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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Monroe County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Monroe County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Kentucky are administered at the county level, with the Monroe County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) responsible for assessing property values and the Sheriff's office handling tax collection.

Property tax rates in Monroe County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including the county general fund, school districts, fire districts, and other special service areas. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and applicable taxing districts. All property is assessed at 100% of fair cash value as determined by the PVA, with taxes calculated based on this assessed value minus any applicable tax credits that require separate application.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: Specific FY 2025-2026 tax rates were not available in the research data. Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's office or PVA for current rates.

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General$0.xx per $100Funds county government operations, roads, and services
School District$0.xx per $100Funds local school operations and facilities
State Property Tax$0.125 per $100Kentucky state property tax rate
Fire District$0.xx per $100Fire protection services (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional services like water, sewer, or library districts

Total Estimated Rate: $x.xx per $100 of assessed value

Tax rates vary significantly based on your property's location within Monroe County. Properties in different fire districts, school attendance zones, or special service areas will have different total tax rates. Contact the Monroe County PVA at the courthouse in Tompkinsville for your specific tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Monroe 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 Monroe County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between the original tax bill and what should have been billed based on the property's updated assessment.

Common triggers include: purchasing property that underwent a change in assessment, completing new construction or major renovations, adding structures like garages or decks, or corrections to previous assessments. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new and old assessed values, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your total tax rate is $1.20 per $100, your supplemental tax would be approximately $300 ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $1.20 = $600 annual increase, prorated for half the year = $300). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,300 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $260,700
  • Tax Rate: $1.10 per $100 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $2,868
  • Monthly Escrow: $239

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,300 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $560,700
  • Tax Rate: $1.15 per $100 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $6,448
  • Monthly Escrow: $537

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$39,300 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $960,700
  • Tax Rate: $1.20 per $100 (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $11,528
  • Monthly Escrow: $961

Note: All tax credits require separate application and approval. Rates shown are estimates and vary by specific taxing districts within Monroe County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Monroe County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a cushion typically equal to 2-3 months of payments as allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Monroe County are due by November 1st each year and become delinquent after April 1st of the following year. Lenders typically pay your tax bill in late October or early November to ensure timely payment. You should receive a copy of your tax bill and payment confirmation from your lender. If your actual tax bill differs significantly from the escrowed amount, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly and may require you to make up any shortage over 12 months or provide a refund if there's a surplus.

Even with an escrow account, you remain responsible for ensuring taxes are paid correctly and on time. Review your annual escrow analysis statement and tax bills for accuracy, and contact your lender immediately if you notice any discrepancies or if your tax bill isn't paid by the due date.

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 Monroe County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by November 1st each year and become delinquent after April 1st of the following year. Personal property taxes are due by May 15th.

Q: What tax credits are available for homeowners and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Exemption, which can reduce your taxable assessment by up to $39,300. This credit is NOT automatic and requires application with the Monroe County PVA. Additional credits may be available for disabled veterans, seniors, or disabled persons - contact the PVA office for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases to no more than 10% per year on your primary residence and provides up to $39,300 in assessment reduction. It does NOT reduce your home's market value - it reduces the taxable assessed value. You must apply with the PVA and requalify periodically.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Monroe County? A: Kentucky law requires properties to be assessed annually, but Monroe County typically conducts comprehensive reappraisals every 4-6 years with annual updates for market changes, new construction, and property improvements.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Monroe County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the PVA office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Penalties and interest begin accruing after the delinquent date (April 1st). Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's office for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's office to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county in Kentucky.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for fire protection, libraries, or other services add additional taxes to your bill. The specific districts affecting your property depend on your location within Monroe County. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable district taxes.

Q: What happens if the previous owner didn't pay taxes? A: Outstanding property taxes typically transfer with the property. Title companies usually handle tax prorations at closing, but verify that all taxes are current before purchasing property in Monroe County.

Q: How can I get a copy of my tax bill or payment history? A: Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's office, which handles tax collection, or visit the courthouse in Tompkinsville. The PVA office can provide assessment information and exemption applications.

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