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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Madison County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately $0.089 per $100 of assessed value (varies by district and special taxing areas)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Madison County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the property's assessed value, which is determined by the Madison County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA). The county uses a combination of state and local tax rates to calculate your total property tax liability.

The effective property tax rates in Madison County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. For the 2025 tax year, the combined rate is approximately $0.089 per $100 of assessed value, though this can differ based on your specific location and applicable special districts. Property owners should contact the Madison County Property Valuation Administrator at (859) 623-5410 to determine the exact rate applicable to their property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
State Property Tax$0.05Kentucky state levy on tangible personal property
County General FundVariesMadison County operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
Combined Rate (2025)$0.089Total rate for most county locations

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Madison County due to special taxing districts, fire protection districts, and municipal boundaries. Contact the Madison County PVA at (859) 623-5410 for your specific property's tax rate based on its location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Madison 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 Madison County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the Property Valuation Administrator calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessed value prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional $50,000 assessment for the remaining 9 months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.089 × (9 months ÷ 12 months) = $33.38 in additional taxes for that year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% assessment)
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,900
  • Annual Tax: $250,900 ÷ 100 × $0.089 = $223.30
  • Monthly Payment: $18.61

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (100% assessment)
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,900
  • Annual Tax: $550,900 ÷ 100 × $0.089 = $490.30
  • Monthly Payment: $40.86

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (100% assessment)
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$49,100 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,900
  • Annual Tax: $950,900 ÷ 100 × $0.089 = $846.30
  • Monthly Payment: $70.53

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Rates may vary based on special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Madison County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Madison County when they become due on November 1st each year.

Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on changes in your property tax bill. You can take advantage of the 2% early payment discount by ensuring your lender pays by September 15th - contact your loan servicer to verify their payment timing. Property owners should receive and review their annual tax bill even when using escrow to verify accuracy and ensure proper 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 Madison County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by November 1st annually. You can receive a 2% discount if paid by September 15th. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit worth $49,100 for the 2025-2026 assessment years, which requires application with the PVA office. Most credits are NOT automatic and must be applied for annually or when you first become eligible.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your assessed value by $49,100, not your market value. This credit requires application and is available for owner-occupied primary residences. It does not cap assessment increases but provides a flat reduction in taxable value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Madison County? A: Kentucky requires annual assessment updates. The PVA reviews property values yearly and may adjust assessments based on market conditions, improvements, or other factors.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties with unpaid taxes after November 1st become delinquent and are subject to penalties, interest, and potential tax lien sales. Contact the Madison County Clerk's Office for specific penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Madison County Clerk's Office directly to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for current tax bills.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Madison County? A: Tax rates differ based on special taxing districts, fire protection districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Your specific location determines which districts apply to your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Madison County Property Valuation Administrator within specified deadlines. Contact the PVA office at (859) 623-5410 for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I don't apply for available tax credits? A: Tax credits like the Homestead Credit are not applied automatically. If you don't apply, you'll pay higher taxes than necessary. Applications typically have annual deadlines, so contact the PVA office promptly.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, libraries, or other services add additional tax rates to your bill. The total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location within Madison County.

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