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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fayette County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate varies by taxing district, typically 1.186% to 1.286% effective rate including school, city, and special districts
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
May 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fayette County, Kentucky operates under a comprehensive property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and municipal services. The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) determines fair cash value of all properties, while the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government handles tax collection and administration. Property owners in Fayette County can expect effective tax rates that vary based on their specific location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional levies.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on your property's location within various taxing districts throughout Fayette County. These districts may include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other special service areas, each with their own approved levy rates. Most property tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to your assessment, making it important for property owners to understand available programs and filing requirements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Real Property Tax$0.106Base county real property tax rate (FY 2025)
School DistrictVariesLocal school district levy (varies by district)
Fire ProtectionVariesFire district assessment (if applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library support (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional municipal services

Note: The combined effective rate typically ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value, with the constitutional maximum rate of 0.025% except for Lexington-Fayette Urban County which has different limitations. Rates shown are for FY 2025 and may vary by specific taxing district within Fayette County. Property owners should verify their exact rate using the tax calculator at fayettepva.com.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fayette County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 are additional assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed after the annual assessment date. In Fayette County, supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Common triggers include property sales, completion of building permits, additions or major renovations, and changes in property use classification.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your property is reassessed, you would owe supplemental taxes on the increased assessed value for the remaining 9 months of that tax year. The supplemental bill would be calculated using your applicable tax rate applied to the assessment increase, then prorated monthly. These supplemental assessments are separate from your regular annual property tax bill and have their own payment due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: May limit assessment increases (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.1% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$3,300
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$275

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Credits Applied: Varies based on eligibility and applications filed
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.1% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$6,600
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$550

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: Limited high-value property credits available
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.1% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$11,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$917

Note: All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fayette County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes and divide by 12 months, typically maintaining a buffer to ensure sufficient funds are available. Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and adjustments may result in changes to your monthly payment if taxes increase or decrease significantly.

Property tax bills in Fayette County are typically due in installments, and lenders coordinate payment timing with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government finance department. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making timely payments to avoid penalties. You can monitor your property tax status and verify payments through the official payment portal at https://www.lexingtonky.gov/departments/finance. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, ensure you understand the specific due dates and payment options available for your tax year.

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 Fayette County for FY 2025? A: Property tax due dates vary and are set annually. Contact the Finance Department or check the payment portal at lexingtonky.gov/departments/finance for current year due dates and installment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Various tax credits may be available including homestead credits, disability credits, and veteran credits. All credits require separate application through the PVA office and are not automatically applied. Contact fayettepva.com for current applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's market value. You must file an application with the PVA office, and the credit must be renewed according to program requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky law requires annual property assessments, but the PVA may conduct more frequent reassessments for properties that have changed significantly. Physical inspections and market analysis occur on rotating schedules.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The exact penalty structure and interest rates are set annually and can be found through the Finance Department.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, online payment options are available through the official portal at lexingtonky.gov/departments/finance. Various payment methods may be accepted with different processing fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the PVA office within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Visit fayettepva.com for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Fayette County determines which special districts apply to your property, such as fire protection, library, or other municipal service districts, each with separate levy rates.

Q: What if I disagree with supplemental tax assessments? A: Supplemental assessments can be appealed using the same process as regular assessments. Contact the PVA office immediately if you believe a supplemental assessment is incorrect.

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