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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Adair County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~2.5% of assessed value (varies by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Adair County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes are the primary funding source for local government services, public schools, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows Kentucky's assessment practices, with properties typically assessed at fair cash value and subject to taxation by multiple overlapping jurisdictions including the county, school district, and various special taxing districts.

Property tax rates in Adair County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. The combined effective rate for 2025 is approximately 2.5% of assessed value for most properties, though this can range from slightly lower to higher depending on which fire districts, library districts, or other special assessments apply to your property. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact address and applicable districts.

The Kentucky Department of Revenue handles property assessments, while local tax collection is managed by the Adair County Clerk's office. Property taxes in Kentucky fund essential services including public education (typically the largest component), county government operations, emergency services, libraries, and local infrastructure projects.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariableCounty government operations and services
School DistrictVariableLocal school district funding
State RateVariesCommonwealth of Kentucky assessment
Fire DistrictsVariableFire protection services (location dependent)
Library DistrictVariablePublic library services (if applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariableInfrastructure, bonds, or special projects
Combined Rate~2.5%Total effective rate for most properties

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 and apply to assessed fair cash value. Your actual rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts where your property is located. Special district participation varies by address within Adair County, so properties in different areas may have different total tax rates even with similar assessed values.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Adair 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

Supplemental taxes in Adair County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements made after the January 1st assessment date. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes are properly allocated for the current tax year based on actual property conditions and ownership.

The most common triggers for supplemental taxes include: new home construction completed after January 1st, significant renovations or additions that increase property value, ownership transfers that reveal previously unreported improvements, and correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in March that increases their assessed value by $80,000, they would receive a supplemental bill for approximately $2,000 (using the 2.5% rate) prorated for the remaining 9 months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental tax of about $1,500 due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Up to assessment increase limitation
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (2.5% rate): $7,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $625

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Assessment increase limitation only
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (2.5% rate): $15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,250

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies by eligibility
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (2.5% rate): $25,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,083

Note: These examples use the approximate combined rate of 2.5%. Homestead credits require annual application and limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts. All credits and exemptions require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Adair County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the Adair County Clerk when due on May 15th each year. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Each year, your lender will provide an escrow analysis statement showing your account balance and any adjustments needed for the following year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Adair County Clerk's office or viewing your account online.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for paying property taxes directly to the Adair County Clerk by the May 15th deadline. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges, and severely delinquent properties may be subject to tax sale proceedings after proper notice and advertising requirements are met.

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 property taxes due in Adair County? A: Property taxes are due annually by May 15th. For the current fiscal year 2025, the deadline was May 15, 2025. Payments received after this date are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Kentucky offers various tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying property owners, but these require annual application and are NOT automatic. Most credits must be filed with the county assessor by specific deadlines. Contact the Adair County Assessor for current credit programs and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's market value. This credit caps how much your assessed value can increase each year, but you must file an application to receive this benefit. It does not automatically reduce your tax bill.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky conducts property reassessments periodically, though the schedule can vary. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights through the county board of assessment appeals within specified timeframes.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. Properties with severely delinquent taxes may be subject to tax sale proceedings after proper legal notice and advertising, typically 30-45 days prior to the sale date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Adair County Clerk's office directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Adair County? A: Different areas of the county participate in different special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, or special assessment areas. Your total rate depends on which combination of these districts serves your specific property location.

Q: How do I find out which special districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Adair County Clerk's office or Property Valuation Administrator with your property address to determine which taxing districts apply to your specific location and your exact tax rate.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Motor Vehicle Property Tax Rates 2025revenue.ky.gov
02
Tax Doc
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX RATESrevenue.ky.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
The Collection Process for Property Tax Billsrevenue.ky.gov
05
Tax Doc
The Property Tax Calendar - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
06
State
2019 Real Estate Exemption List. ...apps.legislature.ky.gov
07
CHAPTER 151 ( HB 354, Rudy and others )apps.legislature.ky.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
09
County
real property tax duties of the county clerk's officerevenue.ky.gov
10
County
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE MANUALrevenue.ky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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