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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Daviess County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate varies by district: County $0.138, Schools $0.729-$0.797, Cities vary (Owensboro $0.573)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Daviess County, Kentucky fund essential local services including schools, emergency services, road maintenance, and county operations. The county operates under Kentucky's property tax system where properties are assessed at fair cash value, with tax rates applied to the assessed value after any applicable tax credits are deducted.

The effective tax rate in Daviess County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners may pay taxes to multiple entities including the county, school district, city (if applicable), and special districts for services like fire protection or libraries. Tax rates are expressed per $100 of assessed value, and actual tax bills can differ significantly based on your property's specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized. The following represents the general structure of Daviess County property taxes:

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County GeneralVariesCounty operations, services, debt service
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding, varies by district
State Property Tax$0.45Commonwealth of Kentucky (motor vehicles)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, libraries, other local services
MunicipalVariesCity taxes (if within city limits)

Total rates vary significantly by location within Daviess County based on which taxing districts serve your property. For current FY 2025-2026 rates, contact the Daviess County Property Valuation Administrator or visit the Kentucky Department of Revenue website. Rates are typically finalized in late summer for the upcoming tax year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Daviess 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 triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and billed versus the new higher assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June, and your tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $600 for the remaining 7 months of the tax year (($100,000 ÷ 100) × $1.20 × 7/12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days after the assessment change is processed and have their own due dates separate from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates for illustration purposes. Actual rates vary by taxing district location.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $1.10 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,760 ($250,900 ÷ 100 × $1.10)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $230

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $1.15 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $6,335 ($550,900 ÷ 100 × $1.15)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $528

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $1.20 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $11,411 ($950,900 ÷ 100 × $1.20)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $951

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and reduces assessed value, not market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Daviess County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account to pay your taxes when due.

Lenders typically pay property taxes by the November 15 deadline to avoid penalties. They may pay early (by November 1) to receive the 2% discount when beneficial to the escrow account. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing tax payments made and any account adjustments needed. If property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. Property owners remain responsible for verifying that taxes are paid correctly and on time, even when using escrow services.

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 Daviess County? A: Real property taxes are due November 15, with a 2% discount available if paid by November 1. Personal property taxes are due May 15. These dates apply to the current tax year billing cycle.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption for 2025-2026 is $49,100, which reduces your home's assessed value if you use it as your primary residence. This is NOT automatic - you must apply with the Daviess County Property Valuation Administrator's office and reapply annually.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, Kentucky offers various tax credits including senior citizen credits, disability credits, and veteran exemptions. Each requires a separate application with specific eligibility requirements and documentation. Contact the PVA office for current applications and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky requires annual assessment updates, but full reappraisals typically occur every few years. The Property Valuation Administrator reviews market trends and property sales to adjust assessments annually.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Property taxes not paid by November 15 incur penalties and interest. Taxes become delinquent after December 31, and properties may eventually be subject to tax sale if taxes remain unpaid for an extended period.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Daviess County Sheriff's office or check their website for current online payment options, as collection methods and online services vary by county in Kentucky.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide services like fire protection, libraries, or water districts. If your property is within a special district boundary, you'll pay additional taxes for those services. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable district taxes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Daviess County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines, typically in May following the assessment notice. Contact the PVA office for current appeal procedures and forms.

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