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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Metcalfe County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
62.7¢ per $100 assessed value (varies by taxing districts within county)
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Metcalfe County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system where real estate is assessed at 100% of fair cash value as of January 1st each year. Property taxes fund essential county services including schools, emergency services, road maintenance, and local government operations. The county follows Kentucky's standardized assessment and collection procedures, with taxes typically due by November 1st annually.

The effective tax rate in Metcalfe County for FY 2025 combines state and local components, totaling approximately 62.7 cents per $100 of assessed value (10.6 cents state + 52.1 cents local). However, actual tax rates vary by location within the county depending on which special taxing districts apply to your property, such as fire districts, library districts, or other local service areas. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location and applicable districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
State Real Property Tax10.6¢Kentucky Department of Revenue base rate for FY 2025
Local Property Tax52.1¢County and local district taxes for FY 2025
Total Base Rate62.7¢Combined rate before special districts
Fire DistrictVariesAdditional assessment if property located in fire district
Library DistrictVariesAdditional assessment if property located in library district
Other Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments for various local service districts

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025 levy year. Your actual tax rate may be higher due to special taxing districts in your specific location within Metcalfe County. Contact the Metcalfe County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) office to determine which districts apply to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Metcalfe County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Metcalfe County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements after the January 1st assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations, ownership transfers that remove existing exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase at the local tax rate (62.7¢ per $100 = $313.50) prorated for 6 months, resulting in approximately $156.75 in additional taxes due for that fiscal year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: Varies (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Tax Rate: 62.7¢ per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,881.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $156.75

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: Varies (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Tax Rate: 62.7¢ per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,762.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $313.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: Varies (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Tax Rate: 62.7¢ per $100
  • Annual Tax: $6,270.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $522.50

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits may limit future assessment increases. Contact the Metcalfe County PVA office for specific credit applications and requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Metcalfe County collect property taxes through monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount allowed by federal law. The escrow account pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due on November 1st.

Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax amount and mailing address for payments. Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses and may adjust your monthly payment if taxes increase or decrease significantly. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, remember that payments are due by November 1st with a 2% discount available for early payment, and penalties begin accruing on January 1st for delinquent taxes.

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 Metcalfe County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due by November 1st. Early payment receives a 2% discount, while delinquent taxes incur penalties starting January 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead tax credits and disability exemptions are available but require separate applications. These are not automatically applied and must be filed with the Metcalfe County PVA office by the specified deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires filing an application with the PVA office and must be renewed according to county procedures. This limits how much your assessed value can increase each year.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed as of January 1st annually. Appeals can be made during the public inspection period beginning the first Monday in May for 13 days. Contact the Metcalfe County PVA office for specific appeal procedures.

Q: What penalties apply to late property tax payments? A: Penalties begin accruing on January 1st for taxes not paid by the November 1st due date. Contact the county sheriff's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Metcalfe County Sheriff's office or visit the county website to verify current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill change from last year? A: Tax bills can change due to reassessment of property values, changes in tax rates, addition or removal of tax credits, completion of new construction, or changes in special district assessments.

Q: What special districts might affect my property tax rate? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, library districts, or other local service areas. The specific districts depend on your property's location within Metcalfe County. Contact the PVA office to determine which districts apply to your address.

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