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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kent County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kent County, DE. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.31 per $100 assessed value (county only - varies by district with municipal and school taxes)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kent County, Delaware operates a property tax system that funds essential county services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, and administrative services. Property taxes are assessed annually based on 100% of the assessed value as determined by the Kent County Assessment Office. The county tax rate for 2025 is $0.31 per $100 of assessed value, effective July 1, 2025.

Property owners should note that actual tax rates can vary by location within Kent County due to additional special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and school district assessments that may apply to specific areas. The county assessment office conducts periodic reassessments to ensure property values reflect current market conditions, and property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Kent County Base Levy$0.31County operations, services, and infrastructure (FY 2025)
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes levied by incorporated towns/cities
School District AssessmentsVariesLocal school district operating expenses
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts, other special assessments

Note: The $0.31 county rate applies countywide as of July 1, 2025. Total effective rates vary significantly by location due to municipal and special district taxes. Contact the Assessment Office at https://www.co.kent.de.us/assessment.aspx for location-specific rate information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kent County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Kent County prepares supplemental assessment rolls quarterly each fiscal year to capture changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed after the regular assessment date. Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the prorated portion of the fiscal year remaining after the change occurs.

Common triggers for supplemental assessments include: property sales that result in updated assessments, completion of new construction or major renovations, subdivision of property, or changes in property use. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in January and increases the assessed value accordingly, the owner would receive a supplemental tax bill for the remaining months of the fiscal year based on the increased assessment and current tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Citizens Tax Credit (if applicable): -$2,500 assessed value reduction
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $297,500
  • Annual Tax (county only): $297,500 ÷ 100 × $0.31 = $922.25
  • Monthly Escrow: $76.85

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Assessment Cap Benefit (if applicable): Varies based on assessment increase limitations
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (county only): $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.31 = $1,860.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $155.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Net Taxable Assessment: $1,000,000 (most credits phase out at higher values)
  • Annual Tax (county only): $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.31 = $3,100.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $258.33

Note: All tax credits require annual application and approval. Examples show county taxes only - add municipal and special district taxes for total liability.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the estimated annual tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pay the taxes directly to Kent County when due. Since Kent County property taxes are due September 30th annually, lenders must ensure sufficient funds are collected throughout the year.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after reassessments or when supplemental taxes are issued. If you receive a tax bill directly despite having an escrow account, contact your lender immediately. For questions about tax payments or to verify payment status, visit the Kent County Receiver of Taxes website at https://www.co.kent.de.us/receiver-of-taxes.aspx or contact their office directly.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Kent County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Annual property tax bills are due to the Kent County Tax Office by September 30, 2025. Installment payment plans may be available if needed.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Delaware offers various tax credits including Senior Citizens Tax Credits and Disabled Veterans Credits. All credits require annual application - they are NOT automatic. Contact the Assessment Office for specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Delaware's homestead provisions limit annual assessment increases on owner-occupied properties, not the market value itself. This requires filing an application and meeting residency requirements. It caps assessment growth rather than reducing current taxes.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Kent County? A: Kent County conducts periodic countywide reassessments. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights through the Board of Assessment Review.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Receiver of Taxes office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, online payment options are available through the Kent County Receiver of Taxes portal at https://www.co.kent.de.us/receiver-of-taxes.aspx.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties in fire districts, municipal boundaries, or other special taxing districts pay additional taxes beyond the base county rate. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: Where can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals are filed with the Kent County Board of Assessment Review. Information and forms are available at https://www.co.kent.de.us/assessment.aspx.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Property Tax - Town of Felton - Kent County Delawarefelton.delaware.gov
02
County
Property Tax Information - Hartly - Kent County Delawarehartly.delaware.gov
03
Tax Doc
2024-2025 TAX RATES & HOMESTEAD CREDIT CAPSdat.maryland.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Credits, Exemptions & Assessmentkentcountyde.gov
05
Assessment FAQ'skentcountyde.gov
06
title 9delcode.delaware.gov
07
Chapter - Delaware General Assemblylegis.delaware.gov
08
Delaware Code Title 9, Chapter 83delcode.delaware.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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