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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lincoln County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lincoln 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
Varies by district - base county rate plus school district and special districts (fire, library, etc.)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lincoln County, Kentucky operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed based on the property's fair cash value as of January 1st each year, with the Kentucky Department of Revenue's Property Valuation Administrator determining assessed values.

The effective property tax rate in Lincoln County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including the county levy, school district assessments, and various special districts for services like fire protection or library services. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the services provided in their area. The state average property tax rate is approximately 1% of assessed value, though local rates may vary significantly from this baseline.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
State Rate$0.45Commonwealth of Kentucky base rate
County RateTBD*Lincoln County general operations
School DistrictTBD*Local school district funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, recreation districts

*Note: Specific FY 2025-2026 local tax rates for Lincoln County are not yet published. Property owners should check with the Lincoln County Clerk's office for current rates, as they vary significantly by taxing district within the county. The total combined rate typically ranges from approximately $0.80 to $1.20 per $100 of assessed value depending on location and applicable special districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lincoln 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 property taxes in Kentucky are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase the property's assessed value during the tax year. When property changes hands or improvements are completed after January 1st (the assessment date), a supplemental assessment may be issued to account for the change in value or ownership.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the date of change. For example, if a $50,000 improvement is completed in July, and the tax rate is $1.00 per $100, the supplemental tax would be approximately $250 (($50,000 ÷ 100) × $1.00 × 6/12 months).

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if eligible): $49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Annual Tax (est. $1.00/$100): $2,509
  • Monthly Escrow: $209

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if eligible): $49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Annual Tax (est. $1.00/$100): $5,509
  • Monthly Escrow: $459

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if eligible): $49,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Annual Tax (est. $1.00/$100): $9,509
  • Monthly Escrow: $792

Note: Homestead credit requires application and eligibility verification. Tax rates vary by location within Lincoln County based on applicable taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lincoln County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly deposits equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill and pays the taxes directly to Lincoln County when due.

Property tax bills in Kentucky are typically issued in the fall, with payment due dates varying by county. Lenders usually receive tax bills directly and make payments before the due date to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information with the Lincoln County Clerk's office to ensure proper bill delivery. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and potentially require an escrow shortage payment to bring the account current.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lincoln County for FY 2025-2026? A: Personal property taxes are due by May 15, 2025. Real property tax due dates should be confirmed with the Lincoln County Clerk's office as they may differ.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit worth $49,100 for the 2025-2026 assessment years. This credit requires application and is available to property owners 65 or older or those meeting other eligibility requirements. Applications must be filed with the county clerk.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your assessed value by $49,100, which limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic. Contact the Lincoln County Clerk for application procedures and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky conducts property assessments annually as of January 1st. The Property Valuation Administrator determines fair cash value based on market conditions and property characteristics.

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

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates vary. Contact the Lincoln County Clerk's office for current penalty schedules and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Lincoln County Clerk's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Lincoln County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (fire, library, recreation) in addition to county and school district taxes, resulting in varying total tax rates by location.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? A: Unpaid property taxes result in penalties, interest, and potentially tax lien sales. Contact the Lincoln County Clerk immediately if you're unable to pay by the due date to discuss payment options.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Special districts provide services like fire protection, libraries, or recreation facilities. If your property is located within these districts, you'll pay additional taxes to fund these services, which appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

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
County
Deeds | Lincoln County KY Clerklincolncoclerkky.gov
03
Tax Doc
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX RATESrevenue.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.ky.gov
05
Tax Doc
The Collection Process for Property Tax Billsrevenue.ky.gov
06
Business Personal Property - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
07
Homestead Exemption - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
10
B1 SUBJECT INDEXgovinfo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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