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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Letcher County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate 10.6¢ per $100 assessed value, varies by district with additional assessments for fire, library, and municipal services
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Letcher County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the county's 2025 tax rate set at 10.6 cents per $100 of assessed value as the base rate.

The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within Letcher County due to special taxing districts, which may include additional assessments for fire districts, library districts, and other municipal services. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location, as these district-specific assessments can materially impact the total tax liability. Kentucky assesses property at 100% of fair cash value, with assessments typically updated every four years through the Property Valuation Administrator's office.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General10.6¢Base Letcher County levy for FY 2025-2026
State TaxVariesCommonwealth of Kentucky assessment
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding assessment
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire protection, library, recreation districts
Total Estimated Range~$1.00-$1.20Combined rate varies by specific location

Note: These rates apply to the 2025-2026 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within special taxing districts. Contact the Letcher County Property Valuation Administrator at (606) 633-2293 for your specific district's complete rate structure.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 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 Letcher County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment but before the tax year ends, a supplemental bill is issued to capture the additional tax liability.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in March 2025 valued at $400,000, and the previous assessment was $250,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference ($150,000 × applicable tax rate) prorated from March through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated using the same rates as regular property taxes and is due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Annual Tax (@ ~1.10%): $2,760
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$230

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Annual Tax (@ ~1.10%): $6,060
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$505

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Annual Tax (@ ~1.10%): $10,460
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$872

Note: Homestead credit of $49,100 requires annual application and is not automatic. Actual rates vary by special district location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Letcher County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds in an escrow account. When taxes become due on November 2nd each year, your lender pays the bill directly to Letcher County.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, expect your monthly escrow payment to adjust accordingly. You can request an escrow account disclosure from your lender at any time to verify the calculation and ensure adequate funds are being collected for the upcoming tax 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 property taxes due in Letcher County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due by November 2, 2026. Taxes become delinquent after December 1, 2026, and are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit worth $49,100 for 2025-2026, which reduces your assessed value. This credit requires annual application and is NOT automatic. Contact the PVA office to apply.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides a $49,100 reduction in assessed value for qualifying primary residences. It does not cap assessment growth but reduces your taxable assessed value. You must apply annually before the deadline.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky law requires property reassessment every four years. Letcher County follows this schedule, with the Property Valuation Administrator conducting comprehensive revaluations.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties starting December 1st. Properties with unpaid taxes may be subject to tax sale, typically held annually in July.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Letcher County Sheriff's office at (606) 633-2293 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

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

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Letcher County Property Valuation Administrator during the appeal period, typically in May following the assessment notice.

Q: When is personal property tax due? A: Personal property tax returns must be filed by May 15th annually. Contact the PVA office for forms and filing requirements.

Q: Where do I get forms for tax credits and exemptions? A: Contact the Letcher County Property Valuation Administrator's office for all application forms. Most credits require annual renewal and are not automatically applied.

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