Sedgwick County Property Tax Appeal, Kansas

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Sedgwick County is located in south-central Kansas with its county seat in Wichita, the largest city in Kansas. With a population of approximately 500,000 residents, the county serves as a major economic hub for the region and includes notable cities like Derby, Haysville, Park City, and Valley Center. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Sedgwick County as property valuations have increased significantly in recent years, with 80% of residential parcels seeing increases and some homeowners experiencing valuation jumps of over 20% in 2026 alone. The county's median effective property tax rate of 1.16% is above the national median of 1.02%, though the median annual tax bill of $2,145 remains below the national median of $2,400. Sedgwick County has approximately 236,190 properties and offers property owners two distinct opportunities to appeal valuations each year.

Notable cities: Wichita, Derby, Haysville, Park City, Valley Center

Median Home

$175,700

Tax Rate

1.16%

Annual Tax

$2,145

Population

500,000

On the typical Sedgwick County home, valued near $175,700 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.16%, 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 valuation notice

Sedgwick County mails valuation notices annually on March 1 for real property. You have exactly 30 days from the date the notice was mailed to file an informal appeal. If you miss this deadline, you have a second opportunity to appeal by filing a Payment Under Protest when you pay your property taxes (December 20 for first half or May 10 for second half, or by January 31 if paid by mortgage company).

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

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How Sedgwick County Assesses Property

11.5%of market value

Assessed by: Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: March 1 (real property) and May 1 (personal property)

In Sedgwick County, property taxes are calculated using Kansas's 11.5% assessment ratio for residential properties. The assessed value is determined by multiplying your home's fair market value by 11.5%, and this assessed value is then multiplied by the local mill levy to calculate your property tax bill. For example, if your home's market value is $175,700 (the county median), at Kansas's 11.5% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $20,206, resulting in approximately $2,038 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.16%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the State Board of Tax Appeals. You'll first have an informal meeting with a county appraiser where they'll review your property information and any evidence you provide, typically conducted by phone though in-person meetings can be requested. If you disagree with the outcome, you can appeal to the State Board of Tax Appeals for a formal hearing, and potentially to Kansas District Court as a final option.

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Step 1: Review your valuation notice received on or after March 1. Check that the property characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, condition) are accurate and compare your assessed value to similar properties in your neighborhood.

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Step 2: Gather supporting evidence for your appeal within 30 days of the notice date. Collect comparable sales data showing similar homes that sold for less, photographs of property condition issues or needed repairs, contractor repair estimates, and a recent independent appraisal if available.

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Step 3: Sign and return the appeal form on the back of your valuation notice to the Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office within 30 days. Mail to 271 W. Third St. N. Suite 501, Wichita, KS 67202, or email documentation to appria@sedgwick.gov. The County Appraiser's Office recommends providing documentation at least three business days prior to your scheduled appeal meeting.

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Step 4: Attend your informal meeting with a county appraiser. Appeal meetings are typically conducted by phone beginning in mid-March, though you can request an in-person meeting. Present your evidence and explain why you believe your property is overvalued. The appraiser will review your property information and make a determination.

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Step 5: If you disagree with the informal meeting outcome, appeal to the State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) Small Claims Division. This option is available for single-family residences or properties valued below $3 million. Complete the BOTA appeal form and submit within the required timeframe with any additional evidence.

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Step 6: If still unsatisfied after the BOTA hearing, you may appeal to Kansas District Court. This is the final level of administrative appeal and may require legal representation. Court appeals must be filed within the statutory timeframe following the BOTA decision.

Required form: Sign and return the appeal form on the back of your valuation notice, or file a Payment Under Protest Application with your tax payment

Filing Methods

mail:Return the signed appeal form on the back of your valuation notice to Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office, 271 W. Third St. N. Suite 501, Wichita, KS 67202
in-person:Deliver appeal form to Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office at 271 W. Third St. N. Suite 501, Wichita, KS 67202
email:Submit appeal documentation to appria@sedgwick.gov (include address, AIN, or property identifier in subject line)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar properties in your area that sold for less than your appraised valueClear, color, date-stamped photographs showing structural damage, deferred maintenance, or disrepairSigned and dated contractor or engineering repair estimatesRecent purchase contract if property was recently purchasedIndependent professional appraisal if available

Sedgwick County Assessor Contact

Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office

Website: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/appraiser/

Online Portal: https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/propertytax/

Tax Exemptions in Sedgwick County

Kansas Homestead Property Tax Refund

Varies based on income and property tax amount paid

A state-funded refund program that provides a rebate based on a percentage of property taxes paid on a primary residence

Eligibility: Kansas residents who own and occupy their home as their primary residence, with income limits that vary annuallyDeadline: January 1 through April 15 annually (file Form K-40H with Kansas Department of Revenue)

Safe Senior Property Tax Refund (SAFESR)

Up to 75% of general property tax paid, refunding any increase above base year amount

Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors that refunds up to 75% of general property taxes and locks in a base year property tax amount

Eligibility: Kansas residents age 65+ for entire year, household income of $25,380 or less, home value under $350,000, own and occupy as primary residenceDeadline: January 1 through April 15 annually (file Form K-40PT with Kansas Department of Revenue)

Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Veterans (SVR)

Refunds property tax amount exceeding base year, up to $700 maximum

Refund program for seniors 65+ and disabled veterans with 50% or greater service-connected disability that refunds property tax increases above a base year amount

Eligibility: Kansas residents age 65+ for entire year OR honorably discharged veterans with 50%+ permanent service-connected disability, household income limits apply, own and occupy as primary residenceDeadline: January 1 through April 15 annually (file Form K-40SVR with Kansas Department of Revenue)

100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

100% exemption on property taxes for primary residence

Complete property tax exemption on the homestead for veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% service-connected permanent total disability rating from VA, surviving spouses not remarried also qualifyDeadline: Apply with Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office with VA disability certification

Sedgwick County Appeal Statistics

Avg Reduction

$804

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Sedgwick County for 2026?
You have exactly 30 days from the date printed on your valuation notice to file an appeal in Sedgwick County. Valuation notices are mailed on March 1 for real property, so most homeowners must appeal by approximately March 31, 2026. If you miss this primary deadline, Kansas law provides a second opportunity to appeal by filing a Payment Under Protest when you pay your property taxes - either with your first half payment by December 20 or second half payment by May 10. Property owners whose taxes are paid by their mortgage company must file the protest form by January 31.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Sedgwick County?
To file an appeal in Sedgwick County, simply sign and return the appeal form on the back of your valuation notice within 30 days of the date it was mailed. You can mail the form to the Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office at 271 W. Third St. N. Suite 501, Wichita, KS 67202, deliver it in person, or email your appeal documentation to appria@sedgwick.gov with your address, AIN, or property identifier in the subject line. The county recommends submitting supporting documentation at least three business days before your scheduled appeal meeting. You'll then be scheduled for an informal meeting with a county appraiser to review your evidence.
What happens at my Sedgwick County property tax appeal hearing?
After you file your appeal, you'll receive a letter with instructions for your scheduled informal meeting with a county appraiser. Appeal meetings in Sedgwick County are typically conducted by phone beginning in mid-March, though you can request an in-person meeting if you prefer. During the meeting, the appraiser will review your property information and any evidence you've submitted, such as comparable sales data, photographs of property condition issues, or repair estimates. The appraiser will consider your evidence and make a determination on your property's valuation. If you disagree with the informal meeting outcome, you have the right to appeal to the State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) Small Claims Division for a formal hearing.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax appeal in Sedgwick County?
The Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office recommends providing comparable sales data from similar properties in your area that sold for less than your appraised value, focusing on homes with similar style, age, condition, and location. You should also include clear, color, date-stamped photographs showing any structural damage, deferred maintenance, or disrepair that affects your home's value. Signed and dated contractor or engineering repair estimates are valuable evidence, as is a recent purchase contract if you recently bought the property. If you have a recent independent professional appraisal showing a lower value than the county's assessment, include that as well. The county recommends submitting all documentation at least three business days prior to your scheduled appeal meeting.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Sedgwick County?
According to property tax appeal data, successful appeals in Sedgwick County save homeowners an average of $804 per year in reduced property taxes. The actual savings depends on how much your property is overassessed and the evidence you present. With property valuations increasing over 20% for some Sedgwick County homeowners in 2026, and 80% of residential parcels seeing increases, many properties may be overassessed due to inaccurate property data or inappropriate comparable sales. For a home valued at the county median of $175,700, even a 10% reduction in assessed value would save approximately $204 annually at the county's 1.16% effective tax rate.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Sedgwick County?
Sedgwick County offers the Kansas Homestead Property Tax Refund program, which provides a rebate based on a percentage of property taxes you've paid on your primary residence. The refund amount varies depending on your household income and the amount of property tax you paid, with income limits that change annually. For low-income seniors age 65 and older, the Safe Senior (SAFESR) program can refund up to 75% of general property taxes paid, with a household income limit of $25,380 or less and a home value cap of $350,000. These refund programs must be filed annually between January 1 and April 15 with the Kansas Department of Revenue using Form K-40H (general homestead) or Form K-40PT (Safe Senior).
Can I appeal my Sedgwick County property taxes if I missed the 30-day deadline?
Yes, Kansas law provides a second opportunity to appeal even if you missed the initial 30-day deadline after receiving your valuation notice. You can file a Payment Under Protest when you pay your property taxes by completing a Payment Under Protest Application form available from the Sedgwick County Treasurer's Office. This protest must be filed with your tax payment before the December 20 deadline for first half taxes or the May 10 deadline for second half taxes. If your property taxes are paid by your mortgage company, you must file the protest form by January 31. While you must pay the first half amount due, filing the protest preserves your right to challenge the valuation and receive a refund or credit if your appeal is successful.
Why did my Sedgwick County property valuation increase so much in 2026?
Property valuations increased significantly across Sedgwick County in 2026, with 80% of the county's 182,800 residential parcels experiencing increases averaging 10%, and some homeowners seeing jumps of over 20%. County officials explain these increases reflect actual market conditions, as residential sale prices in 2025 were elevated due to limited inventory, which drove up neighboring home values. The Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office is required to assess properties at fair market value based on recent comparable sales, property characteristics, and market analysis. If you believe your property's valuation increase is excessive or inaccurate, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of receiving your valuation notice by presenting evidence such as comparable sales showing lower values or documentation of property condition issues.

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.sedgwickcounty.org/appraiser/ | https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/communications/news-releases/sedgwick-county-appraiser-explains-increase-in-2026-property-valuations/ | https://www.kwch.com/2026/03/04/sedgwick-county-property-valuations-rise-more-than-20-some-homeowners/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/kansas/sedgwick-county | https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/treasurer/frequently-asked-questions/ | https://www.ksrevenue.gov/perstaxtypeshs.html | https://propertytaxrates.org/exemptions/kansas/

Last verified: 2026-07-24