HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Average 16.62% of assessed value (varies by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Kentucky operates on an assessed value property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Franklin County are based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) and reassessed periodically to reflect current market conditions.

The effective property tax rate in Franklin County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts. The county's average tax rate is approximately 16.62% of assessed value, though individual properties may see rates ranging from the base county rate to higher rates when additional special district assessments apply. These special districts can include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other municipal services that create variations in the total tax burden across different areas of Franklin County.

Actual tax rates vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, so property owners should verify their specific rate based on their property's location and applicable district assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year:

ComponentRateDescription
State Real Property Tax10.6¢ per $100Kentucky Department of Revenue base rate
Franklin County BaseVaries by districtCounty government operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school district funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire protection, library, municipal services
Total Estimated Rate16.6197%Average across all districts

Note: The specific tax rate for your property depends on which special taxing districts serve your location within Franklin County. The county rate of 0.0033020 represents the base county assessment, but additional district rates will apply based on your property's location. Property owners should contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office or PVA to determine their exact rate based on applicable special districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 Franklin County result from changes in property assessment that occur outside the regular assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction, property improvements, ownership changes, or the resolution of assessment appeals. When the Property Valuation Administrator determines that a property's assessed value should be adjusted mid-year, a supplemental tax bill is issued to account for the difference.

Under Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 133.120(9), property owners have the right to pay taxes based on the current assessment while an appeal is pending. If the appeal results in a higher assessment than originally claimed, a supplemental bill will be issued for the additional amount owed. Conversely, if the appeal results in a lower assessment, the property owner may receive a refund or credit.

Example: If you complete a $50,000 home addition in March 2025, the PVA will assess the increased value and issue a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessment from the date the improvement was completed through the end of the tax year. This supplemental amount would be calculated using Franklin County's applicable tax rate for your specific location and special districts.

Example Calculation

The following examples use Franklin County's average rate of 16.6197% and assume eligibility for the $49,100 homestead exemption (requires application):

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Annual Tax ($250,900 × 16.6197%): $4,169
  • Monthly Escrow: $347

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Annual Tax ($550,900 × 16.6197%): $9,154
  • Monthly Escrow: $763

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Annual Tax ($950,900 × 16.6197%): $15,803
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,317

Note: These calculations use the average county rate. Your actual rate may vary based on special taxing districts in your area. The homestead exemption requires annual application and is not automatic.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. When property tax bills are mailed by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office on or before October 29th each year, your lender typically pays the bill directly from your escrow account.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow account statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. Property owners should review their escrow statements carefully and notify their lender of any discrepancies or changes in exemptions or credits that might affect their tax liability.

For properties without escrow accounts, owners are responsible for making direct payments to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The first payment deadline is November 2nd, with specific payment schedules and options available through the Sheriff's Office.

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 Franklin County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax bills are mailed by October 29, 2025, with the first payment due by November 2, 2025. Contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for complete payment schedule information.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the homestead exemption valued at $49,100 for the 2025-2026 assessment years. This credit REQUIRES ANNUAL APPLICATION and is not automatic. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled persons, or veterans - contact the Franklin County PVA office to determine eligibility and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption reduces your property's assessed value by $49,100, which lowers your tax bill. This is NOT a cap on assessment increases but rather a direct reduction in taxable value. You must apply annually, and the exemption cannot be claimed on multiple properties in Kentucky or other states.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Franklin County? A: Kentucky law requires property reassessment, though specific cycles vary. Contact the Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) for current assessment schedules and to understand when your property was last assessed.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments through the Franklin County Board of Assessment Appeals. Supplemental tax bills may result from the appeals process if assessments are adjusted upward after appeal resolution.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest apply to delinquent property taxes. The delinquent tax sale is scheduled for August 13, 2025. Contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

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

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Franklin County? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts that serve different areas of the county. These can include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other municipal services. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your property's location.

Q: Where do I apply for tax credits or exemptions? A: Applications for homestead exemptions and other property tax credits are typically filed with the Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA). Contact the PVA office for specific application forms, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental bills are issued when property assessments change outside the regular assessment cycle due to new construction, property improvements, ownership changes, or resolved assessment appeals that result in higher taxable values.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate