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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jackson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - typically 0.65-0.85% effective rate including county, school, and special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jackson County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Jackson County are administered by the county Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) for assessment purposes and collected by the county Sheriff's office.

The effective property tax rate in Jackson County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. Property owners may be subject to taxes from multiple entities including the county government, school district, fire districts, and other special assessment districts. The Kentucky Department of Revenue provides oversight for the assessment process, with properties typically reassessed annually. Property owners should note that actual tax bills depend on both the assessed value of their property and the specific taxing districts where their property is located.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for the current tax year, Jackson County property tax rates include multiple components:

ComponentRateDescription
State Property Tax$0.45 per $100Base state assessment on assessed value
County General FundContact PVALocal county operations and services
School DistrictContact PVAJackson County School District levy
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library, or other local assessments

Note: Specific local tax rates for FY 2025-2026 should be verified with the Jackson County PVA office, as rates vary significantly by taxing district within the county. The state rate of $0.45 per $100 of assessed value applies to motor vehicles and may differ for real property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jackson 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 Jackson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property sales that result in reassessment, completion of new construction projects, additions or major improvements to existing structures, and subdivision of land. For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in January and the county assesses the improvement at that value, they would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessed value covering the remainder of the tax year through the following May 15 due date.

Example Calculation

Based on estimated effective rates (contact Jackson County PVA for current specific rates):

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (at 100% of fair market value)
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $2,509 (at estimated 1% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$209

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $5,509 (at estimated 1% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$459

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $9,509 (at estimated 1% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$792

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Actual rates vary by taxing district location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jackson County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes. The lender estimates annual property tax liability and divides it by 12 to determine monthly escrow payments collected with mortgage payments. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-6 months of tax payments in the escrow account to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes become due.

Property taxes in Jackson County are due annually by May 15, so lenders must ensure sufficient funds are accumulated throughout the year. Lenders will pay the tax bill directly to the Jackson County Sheriff's office when due. Property owners receive an annual escrow analysis showing account activity, and adjustments to monthly escrow amounts are made based on actual tax bills and account balances. Homeowners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations even when using escrow services.

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 Jackson County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due annually by May 15. For tax year 2025, the due date is May 15, 2026.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Kentucky offers a homestead exemption of $49,100 for the 2025-2026 assessment year that reduces assessed value. This requires annual application using Revenue Form 62A023 and is not automatic. Contact the Jackson County PVA office for application deadlines and requirements.

Q: Is there a senior citizen property tax credit? A: Kentucky provides additional homestead exemptions for property owners age 65 or older, or those determined to be disabled. These require separate application and eligibility verification. Contact the Jackson County PVA for specific requirements and application forms.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky conducts annual property assessments, with the Property Valuation Administrator reviewing property values each year as of January 1st for the following tax year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Jackson County Board of Assessment Appeals. Contact the County PVA office for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures if you believe your assessment is incorrect.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late property tax payments in Kentucky are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Jackson County Sheriff's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if your taxes are overdue.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Jackson County Sheriff's office to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county in Kentucky.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total property tax bill includes taxes from all applicable districts where your property is located, such as school districts, fire districts, and other special assessments. The specific combination depends on your property's location within Jackson County.

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