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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hardin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
65.2¢ per $100 assessed value (base county rate), varies significantly by taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hardin County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county government operations. The county follows Kentucky's state property tax framework with a base assessment rate around 1% of fair market value, though actual tax rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts.

For the 2024-2025 tax year, Hardin County's property tax rate is 65.2 cents per $100 of assessed value for real property, with personal property taxed at the same rate. However, your actual effective tax rate will depend on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local service areas. These additional levies can substantially increase your total property tax bill beyond the base county rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General65.2¢Base county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district levy (varies by district)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, lighting districts (if applicable)

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025. Your total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Hardin County Property Valuation Administrator at (270) 765-4149 for your specific district combination and total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hardin 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 Hardin County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements after the annual tax roll is finalized. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, or corrections to assessments discovered after the initial billing.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and the county assesses it in June, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $100,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year at your property's total tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): $0 (caps growth, doesn't reduce initial value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (65.2¢ + districts ~35¢ = $1.00): $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (requires application): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated total rate ~$1.00): $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (requires application): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated total rate ~$1.00): $10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $833

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatic. Rates include estimated special district taxes which vary by location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hardin County collect property taxes through monthly escrow payments to ensure timely payment of your annual tax bill. Your lender estimates your annual property tax based on current assessments and tax rates, then divides this amount by 12 for your monthly escrow payment. Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to the Hardin County Clerk's office before the May 15 due date.

Each year, your lender will provide an escrow analysis statement showing whether you have a shortage or surplus in your escrow account based on actual tax bills versus estimated payments. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You can verify that your taxes were paid by checking with the Hardin County Clerk's office or reviewing your annual escrow statement from your lender.

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 Hardin County for 2025? A: Property taxes for the 2024-2025 tax year are due by May 15, 2025. Kentucky law allows payment at face value after November 1, but penalties apply for late payment after the May deadline.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Exemption (up to $46,350 for 2023-2024) for residents age 65+ or totally disabled. This credit requires filing Form 62A023 with supporting documentation. Applications must be submitted annually and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits how much your assessed value can grow year-over-year, providing tax stability for eligible seniors and disabled residents. You must apply using Form 62A023.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky requires property reassessment every four years. Hardin County follows this schedule with periodic updates. You can appeal assessments within 30 days of notification to the Hardin County Board of Assessment Appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments after May 15 incur penalties and interest. Contact the Hardin County Clerk's office at (270) 765-2171 for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Hardin County Clerk's office at (270) 765-2171 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Hardin County? A: Special taxing districts for schools, fire protection, libraries, and other services create different total tax rates depending on your property location. Your total rate combines the base county rate plus applicable district rates.

Q: How do I find my property's tax history? A: Contact the Hardin County Property Valuation Administrator at (270) 765-4149 or visit their office for assessment records and tax payment history for your property.

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