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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Owsley County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Owsley 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
10.6 cents per $100 assessed value (may vary by special districts like fire or library)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Owsley County, Kentucky fund essential local services including public education, law enforcement, fire protection, and county government operations. The county operates under Kentucky's property tax system, where real estate and personal property are assessed annually and taxed based on fair market value as of January 1st each year.

Owsley County's property tax rate for FY 2025 is 10.6 cents per $100 of assessed value, though your actual rate may vary depending on your location within special taxing districts such as fire districts or library districts. Property owners should note that Kentucky does not cap assessment increases at the state level, making it important to understand available tax credits that can help manage your tax burden. Most tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County GeneralVariesCounty operations and services
County RoadVariesRoad maintenance and construction
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding
State TaxVariesState-mandated property tax
Total Base Rate$0.106Combined rate for FY 2025
Fire DistrictVaries by districtFire protection services (if applicable)
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library services (if applicable)

Note: The total rate of 10.6 cents per $100 applies to the base county-wide levy for FY 2025. Properties located within special taxing districts will have additional assessments that vary by location. Contact the Owsley County Property Valuation Administrator for your specific rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Owsley 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 Owsley County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership or improvements. Common triggers include new construction completed after January 1st, property transfers that reveal unreported improvements, or corrections to assessment errors discovered during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 addition to your home is completed in July, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 increase in value for the remaining 6 months of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.106 × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $26.50 in supplemental taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Available Credits: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $0.106 = $318.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $26.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limited (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (varies based on homestead status)
  • Annual Tax: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $0.106 = $636.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $53.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Credits: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $0.106 = $1,060.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $88.33

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit assessment increases rather than reducing current market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Owsley County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender will collect approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. Since Kentucky property taxes are due May 15th annually, lenders typically pay your taxes in May using the funds collected in your escrow account.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are available for tax payments. If property values or tax rates increase significantly, you may experience an escrow shortage requiring additional monthly payments or a lump-sum payment. You can verify your property's assessed value and tax amount with the Owsley County Property Valuation Administrator to ensure your escrow account is properly funded. Property owners without mortgages are responsible for making direct payments to the county by the May 15th deadline.

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 Owsley County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due annually on May 15th. For FY 2025, the deadline is Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Kentucky offers various tax credits including homestead credits for residents 65 and older or disabled property owners. These credits require annual application with the Property Valuation Administrator and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's current value. You must apply annually with the Property Valuation Administrator before the May 15th deadline to qualify.

Q: How often is my property assessed? A: Kentucky assesses all real property annually as of January 1st. The Property Valuation Administrator determines fair market value based on recent sales and property conditions.

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

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Owsley County Sheriff's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Owsley County Sheriff's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why might my tax bill be different from my neighbor's? A: Tax bills vary based on property value, location within special taxing districts (fire, library), and any tax credits applied. Properties in different districts may have different total tax rates.

Q: Who do I contact for property tax questions? A: For assessment questions, contact the Owsley County Property Valuation Administrator. For payment questions, contact the Owsley County Sheriff's office.

Q: Do I need to file forms annually for tax credits? A: Yes, most tax credits including homestead exemptions require annual application. Contact the Property Valuation Administrator for specific forms and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Motor Vehicle Property Tax Rates 2025revenue.ky.gov
02
Tax Doc
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX RATESrevenue.ky.gov
03
Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Updatekentucky.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.ky.gov
05
Tax Doc
Delinquent Property Tax - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms and Instructions for Public Service ...revenue.ky.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
08
State
2019 Real Estate Exemption List. ...apps.legislature.ky.gov
09
july-2020-990-index.csvirs.gov
10
County
Report of the Audit of the Owsley County Clerkauditor.ky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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