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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McCracken County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McCracken 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
0.107% base county rate, varies significantly by district with additional school, fire, library, and municipal taxes
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McCracken County, Kentucky property taxes are administered by the county Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) and fund essential local services including public education, county government operations, libraries, health departments, and various special districts. Property taxes are levied annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property as of January 1st each year.

The property tax system in McCracken County operates with a base county tax rate of 0.107% (or $0.107 per $100 of assessed value) for the 2025 tax year. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to additional special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal taxes for properties within city limits like Paducah. Property is assessed at 100% of fair cash value as determined by the PVA, with reassessments occurring periodically to reflect current market conditions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
McCracken County Base$0.107County general fund operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding (varies by district)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Municipal TaxVariesCity taxes (for properties within city limits)
Other Special DistrictsVariesAdditional local service districts

Note: The rates shown are for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Total effective tax rates typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value depending on your specific location and applicable special taxing districts within McCracken County. Contact the PVA office at (270) 444-4700 for your exact tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McCracken 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 tax assessments in McCracken County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, additions, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the January 1st assessment date, the PVA may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the additional taxable value for the remainder of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the applicable tax rate for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in July, and your total tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $300 ($50,000 × 1.2% ÷ 2 for half the tax year). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$38,100 (assessment growth limitation)
  • Net Taxable Value: $261,900
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% effective rate): $3,143
  • Monthly Escrow: $262

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$38,100 (assessment growth limitation)
  • Net Taxable Value: $561,900
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% effective rate): $6,743
  • Monthly Escrow: $562

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$38,100 (assessment growth limitation)
  • Net Taxable Value: $961,900
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% effective rate): $11,543
  • Monthly Escrow: $962

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Tax rates vary by special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McCracken County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion of up to two months' payments as required by federal law.

Property tax bills in McCracken County are typically mailed in October and due by December 31st annually. Lenders usually receive tax bills directly from the county and pay them on your behalf before the due date. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing payments made and any adjustments needed for the following year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify their lender has received and paid their tax bills by checking with the McCracken County Clerk's office or online payment system.

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 McCracken County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax bills are typically due December 31, 2025. Personal property tax returns are due by April 15, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for residents age 65+ or totally disabled. This credit limits assessment increases and requires annual application with the PVA office. Applications must be submitted annually - credits are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit does not reduce your property's market value but instead caps annual assessment increases to help limit tax growth for qualifying senior or disabled homeowners. You must apply annually with the PVA office and meet age (65+) or total disability requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: McCracken County conducts periodic reassessments to reflect current market values. The PVA reviews property values annually and may conduct comprehensive reappraisals every few years.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the McCracken County Board of Assessment Appeals by May 15th following the assessment. Contact the PVA office at (270) 444-4700 for appeal procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalty charges. Contact the McCracken County Clerk's office at (270) 444-4719 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, McCracken County offers online payment options. Visit the county's official website or contact the County Clerk's office for online payment portal information.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within McCracken County? A: Different areas have different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, library districts) that add to the base county rate, creating location-specific total tax rates.

Q: Do I need to file anything annually besides the Homestead Credit application? A: Personal property (business equipment, vehicles) may require annual returns by April 15th. Real estate typically doesn't require annual filings unless claiming specific credits or exemptions.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services (fire protection, libraries, schools) and levy additional taxes on properties within their boundaries. Your total tax rate includes all applicable district taxes for your property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
August-25-2025-McCracken-Fiscal-Court-Agenda. ...mccrackencountyky.gov
02
County
Tax Calculator (2025) - McCracken County PVA - Bill Dunnmccrackenpva.gov
03
Tax Doc
City of Paducah Fiscal Year 2026 Property Tax Noticepaducahky.gov
04
County
Tax Administrator – McCracken County KYmccrackencountyky.gov
05
Frequently Asked Questionsmccrackenpva.gov
06
Tax Doc
Delinquent Taxesmccrackencountyclerk.ky.gov
07
County
Exemptions - McCracken County PVA - Bill Dunnmccrackenpva.gov
08
County
Homestead Exemption - McCracken County PVA - Bill Dunnmccrackenpva.gov
09
Property Valuation Administratormccrackencountyky.gov
10
PDF TIFF Wrapperapps.irs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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