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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Graves County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
9.3¢ per $100 assessed value (county rate only), total varies by taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Graves County, Kentucky operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county government operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the fair cash value of real estate and personal property, with the Kentucky Department of Revenue conducting countywide reassessments periodically to ensure equitable valuations.

The effective property tax rate in Graves County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including the county general fund, school districts, cities, fire districts, and other special purpose districts. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the proposed county tax rate is 9.3 cents per $100 of assessed value, though property owners will pay additional rates depending on their specific taxing districts. This means total effective rates typically range from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on your property's location and the applicable local taxing authorities.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Graves County General9.3¢Proposed rate for FY 2025-2026 county operations
School DistrictVariesDepends on specific school district (rates set separately)
City/MunicipalVariesOnly applies to properties within city limits
Fire DistrictVariesDepends on specific fire protection district
Library DistrictVariesWhere applicable for library services
Extension DistrictVariesAgricultural extension services where applicable

Note: The county rate of 9.3¢ per $100 is proposed for FY 2025-2026 and expected to generate approximately $2,184,705 in revenue. Your total property tax bill includes rates from all applicable taxing districts for your property location. Rates for school districts, cities, and special districts are set independently and may vary significantly across different areas of Graves County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Graves 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 Graves County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase the assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes are properly allocated based on current ownership and property conditions rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

When a supplemental assessment occurs, the additional tax is calculated on a prorated basis for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a new home is completed in January and the regular assessment was $200,000 but the completed home is valued at $350,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $150,000 difference multiplied by the applicable tax rates, then prorated for the remaining months until the next regular tax bill cycle. The property owner receives a separate supplemental tax bill that follows the same payment schedule and discount structure as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Property Tax: $2,509
  • Monthly Escrow: $209

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Property Tax: $5,509
  • Monthly Escrow: $459

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 1.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Property Tax: $9,509
  • Monthly Escrow: $792

Important: The homestead credit of $49,100 for assessment years 2025-2026 requires a separate application and is not automatically applied. Total tax rates vary significantly based on your property's specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Graves County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, collecting monthly deposits along with your mortgage payment to ensure taxes are paid on time. Your lender will analyze your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow contribution, typically adding a small cushion to account for potential increases.

Property tax bills are mailed by the Graves County Clerk's Office in late September or early October each year. When your escrow account is established, you should provide your lender with current tax information to ensure accurate monthly collections. Lenders typically pay property taxes directly to the county before the discount deadline of November 1st to take advantage of the 2% early payment discount. You can verify that your taxes have been paid by contacting the Graves County Clerk's Office or checking online payment records if available.

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 Graves County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by November 1st to receive a 2% discount. After November 1st, taxes are payable at face value without discount.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the homestead exemption of $49,100 for assessment years 2025-2026, which reduces your assessed value. This credit requires a separate application and is not automatic. Additional credits may be available for seniors (65+) or disabled property owners under Section 170 of the Kentucky Constitution.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit reduces your property's assessed value by $49,100, not your tax bill directly. For example, if your home is assessed at $300,000, the credit reduces the taxable assessment to $250,900. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatically applied.

Q: What is the penalty for late property tax payments? A: After November 1st, you lose the 2% discount. Additional penalties and interest may apply for payments made significantly after the due date. Contact the Graves County Clerk's Office for specific penalty information.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Graves County? A: Kentucky conducts countywide property reassessments periodically through the Department of Revenue. Between reassessments, individual properties may be reviewed if there are improvements, sales, or other changes affecting value.

Q: Can I appeal my property tax assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessments. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are issued. Contact the Graves County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: Are there online payment options available? A: Contact the Graves County Clerk's Office directly to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: What happens if I live in a city within Graves County? A: Properties within city limits pay additional municipal taxes on top of county taxes. Your total tax rate includes county, school district, city, and any applicable special district rates for your specific location.

Q: When is the personal property tax return due? A: Personal property tax returns are due by May 15th each year for items such as business equipment, vehicles, and other taxable personal property.

Q: Where do I apply for the homestead credit? A: Applications for the homestead credit should be filed with the Graves County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) office. Contact them directly for application forms and specific deadline requirements.

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