Olathe offers some residents $750 rebate for property taxes. How to apply
Olathe residents can apply to qualify for a rebate of their city portion of property taxes, meaning they can get up to $750 back after paying this year’s tax bill, through a program focused on affordable housing.
The Residential Property Tax Assistance Program aims to help reduce the tax burden on income-qualified households.
It’s designed to help those whose 2025 income falls within the low income threshold as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the city website says.
There’s also a provision included in the program for veteran and military members — those who meet all criteria except for the income level requirement can still receive a $250 rebate. Veterans can qualify for the full $750 rebate if they fall within the income requirement.
Applications for the program are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the city website.
“The City of Olathe property tax rebate program is intended to help those who need assistance and ensure living in Olathe remains affordable,” city spokesperson Cody Kennedy said in an email.
Eligibility requirements
The city began accepting applications this week and will continue through June 30 this year, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. The city budgets $250,000 each year for rebates.
Applicants must be an Olathe resident. They must be the current owner and occupant of a property in Olathe. If an applicant owns multiple properties, only the property they reside in is eligible for the rebate.
Applicants must be current on property taxes and special assessments, and their property must be free of code violations.
Applicants who have already applied for county or state tax rebate programs may still qualify for city relief and are encouraged to apply.
The maximum total household income must be at or below these guidelines:
- 1 person — $62,400
- 2 people — $71,300
- 3 people — $80,200
- 4 people — $89,100
- 5 people — $96,250
- 6 people — $103,400
- 7 people — $110,500
- 8 people — $117,650
Income eligibility is based on the 2025 income of all people living in the residence. Households applying for the rebate must provide their 2025 federal tax return or other sources of income verification.
How many residents get rebates?
Olathe’s Property Tax Rebate Program is now in its third year of operation.
Last year, 432 residents received rebates, according to city records. Half of the applicants in 2025 were veterans.
The city issued roughly $232,000 of the $250,000 budgeted for the rebate program in 2025.
During the city budgeting process four years ago, the Olathe City Council began to investigate what a property tax rebate program could look like for residents.
Their decision to create a program came amid concerns about rising property taxes affecting the city’s most vulnerable homeowners. Leaders heard from citizens who felt property taxes outpaced their income growth.
“As Olathe is 20% of a resident’s tax bill and does not control property valuations, the most targeting action a council can take is to maintain or lower the mill levy,” Kennedy said. “In two of the past five years, the council has lowered the mill levy, in addition to the creation of the property tax rebate program.”
As property taxes remain a concern for many Johnson County residents in 2026, Kennedy said city leaders hope the rebate program can provide some relief.
How to apply
Before people apply, the city asks people to review the eligibility criteria.
People can either apply online through the city website, mail in their application packet or drop off their application in person at 100 E. Santa Fe St., 2nd Floor.
Residents with questions about the program or application process can contact the city planning department at (913) 971-8750 or via email at PlanningContact@olatheks.org.
