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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rockcastle County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rockcastle 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
Varies by district - approximately 1% base rate plus local district additions (school, fire, municipal)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rockcastle County property taxes fund essential local services including public education, emergency services, county government operations, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Rockcastle County pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real estate and personal property, with Kentucky's baseline assessment rate around 1% of fair market value.

Your actual property tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Rockcastle County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. The county uses a calendar year assessment cycle, with property assessed as of January 1st each year. While the exact combined tax rate for FY 2025-2026 requires verification with the Kentucky Department of Revenue, property owners should expect rates that reflect both county-wide levies and any applicable special district assessments.

Tax bills are typically issued in the fall, and understanding your specific taxing districts is crucial for accurate tax planning. Property owners should contact the Rockcastle County Property Valuation Administrator's office to determine which special districts apply to their property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: Contact the Kentucky Department of Revenue or Rockcastle County PVA for exact FY 2025-2026 rates

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County GeneralVariesGeneral county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
State Property Tax~0.122 per $100Commonwealth of Kentucky assessment
Health DistrictVariesLocal health department services
Extension ServiceVariesAgricultural extension programs
Library DistrictVariesPublic library system (if applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (location dependent)
Total RateContact PVACombined rate per $100 assessed value

Rates shown are per $100 of assessed value. Special taxing districts create variation across the county - your exact rate depends on your property's location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rockcastle 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 Kentucky are additional assessments that occur outside the regular annual assessment cycle. These are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction completion, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value after the January 1st assessment date.

When new construction is completed or substantial improvements are made during the tax year, the Property Valuation Administrator may issue a supplemental assessment. This supplemental tax is calculated on the increased assessed value from the date of completion through the end of the current tax year, prorated accordingly.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 addition to your home in July (increasing assessed value by $100,000), and your combined tax rate is $1.20 per $100, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $600 for the remaining six months of that tax year ($100,000 ÷ 100 × $1.20 × 6/12 months). This supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Note: Examples use estimated rates - contact Rockcastle County PVA for current rates

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$0 (requires application if eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $1.20 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Disabled Homestead Credit: -$38,100 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $561,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $1.20 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $6,743
  • Monthly Escrow: $562

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior/Disabled Homestead Credit: -$38,100 (maximum, if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $961,900
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $1.20 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $11,543
  • Monthly Escrow: $962

All tax credits require application and eligibility verification. Contact the Rockcastle County PVA office for current credit amounts and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rockcastle County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into a dedicated escrow account.

Property tax bills in Kentucky are typically due in the fall, and your lender will pay the full amount directly to Rockcastle County when due. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If your actual tax bill differs significantly from the estimated amount, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted.

You can verify that your lender has paid your property taxes by checking with the Rockcastle County Sheriff's office or accessing online payment records. If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), ensure you understand the specific due dates and payment locations to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Rockcastle County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax due dates vary by county in Kentucky. Contact the Rockcastle County Sheriff's office for specific due dates, as they handle tax collection.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Exemption for property owners aged 65+ or totally disabled. This credit requires annual application with the Rockcastle County PVA office and must be filed by specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Kentucky's Homestead Exemption provides up to $38,100 in assessed value reduction for qualifying seniors (65+) or disabled property owners. This credit reduces your taxable assessed value, not your market value, and requires annual application with income and other eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Rockcastle County? A: Kentucky assesses property annually as of January 1st. However, significant market adjustments may occur periodically. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights through the County Board of Assessment Appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as established by Kentucky law. Contact the Rockcastle County Sheriff's office for current penalty rates and payment deadlines.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many Kentucky counties offer online payment options. Check with the Rockcastle County Sheriff's office or visit their website for available online payment systems and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do properties in the same neighborhood have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Two neighboring properties may fall under different combinations of these districts, resulting in different total tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Rockcastle County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County PVA office for appeal 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
Tax Doc
Property Tax Rates - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.ky.gov
05
Business Personal Property - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
06
PDF TIFF Wrapperapps.irs.gov
07
Homestead Exemption - Department of Revenue - Kentucky.govrevenue.ky.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
09
APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION UNDER THE ...revenue.ky.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms and Instructions for Public Service ...revenue.ky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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