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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Harlan County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
61.1¢ per $100 assessed value (state: 10.6¢ + county: 50.5¢), varies by district and municipality
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Harlan County, Kentucky fund essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county government operations. The county uses a combined assessment system where property values are determined by the Kentucky Department of Revenue and local assessors, with taxes calculated based on the assessed value multiplied by applicable tax rates.

For the 2025 tax year, Harlan County property owners face a combined tax rate of 61.1 cents per $100 of assessed value, consisting of the state rate (10.6 cents) plus the local county rate (50.5 cents). However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location, as additional assessments for fire districts, water districts, or other special services may apply.

Property in Kentucky is assessed at 100% of fair cash value, with assessments updated periodically by the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA). The effective tax rate for most residential properties ranges from approximately 0.61% to 0.85% of market value, depending on location and applicable tax credits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
State Real Property Tax$0.106Kentucky Department of Revenue base rate for FY 2025
Harlan County Local Rate$0.505County services, administration, public safety
Base Combined Rate$0.611Standard rate before special districts
School DistrictVariesAdditional levy varies by school district boundaries
Fire Protection DistrictsVariesApplied to properties within specific fire districts
Water/Sewer DistrictsVariesSpecial assessments for utility district services
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional rates for incorporated city residents

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Total effective rates typically range from $0.611 to $0.85+ per $100 of assessed value depending on special taxing districts. Property owners should contact the Harlan County PVA at (606) 573-3506 to determine their exact rate based on property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Harlan 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 Harlan County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or tax status. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that remove previous exemptions, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the main tax roll is finalized.

Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same tax rates that applied to the original assessment, but only for the remaining months of the tax year. For example, if a new home is completed and occupied in January, the owner receives a supplemental bill covering January through December at the full annual rate. If completed in July, the supplemental tax covers July through December at 50% of the annual amount.

Example: A property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in March. The addition increases the assessed value by $50,000. With Harlan County's base rate of $0.611 per $100, the annual tax increase would be $305.50. Since 10 months remain in the tax year (March-December), the supplemental bill would be $254.58 ($305.50 × 10/12), payable within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$8,500 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $291,500
  • Base Tax Rate: $0.611 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,781 | Monthly: $148

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$8,500 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $591,500
  • Base Tax Rate: $0.611 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,614 | Monthly: $301

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$8,500 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $991,500
  • Base Tax Rate: $0.611 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $6,060 | Monthly: $505

Note: These calculations use the base county rate only. Actual taxes may be higher due to special taxing districts. Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Homestead credit eligibility and amounts vary based on age, disability, and income qualifications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Harlan County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or specific loan types. Lenders collect 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding funds in escrow until taxes are due in May.

Property tax bills in Harlan County are typically mailed in early April with a May 15th due date. Lenders usually pay the taxes directly to the county from escrow funds around the due date. Property owners should verify their escrow account has sufficient funds and that their lender has the correct tax amount, as special district assessments or supplemental taxes may not be included in initial escrow calculations.

After tax payments are made, property owners receive an escrow analysis from their lender showing the payment breakdown and any required escrow adjustments for the following year. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special districts, monthly escrow payments will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can request escrow account statements and should review them annually to ensure accuracy.

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 Harlan County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due May 15, 2025. Payments postmarked after this date are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kentucky offers homestead credits for qualifying homeowners, disability credits, and senior citizen credits. All credits require annual application through Revenue Form 62A023 and are NOT automatic. Applications must be filed with the county PVA office by the specified deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. For qualified applicants, it caps assessment growth and provides additional credits based on age, income, and disability status. You must apply annually and meet eligibility requirements including age (65+), disability, or income thresholds.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Harlan County? A: Kentucky law requires property reassessment at least every four years, though annual updates may occur for market adjustments or physical changes to properties.

Q: What happens if I pay property taxes late? A: Late payments incur immediate penalties and interest. Contact the Harlan County Sheriff's office at (606) 573-3636 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Harlan County Sheriff's office at (606) 573-3636 to verify current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, water, sewer, or other services add additional rates to your base county tax. These vary by location and require separate voter approval. Contact the PVA office to identify which districts apply to your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the county Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Harlan County PVA at (606) 573-3506 for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: Where do I get exemption applications? A: Tax credit applications (Revenue Form 62A023) are available from the Harlan County PVA office or the Kentucky Department of Revenue website. Remember that these are credits that reduce your tax bill, not exemptions, and require annual filing.

Q: What documentation do I need for tax credits? A: Documentation requirements vary by credit type but typically include proof of age, income statements, disability verification, and property ownership records. Contact the PVA office for specific requirements for each credit program.

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