnson County property taxes even if your mortgage company pays them through escrow. The informal appeal process during the spring (30 days from your Notice of Appraised Value) is available to all property owners regardless of payment method. If you miss that deadline, you can file a Payment Under Protest when your property taxes are due, and if your mortgage company pays through escrow, you have until January 31st to file the protest (versus December 20th for homeowners who pay directly). Any reduction you win will automatically lower your property tax bill, which means your mortgage company will collect less in escrow going forward, ultimately saving you money each month.
What if I disagree with the informal appeal decision in Johnson County?
If you disagree with the results of your informal appeal with Johnson County, you have 30 days from the mailing date of the decision to file an appeal with the State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA). For properties with assessed values of $100,000 or less, you can appeal to the Small Claims Division, which offers a more informal and lower-cost process with hearings lasting 20-30 minutes. For higher-value properties, you appeal to the Regular Division where governor-appointed board members conduct a more formal hearing. The county will include a form and filing instructions for appealing to BOTA with your decision letter. If you're still unsatisfied after BOTA's decision, you can further appeal to District Court within 15 days of receiving BOTA's decision.

Official Resources

For state-wide appeal information including Kansas's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Kansas Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Kansas Counties

Sources: https://www.jocogov.org/department/appraiser/property-information/property-value-appeals | https://appealportal.jocogov.org/Home/Login | https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kansas/johnson-county/johnson-county-kansas-homeowners-react-to-2026-property-assessments | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/kansas/johnson-county | https://www.jocogov.org/department/treasury-taxation-and-vehicles/property-tax/property-tax-relief-programs | https://www.ksrevenue.gov/perstaxtypeshs.html | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_County,_Kansas

Last verified: 2026-07-24