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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Laurel County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate 10.6¢ per $100 assessed value, actual rates vary by school district and special taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Laurel County, Kentucky serve as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county operates under Kentucky's ad valorem property tax system, where taxes are calculated based on assessed property values established by the Kentucky Department of Revenue's Office of Property Valuation.

Property owners in Laurel County can expect effective tax rates that vary significantly depending on their specific location within the county due to special taxing districts. The base county-wide rate for 2025 is 10.6 cents per $100 of assessed value, but actual rates range higher when including school district levies and special assessments for services like fire protection, library services, and municipal services. Property is assessed at 100% of fair cash value as determined by the state, with reassessments conducted periodically to maintain current market valuations.

It's important to note that your exact tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Rural properties may have different service districts than those within city limits or specific fire protection areas, resulting in varying total tax obligations even for properties of similar value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to the 2025 tax year in Laurel County:

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
State Rate12.2¢Commonwealth of Kentucky base rate
County Rate10.6¢Laurel County general operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district levy (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, municipal services
Total Range22.8¢ - 35¢+Combined rate depending on location

These rates represent the FY 2025-2026 levy year and are subject to annual adjustment by local taxing authorities. Properties within city limits typically pay additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may be subject to special fire district or other service area assessments. The Kentucky Department of Revenue sets the state portion, while local rates are established by county fiscal courts, school boards, and special district governing bodies.

Special taxing districts within Laurel County can significantly impact your total tax rate. Contact the Laurel County Property Valuation Administrator's office at (606) 864-5158 to determine the specific districts that apply to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Laurel 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 Laurel County are additional property tax assessments triggered by specific property events that occur after the January 1st assessment date. The most common triggers include change of ownership (such as property sales), completion of new construction, additions or improvements to existing structures, or changes in property use that affect valuation.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the Kentucky Department of Revenue calculates the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to this difference. The supplemental tax covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year, prorated accordingly.

For example, if you purchase a home in Laurel County in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now reflects a market value of $350,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $150,000 difference. Using a total tax rate of 28¢ per $100, this would result in a supplemental tax of $420 ($150,000 ÷ 100 × $0.28) for the remaining months of the tax year. This supplemental amount is separate from and in addition to the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

The following examples show annual property tax calculations for three home values in Laurel County, assuming a combined tax rate of 28¢ per $100 of assessed value and applicable homestead credit where noted:

$300,000 Home (First-time homeowner, age 67)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: $46,350 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $253,650
  • Annual Tax: $710.22 ($253,650 ÷ 100 × $0.28)
  • Monthly Escrow: $59.19

$600,000 Home (No applicable credits)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Credits Applied: None
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,680.00 ($600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.28)
  • Monthly Escrow: $140.00

$1,000,000 Home (Disabled veteran, age 45)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: $46,350 (requires application and documentation)
  • Net Taxable Value: $953,650
  • Annual Tax: $2,670.22 ($953,650 ÷ 100 × $0.28)
  • Monthly Escrow: $222.52

Note: All tax credits require annual application and approval. Rates shown are estimates and actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within Laurel County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Laurel County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, depositing these funds into a dedicated escrow account. When property tax bills become due, your lender pays the taxes directly from this account on your behalf.

Property tax bills in Laurel County are typically issued in late summer, with payments due by specific deadlines to qualify for early payment discounts. Bills are payable with a 2% discount if paid by November 1st, and the final due date without penalty varies but generally falls in the following spring. Your lender will usually pay during the discount period to minimize costs.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow account statements showing all deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You have the right to request escrow account information and can challenge payment amounts if you believe your property taxes have been calculated incorrectly. Contact your loan servicer immediately if you notice discrepancies in escrow payments or if you receive property tax bills directly after establishing escrow.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

When are property taxes due in Laurel County for the current fiscal year? Property tax bills for FY 2025-2026 are payable with a 2% discount by November 1, 2025. The final due date without penalty is typically May 15, 2026. Personal property taxes follow the same schedule.

What tax credits are available and how do I apply? The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for property owners age 65+ or with qualifying disabilities, providing up to $46,350 in assessed value reduction. This credit requires annual application through the Laurel County Property Valuation Administrator's office. Applications must be filed by December 31st of the tax year. Veterans may qualify for additional credits with proper documentation.

How does the Homestead Credit work? The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but rather caps annual assessment increases and provides a credit against taxable assessed value. It limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year, providing tax stability for eligible seniors and disabled residents. You must apply annually and meet age/disability requirements.

When are properties reassessed in Laurel County? Kentucky conducts property reassessments on a rotating schedule determined by the state. Individual properties may be reassessed when ownership changes, improvements are made, or market conditions warrant adjustment. You'll receive notice of any assessment changes with appeal rights and deadlines.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late property tax payments in Laurel County incur penalties and interest charges. After the final due date, a 10% penalty is typically added, followed by additional interest charges. Unpaid taxes can eventually result in tax lien sales.

Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, Laurel County offers online property tax payment options through the county's official website. You can also pay by mail, in person at the county courthouse, or through approved third-party payment services. Check with the Laurel County Clerk's office for current payment methods and any associated fees.

Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? Tax rates vary within Laurel County based on special taxing districts serving your property. City residents pay municipal taxes, while rural residents may have fire district taxes. School district boundaries and library districts also affect total rates, creating variations even between adjacent properties.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Assessment appeals must be filed with the Laurel County Property Valuation Administrator within specific deadlines after receiving notice of assessment changes. The appeal process includes local review followed by potential state-level appeals. Contact the PVA office at (606) 864-5158 for appeal forms and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Motor Vehicle Property Tax Rates 2025revenue.ky.gov
02
Tax Doc
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX RATESrevenue.ky.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
The Collection Process for Property Tax Billsrevenue.ky.gov
05
City of London, Kentucky – Page 2londonky.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
07
Homestead Exemption Allowance for 2023-2024revenue.ky.gov
08
State
2019 Real Estate Exemption List. ...apps.legislature.ky.gov
09
0000277375-99-000020.txtsec.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms and Instructions for Public Service ...revenue.ky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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