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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Carter County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Carter 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 additional assessments for school, fire, library districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Carter County, Kentucky operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Carter County are based on assessed values determined by the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) and are collected annually to support these vital community services.

The effective tax rate in Carter County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. While the base county rate applies countywide, residents may also pay additional assessments for school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other special service areas. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the particular taxing districts that serve their property.

Property assessments in Carter County are conducted annually, with the PVA determining fair cash value based on market conditions. Most tax credits and exemptions require formal application and are not automatically applied, making it important for eligible property owners to understand available programs and application deadlines.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding and operations
State Rate$0.122Statewide property tax assessment
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (where applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
Extension DistrictVariesAgricultural extension services (where applicable)

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year. The combined effective rate typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.00 per $100 of assessed value, depending on taxing district combinations. Contact the Carter County PVA office at (606) 474-5188 for specific rates applicable to your property location.

Note: Special taxing districts create rate variations throughout the county. Properties within incorporated areas or special service districts may have different total effective rates than rural properties.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Carter 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 Carter County are additional property tax assessments issued when significant changes occur to a property after the annual assessment date of January 1st. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction completion, major property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, and corrections to previous assessments. When a supplemental assessment is issued, property owners receive a separate tax bill that is due within the same timeframe as regular property taxes.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in June, and the total effective tax rate is $0.75 per $100 of assessed value, the supplemental tax would be approximately $750 ($100,000 × 0.0075) prorated for the seven remaining months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $437.50.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of fair cash value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,100 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $260,900
  • Tax Rate: $0.75 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,956.75
  • Monthly Escrow: $163.06

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (100% of fair cash value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,100 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $560,900
  • Tax Rate: $0.75 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,206.75
  • Monthly Escrow: $350.56

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (100% of fair cash value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,100 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $960,900
  • Tax Rate: $0.75 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $7,206.75
  • Monthly Escrow: $600.56

Note: Tax credits shown require formal application and eligibility verification. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within Carter County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Carter County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to Carter County when due. Monthly escrow amounts are calculated by dividing the annual tax bill by 12, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property taxes in Carter County are due November 15th annually, with a 2% discount available for payments made by November 1st. Lenders typically pay from escrow accounts in early November to capture the discount when possible. Property owners with escrow accounts should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender showing tax payments made and any required adjustments to monthly escrow amounts.

For properties without escrow accounts, owners are responsible for making direct payments to the Carter County Sheriff's office, which serves as the tax collector. Online payment options and payment plans may be available through the county's tax collection system.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Carter County property taxes due for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due November 15, 2024, with a 2% discount available for payments made by November 1, 2024.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Kentucky offers a homestead exemption (tax credit) for property owners age 65 or older or those classified as totally disabled. This credit can exempt up to $39,100 of assessed value from taxation. You must apply with the Carter County PVA office using Form 62A023, and applications are typically due by December 31st of the assessment year.

Q: Does the homestead credit reduce my property's market value? A: No, the homestead credit reduces your taxable assessed value for tax calculation purposes only. It does not affect your property's market value or assessment for other purposes.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Carter County? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. The PVA reviews market conditions and may adjust assessments based on sales data, improvements, or other factors affecting property values.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments to the Carter County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed by the third Monday in May following the assessment notice.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After November 15th, a 1.5% monthly penalty applies to unpaid balances until paid in full.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Carter County Sheriff's office at (606) 474-5454 to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do I automatically receive tax credits I'm eligible for? A: No, most tax credits including the homestead exemption require formal application with supporting documentation. Credits are not automatically applied and must be renewed as required by county procedures.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Special taxing districts for services like fire protection, libraries, or extension services add to your base county and school tax rates. Your specific rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Carter County PVA office at (606) 474-5188 for assessment questions or the Carter County Sheriff's office at (606) 474-5454 for payment and collection questions.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Our Office - Carter County Clerkcarter.countyclerk.us
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
County
Delinquent Taxes - Carter County Clerkcarter.countyclerk.us
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
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms and Instructions for Public Service ...revenue.ky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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