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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hopkins County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
68.2¢ per $100 assessed value (base rate, varies by district with additional rates for schools and municipalities)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hopkins County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the Kentucky Department of Revenue conducting assessments every year to determine fair market value.

The effective property tax rate in Hopkins County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. For the 2025-2026 tax year, the base real estate tax rate is 68.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, though residents may pay additional rates depending on their specific taxing district. Property owners should note that their total tax bill reflects a combination of county, school, and any applicable special district levies.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Real Estate Base Rate$0.682Hopkins County real estate tax for FY 2025-2026
School DistrictVariesAdditional rate depending on school district boundaries
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, and other local services
MunicipalVariesAdditional rates for incorporated city residents

Note: The 68.2 cents per $100 rate applies to the county portion only. Total effective rates vary significantly by location within Hopkins County due to overlapping taxing districts. Residents in incorporated cities and special service districts will have higher total rates. Contact Hopkins County Planning and Zoning at (270) 825-4457 for your specific district's total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hopkins 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 Hopkins County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed based on the property's updated status.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: completing new construction or major renovations, purchasing property that was previously exempt, or correcting assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in July, the supplemental tax would apply the 68.2 cent rate (plus applicable district rates) to the $50,000 increase for the remaining 6 months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Annual Tax: $250,900 × 0.00682 = $1,711 (base rate only)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$143

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Annual Tax: $550,900 × 0.00682 = $3,757 (base rate only)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$313

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Annual Tax: $950,900 × 0.00682 = $6,485 (base rate only)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$541

Note: These examples use only the base county rate. Total taxes will be higher due to school district and special district rates. All tax credits require application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hopkins County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to Hopkins County when they become due.

Lenders typically pay property taxes by the November 1st discount deadline to take advantage of the 2% discount. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and your monthly payment may be adjusted based on changes in tax rates or assessed values. Property owners should verify that their lender has received and paid their tax bill, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time. Contact your lender immediately if you receive delinquency notices, as this may indicate an escrow account shortage or processing error.

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 for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by November 1st with a 2% discount available. After November 1st, taxes are payable at face value through December 31st. Contact Hopkins County Planning and Zoning at (270) 825-4457 for specific payment details.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption for 2025-2026 is $49,100, which reduces your assessed value if you own and occupy your home as your primary residence. This is NOT automatic - you must apply with the county assessor's office.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, Kentucky offers various tax credits including disabled veteran exemptions, elderly/disabled person credits, and farm exemptions. All require separate applications and proof of eligibility. Contact your county assessor for specific requirements and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky conducts annual assessments, meaning your property value is reviewed each year. However, assessment increases may be limited by homestead provisions if you qualify and have applied for the homestead exemption.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Hopkins County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax lien sales. Contact Hopkins County's tax collection office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Payment options vary by jurisdiction within Hopkins County. Some areas may offer online payment systems while others require payment by mail or in person. Check with Hopkins County Planning and Zoning at (270) 825-4457 for available payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when the rate stayed the same? A: Even with stable tax rates, your bill can increase due to rising property values, completion of new construction, loss of exemptions, or changes in special district assessments. The 68.2 cent county rate remained unchanged for 2025-2026, but total bills reflect your property's current assessed value.

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