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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bourbon County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bourbon 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
Varies by district - base county rate plus school and special districts
Exemptions
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bourbon County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county government operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the Property Valuation Administrator's (PVA) assessment of real estate market value, with taxes calculated using millage rates applied to the assessed value after any applicable credits.

The effective property tax rate in Bourbon County varies significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping taxing districts, including the county government, school districts, and various special districts. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific address and the combination of taxing authorities that serve their area. The county uses a fiscal year running from July 1st through June 30th for tax administration purposes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
State Real Property$0.106Kentucky state property tax
County GeneralVaries by districtBourbon County operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, water districts, other municipal services
Combined RateApproximately $1.20Total effective rate (varies by specific location)

Note: The total rate of approximately 12% per annum mentioned in county documents translates to roughly $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. Actual rates vary significantly depending on your property's location within specific taxing districts in Bourbon County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bourbon 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 Kentucky are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include property sales that result in reassessment, completion of new construction projects, major home improvements or additions, and subdivision of parcels. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your property is reassessed, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the increased assessment from March through the end of the fiscal year (June 30th). The supplemental amount would be calculated as: (New Assessment - Old Assessment) × Tax Rate × Months Remaining ÷ 12.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Annual Tax (at ~$1.20/$100): $3,011
  • Monthly Escrow: $251

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Annual Tax (at ~$1.20/$100): $6,611
  • Monthly Escrow: $551

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Annual Tax (at ~$1.20/$100): $11,411
  • Monthly Escrow: $951

Note: These examples assume the homestead credit is applied. This credit requires annual application and is not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bourbon County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, collecting monthly amounts as part of your mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion as allowed by federal regulations. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Bourbon County when they become due.

Property tax bills are typically sent to your lender if you have an escrow account, though you should receive copies for your records. It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement and notify your lender immediately if there are significant changes to your property tax assessment. If your taxes increase substantially due to reassessment or loss of credits, your monthly escrow payment may need to be adjusted to avoid a shortage.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Bourbon County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due with a 2% discount from September 15 through November 1, at face value from November 2 through January 31, and with penalties after January 31.

Q: What is the homestead credit and how do I apply? A: The homestead credit for 2025-2026 is $49,100 deducted from your assessed value. This credit requires annual application through the Bourbon County PVA office and is not automatically applied. Contact the PVA for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Bourbon County? A: Yes, various credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances. All credits require separate applications through the Property Valuation Administrator's office. Contact the PVA to determine your eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Bourbon County? A: Kentucky law requires properties to be assessed annually, though not all properties are physically inspected each year. The PVA uses market data and statistical analysis to maintain current assessments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Bourbon County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the PVA's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. After January 31, delinquent taxes accrue interest at 12% per annum until paid in full.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Bourbon County Sheriff's office or visit the county website for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill change when my neighbor's is different? A: Property tax bills vary based on assessed value, applicable credits, and the specific combination of taxing districts that serve your property location. Different areas of Bourbon County have different special district taxes that can significantly affect your total 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
2025 Real Property Tax Rate per $100: 0.1123paris.ky.gov
02
State
2025 State Real Property Tax Rate Drops to 10.6 centsrevenue.ky.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxparis.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
The Collection Process for Property Tax Billsrevenue.ky.gov
05
Supreme Court of Kentuckykycourts.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxesbourboncountyclerk.ky.gov
07
Homestead Exemption - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
08
State
2019 Real Estate Exemption List. ...apps.legislature.ky.gov
09
Foreclosure Prevention and Redevelopment Opportunitieslouisvilleky.gov
10
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX RETURNSpsc.ky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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