HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Barren County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by special districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Barren County, Kentucky, fund essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. The property tax system combines state, county, school district, and various special district levies to create your total annual tax bill. Property is assessed at 100% of fair cash value by the Barren County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA), with assessments updated annually.

Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within Barren County, as different areas fall under various special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, or extension districts. The combined effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value. The state portion is set at 10.6 cents per $100 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, while local rates vary by district. Property owners should note that most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
State Real Property Tax$0.106Set by Kentucky Department of Revenue for FY 2025
County General FundVariesBarren County operations and services
School DistrictVariesBarren County School District funding
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (where applicable)
Extension DistrictVariesAgricultural extension services (where applicable)
Health DistrictVariesPublic health services (where applicable)

Note: Local tax rates vary significantly by location within Barren County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Barren County Clerk's office for your specific district's rates for the current levy year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Barren 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 are additional property tax bills issued during the tax year when there are changes to your property's assessed value after the annual assessment roll is completed. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that remove exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between your new and original assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 addition in March and your total tax rate is 1.0%, you would owe approximately $375 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 1.0% × 9 months remaining ÷ 12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$49,100 (must apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $2,509
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $209

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$49,100 (must apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $5,509
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $459

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$49,100 (must apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $9,509
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $792

Note: Tax rates vary by special district. Exemptions shown require annual application and are not automatic.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for loans exceeding 80% loan-to-value ratio. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to your estimated annual property tax divided by 12, plus a cushion amount typically equal to 2-3 months of payments. Lenders must provide annual escrow account statements showing deposits, payments made on your behalf, and any surplus or shortage.

Property taxes in Barren County are typically due by November 1st, with early payment discounts available if paid by September 15th (2% discount). Lenders usually pay your taxes before the discount deadline to minimize costs. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking with the Barren County Clerk's office or accessing online payment records. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the county.

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 Barren County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by November 1, 2026, for the 2025-2026 tax year. A 2% discount is available if paid by September 15, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the homestead exemption worth $49,100 for 2025-2026, which reduces your assessed value. You must apply annually with the Barren County PVA office - it is not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead exemption reduces your assessed value by $49,100 if you own and occupy your home as your primary residence. This caps assessment increases and requires annual application. It does not reduce your property's market value.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. The Barren County PVA reviews property values each year and mails assessment notices typically in May.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: File an appeal with the Barren County Board of Assessment Appeals within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the PVA office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Contact the Barren County Clerk's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Barren County Clerk's office for online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill change if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax rates can change annually based on budget needs of the county, school district, and special taxing districts serving your area. Rate changes affect your bill even with unchanged assessments.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
2025 State Real Property Tax Rate Drops to 10.6 centsrevenue.ky.gov
02
Tax Doc
Motor Vehicle Property Tax Rates 2025revenue.ky.gov
03
Tax Doc
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX RATESrevenue.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.ky.gov
05
Tax Doc
KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX CALENDARrevenue.ky.gov
06
Tax Doc
The Collection Process for Property Tax Billsrevenue.ky.gov
07
Homestead Exemption - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
09
State
2019 Real Estate Exemption List. ...apps.legislature.ky.gov
10
july-2020-990-index.csvirs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate