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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Spencer County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Spencer 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
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts including school, fire, library districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Spencer County, Kentucky operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county government operations. Property taxes in Spencer County are based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) and reassessed periodically. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates vary significantly by location within Spencer County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local service areas. Each property owner's total tax bill reflects the combination of county, state, and all applicable district rates. Properties are assessed at 100% of fair cash value as of January 1st each year, and most tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
State Real Property Tax$0.106Kentucky state tax (FY 2025)
Spencer County GeneralVaries by districtCounty operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library services (if applicable)
Fire DistrictVaries by districtFire protection services (if applicable)
Health DistrictVaries by districtPublic health services (if applicable)

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Total effective rates typically range from $0.80 to $1.20 per $100 of assessed value depending on your property's location and applicable special taxing districts. Contact the Spencer County PVA office for your specific district rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Spencer 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 Spencer County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June and your total tax rate is $1.00 per $100 of value, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $250 (($50,000 ÷ 100) × $1.00 × 6/12 months remaining). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$0 (must apply separately)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.00 per $100 (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $3,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $250

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limited (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.00 per $100 (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $6,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Varies (all require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.00 per $100 (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $10,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $833

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatic. Rates shown are examples; actual rates vary by district.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Spencer County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Spencer County when they become due, typically by the November 1st deadline to receive early payment discounts.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing collections, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify your property tax information independently through the Spencer County PVA office and should review your escrow statements annually to ensure accuracy.

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 Spencer County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Real estate taxes are due November 1, 2025, with early payment discounts available. Personal property taxes are due May 15, 2026. Penalties begin January 1, 2027, for delinquent real estate taxes.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Exemption for property owners 65+ or 100% disabled. This credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applications must be filed with the Spencer County PVA office and are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps annual assessment increases for qualifying homeowners, protecting against rapid property value growth. It does not reduce your home's assessed value but limits how much it can increase each year. You must apply through the PVA office.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Spencer County? A: Properties are subject to annual review with comprehensive reassessments conducted periodically. Assessment notices are mailed during the spring inspection period, typically beginning the first Monday in May.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Appeals must be filed during the 13-day public inspection period beginning the first Monday in May. Contact the Spencer County PVA office during this period to schedule a conference to discuss your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalties and interest begin accruing on January 1st for real estate taxes not paid by the November 1st due date. Contact the Spencer County Sheriff's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Spencer County Sheriff's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for current tax bills.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Spencer County? A: Different areas of Spencer County are served by various special taxing districts including different school districts, fire districts, and library districts. Your total rate depends on which combination of districts serve your property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
2025 State Real Property Tax Rate Drops to 10.6 centsrevenue.ky.gov
02
Tax Doc
Motor Vehicle Property Tax Rates 2025revenue.ky.gov
03
Tax Doc
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX RATESrevenue.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
KENTUCKY PROPERTY TAX CALENDARrevenue.ky.gov
05
County
Delinquent Taxes - Spencer County Clerk - Kentucky.govspencercountyclerk.ky.gov
06
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.ky.gov
07
County
Spencer County, KY – Official Website of the Spencer County ...spencercountyky.gov
08
APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION UNDER THE ...revenue.ky.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Department of Revenuerevenue.ky.gov
10
County
Spencer County, Kentucky - Ordinance #7 - Fiscal Year 2019 ...mail.spencercountyky.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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