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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lewis County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.153% base rate for 2025, varies by district with additional assessments for schools, fire departments, and special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lewis County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies depending on your specific location within the county due to different special taxing districts.

For the 2025 tax year, Lewis County's base property tax rate is approximately 0.153%, representing a 4% increase from the 2024 rate of 0.152%. However, your actual effective tax rate may be higher when including additional assessments for school districts, fire departments, and other special taxing districts that serve your area. Property owners should expect their total effective tax rate to vary based on which combination of taxing districts their property falls within, making location a key factor in determining your annual property tax liability.

The county follows Kentucky's assessment practices where property is typically assessed at 100% of its fair market value, with tax bills calculated on this assessed value minus any applicable tax credits that must be applied for separately. Understanding your specific taxing districts and available credits is essential for accurate tax planning and budgeting.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General Fund0.153%Base county operations and services (FY 2025)
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district within county)
Fire ProtectionVariesFire department services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad districts, water/sewer districts (location-specific)
State Rate~0.122%Kentucky state property tax

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your total effective tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Properties in incorporated areas or special service districts will have additional assessments beyond the base county rate. The final county rate is subject to approval by the Lewis County Fiscal Court, and school district rates are set separately by each district within the county.

Contact the Lewis County Property Valuation Administrator at (606) 796-2912 to determine which specific taxing districts apply to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lewis 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 Lewis County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes that affect your property's assessed value or tax liability. The most common triggers include change of ownership (such as when you purchase a home), completion of new construction, additions or major improvements to existing structures, or corrections to the original assessment.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the difference between what you already paid (or owe) and what you should pay based on the new assessment. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the date the change became effective. For example, if you purchase a home in Lewis County in September and the new assessment differs from what was previously on the tax rolls, you would receive a supplemental bill covering October through the end of the tax year.

Example: If you buy a $400,000 home in March that was previously assessed at $350,000, and your total tax rate is 0.75%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $312.50 (($400,000 - $350,000) × 0.0075 × 9/12 months remaining). This supplemental bill would be due within 30 days of issuance and is separate from the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,100 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $260,900
  • Total Tax Rate: 0.75% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $1,957
  • Monthly Escrow: $163

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,100 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $560,900
  • Total Tax Rate: 0.75% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $4,207
  • Monthly Escrow: $351

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,100 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $960,900
  • Total Tax Rate: 0.75% (estimated with districts)
  • Annual Tax: $7,207
  • Monthly Escrow: $601

Important Notes: Tax credits shown require separate application and qualification. The Senior Homestead Credit is available to homeowners age 65+ or totally disabled who meet income requirements. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Lewis County depending on your specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lewis County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. This money is held in a separate escrow account and used to pay your property taxes when they become due.

In Kentucky, property tax bills are typically issued in the fall, with payment due dates that vary by county. For Lewis County, personal property taxes are due by May 15th, though real property tax due dates may differ. Your lender will receive the tax bill directly from the county and pay it from your escrow account before the due date. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow 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'll receive notice of any escrow payment changes, typically with at least 60 days advance notice. If you pay your mortgage off or refinance, any remaining escrow balance will be refunded to you within 30 days after the final mortgage payment.

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 Lewis County for FY 2025-2026? A: Personal property taxes are due by May 15, 2025. Real property tax due dates may vary - contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at (606) 796-2912 for specific due dates on real estate taxes.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The main tax credit is the Homestead Credit for homeowners age 65+ or totally disabled, which can reduce taxable assessed value by up to $39,100. This credit requires annual application with the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) and is not automatic. Applications must be filed by December 31st of the tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value for tax purposes, providing tax relief as property values rise. You must apply annually and meet age (65+) or disability requirements plus income limitations.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lewis County? A: Kentucky requires annual property assessments, though not all properties are physically inspected each year. The PVA uses sales data, market trends, and periodic inspections to maintain current assessments. You can appeal your assessment to the Board of Assessment Appeals by May 15th following the assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. Contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office for specific penalty rates and interest calculations, as these can vary and compound over time.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at (606) 796-2912 or visit their website to confirm available online payment options for property taxes in Lewis County.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Lewis County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of special taxing districts including school districts, fire departments, and road districts. Your total tax rate depends on which services are provided to your specific location.

Q: How do I find out which taxing districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Lewis County PVA office at (606) 796-2912 with your property address to determine which specific taxing districts serve your location and their current rates.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued for mid-year changes including property sales, new construction completion, major improvements, or assessment corrections. These bills are prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Q: How do I apply for the Homestead Credit? A: Complete Revenue Form 62A023 and submit it to the Lewis County PVA office with required supporting documentation including proof of age, disability status (if applicable), and income verification. The deadline is December 31st of the tax year.

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