HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Shelby County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
9.10¢ per $100 assessed value (county-wide base rate, varies by district and municipality)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Shelby County, Kentucky operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes in Shelby County are assessed based on the Property Valuation Administrator's (PVA) determination of fair cash value, with tax rates applied per $100 of assessed value. The county's base property tax system generates revenue through multiple taxing entities including the county government, school districts, and various special taxing districts.

Property tax rates in Shelby County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. For the 2025-2026 tax year, the county-wide rate for real property is 9.10 cents per $100 of assessed value, with the county portion being 2.69%. However, your total effective tax rate will be higher when including school district taxes, municipal taxes (if applicable), and any special district assessments such as fire protection districts or library districts. Property owners should expect their actual tax rates to vary based on these local taxing jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County Government2.69%Shelby County general fund operations
Combined Rate (Real Property)9.10 centsTotal rate for real property (FY 2025-2026)
Combined Rate (Personal Property)10.50 centsTotal rate for personal property (FY 2025-2026)
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes for incorporated cities
School DistrictIncluded in combined rateLocal school district funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire protection, library, water districts

Note: These rates apply to the 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within Shelby County and which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Shelby County PVA office at (502) 633-4406 for your property's exact tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Shelby 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 Shelby County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to the original assessment. When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated on the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and it's assessed in April, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value from April through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated using the same tax rate as your regular property tax bill (9.10 cents per $100 for real property in FY 2025-2026) but applied only to the additional $50,000 in assessed value for the remaining 8-9 months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible, requires application): -$39,300 (example cap)
  • Net Taxable Value: $260,700
  • Annual Tax: $260,700 × 0.091 = $2,372
  • Monthly Escrow: $198

$600,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible, requires application): -$39,300
  • Net Taxable Value: $560,700
  • Annual Tax: $560,700 × 0.091 = $5,102
  • Monthly Escrow: $425

$1,000,000 Home Example:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible, requires application): -$39,300
  • Net Taxable Value: $960,700
  • Annual Tax: $960,700 × 0.091 = $8,742
  • Monthly Escrow: $729

Note: Tax credit amounts are examples and actual credits vary. All credits require formal application with the PVA office and are not automatic.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Shelby County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Shelby County when they become due, typically in late fall.

Lenders review escrow accounts annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills received and projected changes in property taxes. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing the account activity. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, expect your monthly mortgage payment to increase accordingly. You can verify that your lender paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Shelby County PVA office or viewing your account online through the county's property tax portal.

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 Shelby County for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due November 1st with a 2% discount available from September 15th through November 1st. After November 1st, taxes are payable at face value without discount.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Homestead and Disability tax credits are available but require formal application with the PVA office before any exemption is granted. These are not automatic and must be filed annually or as specified by the PVA.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping growth rather than reducing market value. You must apply with the PVA office and meet eligibility requirements including using the property as your primary residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Shelby County? A: Kentucky requires property reassessment every four years, but the PVA may update assessments more frequently due to sales, improvements, or market changes.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. After the face value period expires, additional penalties apply and the property may eventually be subject to tax lien proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Shelby County PVA office at (502) 633-4406 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts like fire protection or library districts levy additional taxes that appear on your property tax bill. These rates vary by location and the specific districts serving your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Shelby County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines, typically in early summer. Contact the PVA office for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What's the difference between real property and personal property tax rates? A: Real property (land and buildings) is taxed at 9.10 cents per $100 for FY 2025-2026, while personal property (business equipment, vehicles) is taxed at 10.50 cents per $100.

Q: Do senior citizens get property tax relief? A: Kentucky offers various programs for seniors including potential tax credits and deferrals. Contact the Shelby County PVA office to learn about age-based programs requiring application.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate