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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Powell County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
3.4% for real property, 4.15% for personal property (varies by district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Powell County, Kentucky operates on an ad valorem property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for local government services, public schools, fire protection, and various special districts. Property owners in Powell County pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real property, personal property, and motor vehicles. The county's property tax system helps fund essential services including education, emergency services, road maintenance, and county administration.

The effective tax rate varies significantly depending on your specific location within Powell County due to different combinations of taxing districts. For the 2025 tax year, the real property tax rate is 3.4%, while personal property is taxed at 4.15%. Motor vehicles are assessed at 45 cents per $100 of value. Your actual tax burden will depend on which fire district, school district, and other special taxing districts serve your property location, making it essential to understand your specific tax district combination when calculating your annual property tax obligation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Real Property Base Rate3.4%FY 2025 rate for land, buildings, and improvements
Personal Property Rate4.15%FY 2025 rate for business equipment, machinery, and taxable personal property
Motor Vehicle Rate$0.45 per $100FY 2025 rate for non-historic vehicles based on assessed value
Special Fire DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments depending on fire protection district
School District LeviesVariesAdditional education-related assessments by district
Library DistrictVariesWhere applicable, additional assessment for library services
Extension DistrictVariesAgricultural extension services assessment where applicable

Important Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and represent the base county rates. Your actual effective rate will be higher due to combinations of special taxing districts that vary by location within Powell County. Contact the Powell County PVA office to determine your specific district combination and total effective rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Powell 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 Powell County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made after the January 1st assessment date. The most common triggers include property sales that result in reassessment at current market value, completion of new construction projects, additions or major improvements to existing structures, and subdivision of land creating new taxable parcels.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $200,000 to $350,000 due to completed construction in June, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $150,000 difference, prorated for the seven remaining months of the tax year at the applicable district rate of approximately 3.4% plus special district assessments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps future assessment increases (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.4% (base rate, excluding special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $10,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $850

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limitation (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.4% (base rate, excluding special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $20,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,700

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Tax Credits Applied: Various credits available (all require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.4% (base rate, excluding special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $34,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,833

Note: These calculations use only the base real property rate and do not include special district assessments, which will increase the actual tax amount. All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Powell County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated as your annual property tax bill divided by 12, plus a small cushion for rate increases. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow analysis statements showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year.

Property tax bills in Powell County are typically mailed by the Sheriff's office by the end of September for the current tax year. If your property taxes are escrowed, your lender will receive and pay the bill directly. You should still review your annual tax bill for accuracy even when escrowed. Lenders must pay property taxes on time to avoid penalties, but you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payment occurs. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, remember that payment is due November 15th, with a 2% discount available for payment by November 1st.

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 Powell County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due November 15, 2025. However, you can receive a 2% discount if you pay by November 1, 2025. Tax bills are mailed by the Sheriff's office by the end of September.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Powell County offers a homestead exemption that limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence. This credit does NOT reduce your property's market value but caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must apply with the county assessor's office, and the application is not automatic.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, various tax credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, disabled persons, and other qualifying circumstances. All tax credits require separate applications filed with the appropriate county office and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Powell County? A: Property assessments in Kentucky are conducted annually, with the assessment date being January 1st of each year. The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) reviews property values and makes adjustments based on market conditions and property changes.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, if you believe your property's assessed value is too high, you can file an appeal after meeting with the Property Valuation Administrator. There are specific deadlines and procedures for filing assessment appeals, typically in the spring following the assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings. Contact the Sheriff's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

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

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on the special taxing districts that serve your property, such as fire districts, school districts, and other local service districts. Two properties in different parts of Powell County may have different combinations of these districts, resulting in different effective tax rates.

Q: What's the difference between personal property tax and real property tax? A: Real property tax applies to land and buildings at 3.4%, while personal property tax applies to business equipment, machinery, and other qualifying personal property at 4.15%. Motor vehicles are taxed separately at 45 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Q: Do I need to file annually for tax credits? A: Most tax credits require initial application, and some may require annual renewal or periodic verification. Contact the county assessor's office to understand the specific requirements for any tax credits you're claiming to ensure continuous eligibility.

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