HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bell County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - base rate plus special districts (fire, library, municipal)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bell County, Kentucky operates under Kentucky's property tax system, where property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Bell County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the combined tax rates from various taxing entities including the state, county, school district, and any applicable special districts.

The effective tax rate in Bell County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, and municipal boundaries. Property is assessed at 100% of fair cash value as determined by the Kentucky Department of Revenue, with reassessments conducted periodically. Property owners should note that most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
State Real Property Tax$0.106Kentucky state levy for FY 2025
Bell CountyVariesCounty operations and services
Bell County School DistrictVariesPublic education funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, libraries, other local services
Total Estimated Range$0.50 - $1.20Combined rate varies by location within county

Note: The actual tax rate for your property depends on which special taxing districts serve your location. Rates shown are for the current levy year and may change annually. The state rate of 10.6 cents per $100 of assessed value is set for 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bell 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 Bell County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed after the January 1 assessment date. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year, prorated accordingly.

Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding improvements like additions or pools, or changes in property use classification. The supplemental tax is calculated using the same tax rates as the regular annual bill but applied only to the increased assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your local tax rate is $1.00 per $100, your supplemental tax would be approximately $250 for the remaining six months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$39,300 (assessment growth limitation)
  • Net Taxable Value: $260,700
  • Annual Tax (at $0.80/$100): $2,086
  • Monthly Escrow: $174

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$39,300
  • Net Taxable Value: $560,700
  • Annual Tax (at $0.85/$100): $4,766
  • Monthly Escrow: $397

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$39,300
  • Net Taxable Value: $960,700
  • Annual Tax (at $0.90/$100): $8,646
  • Monthly Escrow: $721

Note: Homestead credit requires annual application and limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Actual rates vary by special district combinations.

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 in Bell County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill and pays the county directly when taxes are due. Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balance.

Property taxes in Bell County are due by December 31st each year, with a 2% discount available for payments made by November 1st. Your lender will typically pay from escrow in early November to capture the discount. If you pay your own taxes, you're responsible for meeting these deadlines. You can verify that your lender has made the payment by checking with the Bell County Sheriff's Office or reviewing your property tax records online.

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 Bell County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by December 31, 2025, with a 2% discount available for payments made by November 1, 2025. The final due date is May 15, 2026, after which penalties apply.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Kentucky offers a Homestead Exemption that limits assessment increases on your primary residence. This credit requires annual application with the Bell County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA). Senior citizens and disabled veterans may qualify for additional credits, all requiring separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead Exemption caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value, not the market value. It must be applied for each year by December 31st and only applies to your primary residence where you lived on January 1st of the tax year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Bell County? A: Kentucky conducts property reassessments periodically, though annual market adjustments may occur. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights through the Bell County Board of Assessment Appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Bell County Sheriff's Office for current penalty rates and calculation methods.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Bell County Sheriff's Office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property's location determines which special districts (fire, library, etc.) serve your area. Each district adds its own tax rate to your total bill, which is why rates vary throughout Bell County.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments to the Bell County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeal deadlines and procedures are provided with assessment notices, typically allowing 30 days from the notice date.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 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
The Collection Process for Property Tax Billsrevenue.ky.gov
06
Tax Doc
2019-10 Amending 2019-7 Tax Levy Datesbellemeade-ky.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms and Instructions for Public Service ...revenue.ky.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms and Instructions for Public Service ...revenue.ky.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.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