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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Caldwell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Caldwell 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
10.6¢ per $100 assessed value (base rate), varies by location due to special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Caldwell County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county government operations. Property taxes are administered by the Caldwell County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) for assessment purposes and collected by the County Sheriff's office. The county follows Kentucky's state-mandated assessment practices, with properties typically assessed at fair cash value.

For the 2025 tax year, the base property tax rate in Caldwell County is 10.6 cents per $100 of assessed value. However, your actual tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. These additional districts can include fire protection districts, library districts, and other special service areas that levy their own taxes on top of the base county rate.

Property owners should note that Kentucky does not have an assessment cap, meaning property values can increase without statutory limits, though various tax credits may help eligible homeowners manage their tax burden through application-based programs administered by the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Base County Rate$0.106General county operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding (rate varies by school district)
Municipal TaxesVaries by cityCity services (if property is within city limits)
Fire DistrictVaries by districtFire protection services (where applicable)
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library services (where applicable)
Other Special DistrictsVariesAdditional local services as applicable

Levy Year: These rates apply to the FY 2025 tax year, with taxes due May 15, 2025.

Important Note: The actual tax rate for your property depends on which taxing districts serve your specific location. Properties in different areas of Caldwell County may have significantly different total tax rates due to varying combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special service districts. Contact the Caldwell County PVA office to determine the exact rate applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Caldwell 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 property taxes in Caldwell County are additional tax assessments that occur when property ownership changes, new construction is completed, or previously omitted property is discovered after the regular assessment date of January 1st. These supplemental taxes ensure that all taxable property contributes its fair share for the portion of the tax year it was subject to taxation.

Supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by: property sales that result in reassessment at current market value, completion of new construction or major improvements, discovery of unreported improvements or structures, and correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

Example: If you purchase a home in Caldwell County in September that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $300,000, you would owe supplemental tax on the $100,000 difference. With a 10.6 cent rate, this would equal $1,060 annually, but prorated for approximately 8 months remaining in the tax year, your supplemental bill would be roughly $707. This supplemental tax is collected by the Sheriff's office and is in addition to any regular property tax bills for the following year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: $0 (requires application, age 65+ or disabled)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.106 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,180
  • Monthly Escrow: $265

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: $0 (requires application, age 65+ or disabled)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.106 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $6,360
  • Monthly Escrow: $530

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: $0 (requires application, age 65+ or disabled)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.106 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $10,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $883

Important Notes: These calculations use the base county rate only and do not include additional special district taxes that may apply to your specific location. The Homestead Credit shown requires a separate application and is only available to homeowners who are at least 65 years old or classified as totally disabled. All tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Your actual tax rate and bill may be higher due to school district, municipal, and special district taxes applicable to your property's location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Caldwell County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender will collect a monthly amount equal to approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. These funds are held in your escrow account and used to pay your property tax bill when it becomes due on May 15th each year.

Lenders typically pay property taxes on behalf of borrowers in early May to take advantage of the 2% discount available when taxes are paid between September 15th and November 1st of the previous year, though the final due date remains May 15th. After paying your taxes, your lender will provide you with documentation showing the payment was made to the Caldwell County Sheriff's office. It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected, especially after property value increases or tax rate changes.

If you pay your own property taxes without an escrow account, you can make payments directly to the Caldwell County Sheriff's office. Remember that taxes are due May 15th annually, and you may be eligible for the 2% discount if you pay early during the discount period. Contact the Sheriff's office for current payment options, including online payment availability, and keep detailed records of all tax payments for your files and potential mortgage lender requirements.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Caldwell County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025 are due by May 15, 2025. A 2% discount is available if you pay between September 15 and November 1 of the previous year.

Q: What tax credits are available to homeowners in Caldwell County? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for homeowners who are at least 65 years old or classified as totally disabled. This credit must be applied for annually with the Property Valuation Administrator and is not automatically granted. The homestead credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

Q: How do I apply for the Homestead Credit and what is the deadline? A: Applications for the Homestead Credit must be filed with the Caldwell County Property Valuation Administrator. Contact their office directly for current application forms, specific eligibility requirements, and filing deadlines, as these require annual renewal.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Caldwell County? A: Kentucky law requires properties to be assessed annually at fair cash value as of January 1st. The Property Valuation Administrator reviews property values each year, and significant changes may trigger formal reassessment.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Property taxes not paid by the May 15th due date are subject to penalties and interest. Contact the Caldwell County Sheriff's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures for delinquent taxes.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Depending on your property's location, you may pay additional taxes for school districts, fire protection, library services, or other special districts. These rates vary by location within the county and are added to the base county rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Caldwell County Property Valuation Administrator within specified deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the PVA office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or previously omitted property is discovered after January 1st. These are prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Q: Do I automatically receive tax credits as a senior citizen or disabled person? A: No, all tax credits including the Homestead Credit require a formal application process through the Property Valuation Administrator's office. These are not automatically applied and must be renewed annually.

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
IRS Announcement KY-2024-03 Includes Kentucky Tax Reliefrevenue.ky.gov
06
Homestead Exemption - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
07
APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION UNDER THE ...revenue.ky.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
09
County
Search Taxes - CALDWELL COUNTY SHERIFF - Kentucky.govcaldwellcountysheriff.ky.gov
10
Fiscal Court Agenda July 26, 2022caldwellcounty.ky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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