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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kenton County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.244% for real property, 0.287% for personal property (varies by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kenton County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the fair cash value of real estate and tangible personal property, with real property assessed at 100% of fair cash value as determined by the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA).

The effective tax rate for real property in Kenton County is 0.244% for the 2025-2026 tax year, while tangible personal property faces a slightly higher rate of 0.287%. However, your actual tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within the county, as additional special taxing districts (such as fire districts, library districts, or municipal taxes) can add to the base county rate. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate by checking which special districts apply to their property address.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Real Property Base Rate0.244%Base Kenton County levy for FY 2025-2026
Tangible Property Rate0.287%Applied to business personal property and equipment
Special District RatesVariesAdditional rates for fire districts, libraries, municipalities
School District LevyIncluded in baseKenton County School District portion

Note: The rates shown apply to the 2025-2026 levy year. Properties located within incorporated cities or special taxing districts will have additional rates applied. Fire districts, library districts, and municipal boundaries can significantly affect your total tax rate. Contact the Kenton County PVA office to determine all applicable rates for your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kenton 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 tax bills are issued when property assessments change during the tax year due to new construction, improvements, or ownership transfers that trigger a reassessment. When the PVA determines that a property's assessed value has increased mid-year, a supplemental bill is prepared for the assessment difference using the correct tax rate applicable to that property.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March, and the PVA assesses this improvement during the tax year, you would receive a supplemental bill for the increased assessed value. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: $100,000 (new assessment) × 0.244% (tax rate) = $244 additional annual tax, prorated from the date the improvement was completed. This supplemental amount would be due in addition to your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Annual Tax: $250,900 × 0.244% = $612.20
  • Monthly Escrow: $51.02

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Annual Tax: $550,900 × 0.244% = $1,344.20
  • Monthly Escrow: $112.02

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$49,100 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Annual Tax: $950,900 × 0.244% = $2,320.20
  • Monthly Escrow: $193.35

Note: The $49,100 homestead exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Additional special district taxes may apply depending on property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax payments to be collected monthly through an escrow account, where 1/12 of the annual tax bill is added to your mortgage payment. Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to Kenton County before the December 31 deadline to avoid penalties and protect their collateral interest in your property.

Your lender will receive tax bills and payment confirmations directly from the county. However, you should verify that payments are made correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for property tax obligations. If your assessment changes or you receive supplemental bills, notify your lender immediately so they can adjust your escrow payments accordingly. Annual escrow analysis statements will show any shortages or surpluses that may require payment adjustments for the following year.

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 Kenton County property taxes due for 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by November 1st for a 2% discount, or by December 31st at full value. Personal property taxes are due by May 15th. Late payments incur penalties and interest.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption reduces your assessed value by $49,100 for the 2025-2026 assessment years. This is an exemption (reducing assessed value), not a credit. You must apply annually - it is not automatic. Contact the Kenton County PVA office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, various credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualified individuals. These are tax credits that reduce your tax bill and require separate applications with specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Contact the PVA office for complete information.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Kenton County? A: Kentucky requires annual assessment updates. The PVA reviews property values yearly, with comprehensive reappraisals conducted periodically to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Kenton County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the PVA office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax lien sales or foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Kenton County Sheriff's office or visit the county website for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why might my tax rate differ from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary by special taxing districts within Kenton County. Properties in different fire districts, library districts, or municipal boundaries may have different total tax rates even if they're in the same neighborhood.

Q: What is tangible personal property tax? A: Businesses must pay tax on equipment, furniture, and other tangible personal property at the rate of 0.287% for 2025-2026. This requires separate filing and payment by May 15th annually.

Q: How do special districts affect my taxes? A: Special districts for fire protection, libraries, or other services add additional tax rates to the base county rate. Your total effective rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

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