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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cumberland County
Property Tax Guide

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

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

How Property Tax Works

Cumberland County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county government operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on 100% of the property's fair cash value as determined by the Kentucky Department of Revenue's Office of Property Valuation. The effective tax rate in Cumberland County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, but generally ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value.

Property owners should note that their actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts their property falls within, such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, or other local service areas. Each district adds its own levy to the base county rate, creating different total rates throughout Cumberland County. The Kentucky Department of Revenue conducts property reassessments periodically to ensure assessments reflect current market values, and property owners receive annual tax bills that detail all applicable district levies.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available information for Cumberland County, KY (rates subject to final approval):

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
State Rate$0.45Commonwealth of Kentucky base rate
County GeneralVaries by districtCumberland County operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school district funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, library districts, other local services
Total Estimated Rate$0.80 - $1.20 per $100Combined rate varies by taxing district

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (FY 2025-2026). Final rates are determined by each taxing district and may vary. Motor vehicle property taxes are subject to the same local rates plus the $0.45 state rate. Contact the Cumberland County Clerk or Kentucky Department of Revenue for your specific district's final rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the January 1st assessment date but before the end of the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, changes in property use or classification, or corrections to the original assessment.

Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same tax rate as the regular annual bill, applied only to the increase in assessed value and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition in July and their total tax rate is $1.00 per $100 of assessed value, they would owe an additional $250 ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $1.00 = $500, prorated for half the year = $250) in supplemental taxes. These bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified, application required): -$38,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $261,800
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $2,618
  • Monthly Escrow: $218

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified, application required): -$38,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $561,800
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $5,618
  • Monthly Escrow: $468

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified, application required): -$38,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $961,800
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $9,618
  • Monthly Escrow: $802

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by taxing district location. Senior citizens (65+) may qualify for additional credits with proper application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cumberland County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. Tax payments are typically due January 15th annually, and lenders remit payments directly to the Cumberland County Clerk's office on behalf of homeowners.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has received and paid their tax bill by checking with the Cumberland County Clerk or reviewing their annual escrow analysis statement. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, lenders will adjust monthly escrow payments accordingly and may require a one-time catch-up payment. Homeowners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow, and should monitor their escrow account activity through their mortgage servicer's online portal or monthly statements.

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 Cumberland County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due January 15, 2026. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Kentucky offers a homestead exemption that caps annual assessment increases for qualifying owner-occupied residences. This credit requires annual application using Revenue Form 62A023. Additional credits are available for seniors (65+) and disabled veterans, but all require separate applications filed with the county clerk.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits how much your property's assessed value can increase each year for tax purposes, not reduce the market value. It does NOT automatically reduce your property value - you must apply annually before the deadline, and it only caps assessment growth going forward.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Cumberland County? A: The Kentucky Department of Revenue's Office of Property Valuation conducts periodic reassessments to ensure properties are assessed at fair market value. Reassessment schedules vary, but typically occur every 3-6 years countywide.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals within one year of the assessment date. Contact the Cumberland County Clerk for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges as established by Kentucky law. Contact the Cumberland County Clerk for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Cumberland County Clerk at the courthouse to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Cumberland County? A: Different areas of the county fall within different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, library districts, etc.). Each district adds its own levy to create varying total tax rates throughout the county.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or veterans? A: Yes, Kentucky provides additional tax credits for qualifying seniors (65+) and disabled veterans. These require separate applications with documentation filed annually. Contact the Cumberland County Clerk for application forms and eligibility requirements.

Q: What happens if I don't receive my tax bill? A: Property owners remain responsible for paying taxes even if they don't receive a bill. Contact the Cumberland County Clerk immediately to obtain your bill and avoid late penalties.

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