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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington 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
58.0 cents per $100 of assessed value (varies by taxing district location)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Kentucky operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real and personal property within the county. The 2025-2026 tax year establishes a rate of 58.0 cents per $100 of assessed value for both real and personal property, which represents the same rate as the previous year.

Property tax rates in Washington County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, which may include school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other municipal service areas. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and applicable district assessments. The Kentucky statewide real property tax rate of 10.6 cents per $100 is included in the total rate structure, with local rates comprising the majority of the tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Washington County Real Property$0.58County general fund operations and services
Washington County Personal Property$0.58Personal property including vehicles and business equipment
Kentucky State Real Property$0.106State-mandated property tax rate
Motor Vehicle Tax$0.45Non-historic motor vehicles (separate from real property)

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Additional special district assessments may apply depending on property location within Washington County, including school district bonds, fire district levies, or municipal service districts. Property owners should consult their tax bill for location-specific rates and district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington 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 Washington County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that alter the assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, a supplemental tax bill is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $200,000 to $250,000 due to an addition completed in January, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $50,000 increase at the current tax rate of $0.58 per $100, resulting in an additional $290 annual tax burden ($50,000 ÷ $100 × $0.58).

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value in Kentucky)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ $100 × $0.58 = $1,740
  • Monthly Payment: $145

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): varies (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ $100 × $0.58 = $3,480
  • Monthly Payment: $290

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): varies (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ $100 × $0.58 = $5,800
  • Monthly Payment: $483

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Rates may vary based on special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly property tax payments along with principal, interest, and insurance, then pay the annual tax bill directly to Washington County on the homeowner's behalf. Given that property taxes are due by July 29th annually, lenders typically pay from escrow accounts in July. Property owners with escrow accounts should review their annual escrow analysis statements to ensure adequate funds are being collected, especially after reassessments or rate changes. Homeowners without escrow accounts are responsible for making direct payments to the Washington County PVA office by the July 29th deadline to avoid penalties and potential transfer to the County Clerk's office for collection.

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 Washington County property taxes due for 2025? A: Real property taxes are due by July 29, 2025. Personal property taxes for 2025 are due by May 15, 2025.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available? A: Kentucky offers a homestead exemption for property owners age 65 or older. This credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Application is required and must be filed with the county assessor - it is not automatic.

Q: How do I apply for property tax credits? A: Tax credits require separate application through the Washington County PVA office. Applications typically have annual deadlines and require documentation of eligibility such as age, income, or disability status.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Taxes not paid by July 29th become delinquent and incur penalties. Delinquent taxes are transferred to the Washington County Clerk's Office for collection.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Kentucky law requires annual assessment updates, though major reappraisals may occur less frequently. Property owners receive assessment notices and have appeal rights if they disagree with valuations.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Washington County PVA office at (859) 336-3771 to verify current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties may be subject to additional assessments from fire districts, school districts, library districts, or other municipal service areas, which vary by location within the county.

Q: How is personal property different from real property for tax purposes? A: Personal property includes vehicles, boats, and business equipment, taxed at $0.58 per $100. Motor vehicles specifically are taxed at $0.45 per $100 for non-historic vehicles. Personal property taxes are due May 15th, earlier than real property taxes.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Agendawashington.kyschools.us
02
Tax Doc
springfield, ky august 22, 2024 tax hearing/regular session/ ...washington.kyschools.us
03
State
2025 State Real Property Tax Rate Drops to 10.6 centsrevenue.ky.gov
04
Tax Doc
Delinquent Taxeswashingtoncountyclerk.ky.gov
05
Tax Doc
2025 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FORMS AND ...revenue.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
APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION UNDER THE ...revenue.ky.gov
09
County
Homestead Exemption - McCracken County PVA - Bill Dunnmccrackenpva.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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