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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Meade County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
9.2 cents per $100 assessed value (varies by district with additional levies)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Meade County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, emergency services, roads, and county government operations. Property taxes are administered by the Meade County Sheriff's Office for collection and the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) for assessments. The county follows Kentucky's statewide assessment practices with properties evaluated annually at fair cash value.

The effective property tax rate in Meade County is 9.2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for real property as of 2025. However, your actual tax rate may vary depending on your location within the county due to special taxing districts such as fire districts, water districts, or municipal boundaries. These additional levies can result in different total tax rates for properties in different areas of Meade County, so it's important to verify which districts apply to your specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesMeade County Schools funding
State Property Tax$0.122Kentucky statewide levy
Total Base Rate$0.092Combined rate for most properties
Fire DistrictVariesAdditional levy if in fire protection district
Water DistrictVariesAdditional levy if in water service district
MunicipalVariesAdditional levy if within city limits

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. The $0.092 per $100 valuation represents the base rate, but properties may be subject to additional special district assessments depending on location within Meade County. Contact the Meade County PVA at (270) 422-2152 to determine which districts apply to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Meade 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 Meade County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or tax status. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, ownership transfers that remove previous exemptions, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the original tax bills were mailed.

Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same tax rate as regular property taxes but applied only to the change in assessed value or tax status. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment from the completion date through the end of the tax year. The supplemental amount would be $50,000 × 0.00092 = $460, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$40,500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $259,500
  • Annual Tax: $259,500 × 0.00092 = $2,387
  • Monthly Escrow: $199

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$40,500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $559,500
  • Annual Tax: $559,500 × 0.00092 = $5,147
  • Monthly Escrow: $429

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$40,500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $959,500
  • Annual Tax: $959,500 × 0.00092 = $8,827
  • Monthly Escrow: $736

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and is available only to property owners age 65 or older who own and occupy the property as their primary residence. All exemptions must be applied for through the Meade County PVA office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Meade 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 the Meade County Sheriff's Office when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount as allowed by federal law.

Escrow payments are usually made in December to take advantage of the 2% early payment discount available through November 30th. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing payments made on your behalf and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your taxes were paid by checking the Meade County Sheriff's website or contacting their office directly.

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 Meade County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due by April 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM. Pay by November 30, 2025 for a 2% discount, or by December 31, 2025 to pay face value without penalty.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available? A: Property owners age 65 or older who own and occupy their home may qualify for a homestead exemption reducing assessed value by up to $40,500. This exemption requires annual application through the Meade County PVA office and is not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption reduces your property's assessed value by up to $40,500, not the market value. You must be 65+, own and occupy the property as your primary residence, and apply annually. The exemption does not cap assessment increases but reduces the taxable value.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: A 5% penalty is added after January 31, 2026, and a 21% penalty applies after April 15, 2026. Interest may also accrue on unpaid balances.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky law requires annual assessment of all properties at fair cash value. The Meade County PVA reviews property values each year, with physical inspections conducted on a rotating basis.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal to the Meade County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed by the third Friday in May following the assessment notice.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, property tax payments can be made online through the Meade County Sheriff's website. Check their website for accepted payment methods and any convenience fees.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary by location within Meade County based on special taxing districts like fire protection, water districts, or municipal boundaries. Properties in different districts have different total tax rates.

Q: Do I need to apply for tax credits every year? A: Yes, most tax credits and exemptions require annual application through the Meade County PVA office. They are not automatically renewed and must be applied for by the specified deadline each year.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Meade County PVA office at (270) 422-2152 for assessment questions, or the Meade County Sheriff's Office for payment and collection questions.

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