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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Knox County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Knox 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 - County base rate plus school district, municipal, and special district taxes
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Knox County, Kentucky operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Knox County are administered by the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) for assessment purposes and collected by the County Clerk's office.

The effective property tax rate in Knox County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. Property owners may be subject to county taxes, school district taxes, city taxes (if within municipal boundaries), and various special district assessments such as fire districts or library districts. Based on Kentucky's statewide average, property owners can expect effective rates typically ranging from 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though individual rates depend on the specific taxing districts where the property is located.

Property assessments in Knox County are conducted annually by the PVA, with assessed values generally set at fair cash value (100% of market value). The county follows Kentucky's standard property tax calendar, with bills typically mailed in the fall and payment due dates extending into the following year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
State Property TaxVariesCommonwealth of Kentucky base rate
County General FundVariesKnox County operations and services
School DistrictVariesKnox County Schools and potential city school districts
Health DepartmentVariesLocal health services
Extension ServiceVariesAgricultural extension programs
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (where applicable)
Municipal TaxesVariesCity taxes for properties within city limits

Note: Specific rates for FY 2025-2026 are not yet finalized. Contact the Knox County Clerk's office at (606) 546-3568 for current rates. Actual tax rates vary significantly based on which special taxing districts apply to your specific property location. Properties in different areas of Knox County will have different total tax rates depending on their municipal boundaries and special district coverage.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Knox County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Knox County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual billing cycle. These are triggered by specific events that change a property's ownership or taxable value during the tax year. The most common triggers include: change of ownership through sale or transfer, new construction or substantial improvements that add value, subdivision of property, or corrections to previous assessments.

When a supplemental assessment is necessary, the Property Valuation Administrator calculates the additional tax based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a property sells in March and the new assessment increases the taxable value, a supplemental bill will be issued for the additional taxes owed from March through the end of the tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 30-60 days after the triggering event and follow the same payment terms as regular property tax bills. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when purchasing property or completing major improvements, as these represent real additional tax obligations beyond the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $2,509
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $209

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $5,509
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $459

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $9,509
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $792

Note: These examples use estimated tax rates and assume application for homestead credit. Actual rates vary by taxing district location. The homestead credit ($49,100 for 2025-2026) requires annual application and is not automatically applied. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled property owners but must be applied for separately.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Knox County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders require escrow regardless of down payment amount. With an escrow account, your monthly mortgage payment includes principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance (PITI). The lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month and pays your tax bills directly to Knox County when they become due.

Knox County property tax bills are typically mailed in November with payment due dates in the following year. Lenders usually receive tax bills directly and make payments during the face value period (generally November through December) to avoid penalties. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your tax payments were applied and any adjustments needed to your monthly escrow amount.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information with the Knox County Clerk's office and review their annual escrow statements carefully. If you pay taxes outside of escrow, you're responsible for making payments directly to the County Clerk's office by the specified due dates. Contact the Knox County Clerk at (606) 546-3568 to verify payment status or obtain current tax bill information.

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 Knox County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2025-2026, property tax bills are typically mailed in November 2025. Taxes are payable at face value from November 2, 2025 through December 31, 2025. Contact Knox County Clerk's office at (606) 546-3568 for specific due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the homestead credit ($49,100 for 2025-2026 assessment years), which requires annual application with the Property Valuation Administrator. Additional credits may be available for seniors (65+), veterans, or disabled property owners. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit reduces your assessed value by $49,100, not your market value. This credit must be applied for annually and acts to reduce the taxable value of your primary residence. It does not cap assessment increases - it provides a flat reduction in taxable value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Knox County? A: Kentucky requires annual assessment updates. The Property Valuation Administrator reviews property values yearly, though not every property receives a physical inspection each year. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights through the County Board of Assessment Appeals.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Knox County property taxes become delinquent after December 31st. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Severely delinquent taxes can result in tax lien sales. Contact the County Clerk immediately if you cannot make timely payment to discuss options.

Q: Can I pay my Knox County property taxes online? A: Contact the Knox County Clerk's office at (606) 546-3568 to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county. Traditional payment methods include mail or in-person payment at the Knox County Courthouse.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your total property tax rate depends on which taxing districts cover your property location. This may include fire districts, library districts, or municipal taxes if you're within city limits. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable district taxes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Knox County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Property Valuation Administrator's office for appeal forms and procedures. Professional appraisals or comparable sales data may support your appeal.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued for ownership changes, new construction, property improvements, or assessment corrections that occur during the tax year. These represent additional taxes owed beyond your regular annual bill and are calculated based on the change in assessed value.

Q: Are there property tax benefits for veterans or seniors? A: Kentucky law provides various tax credits for qualifying veterans and senior citizens (65+). These benefits require separate applications with specific documentation and are not automatically applied. Contact the Knox County PVA office to learn about available programs and application requirements.

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