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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wayne County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing district, school district, and municipal boundaries)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wayne 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 Wayne County are administered by the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) and collected by the County Clerk's office. The effective tax rate in Wayne County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Actual tax rates vary considerably throughout Wayne County due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners may be subject to additional assessments for fire districts, library districts, or other special services depending on their location. The Kentucky Department of Revenue sets assessment ratios, with residential property assessed at 100% of fair cash value as determined by the PVA during periodic reassessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
State Tax$0.122Kentucky state property tax
County General~$0.155Wayne County general operations
School District~$0.520-$0.650Varies by school district within county
Extension/Health~$0.050Agricultural extension and health services
Library District~$0.030-$0.050Public library services (where applicable)
Fire District~$0.100-$0.150Fire protection services (specific districts)
Total Estimated~$0.977-$1.177Combined rate varies by location

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2024-2025. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within Wayne County. Contact the Wayne County PVA at (606) 348-5607 for exact rates applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wayne 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 Wayne County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value mid-tax year. These taxes are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date of change through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in Wayne County in March that wasn't on the January 1st assessment roll, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering March through December at the current year's tax rate applied to the property's assessed value.

The supplemental tax amount is calculated by taking the new assessed value, applying any eligible credits, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and pro-rating for the remaining months in the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event, and these taxes are due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$38,200 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $261,800
  • Tax Rate: 1.05% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $2,749
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $229

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$38,200 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $561,800
  • Tax Rate: 1.10% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $6,180
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $515

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$38,200 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $961,800
  • Tax Rate: 1.15% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $11,061
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $922

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within Wayne County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wayne County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Wayne County when due, typically by the December 31st deadline to avoid penalties.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses and may adjust your monthly payment if taxes increase or decrease significantly. You'll receive an escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made on your behalf. If you pay your own taxes without escrow, ensure payments reach the Wayne County Clerk's office by December 31st each year. You can verify your tax payments and escrow activity through your lender's online portal or by contacting Wayne County Clerk's office at (606) 348-9751.

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 Wayne County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due December 31st annually. Personal property taxes are due May 15th. Late payments after December 31st incur a 10% penalty plus 1.5% interest per month.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for homeowners 65+ or totally disabled, providing up to $38,200 in assessment reduction. This requires annual application with the Wayne County PVA by December 31st. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for additional credits. All credits require application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce market value but caps assessment increases to help seniors and disabled homeowners avoid being taxed out of their homes. It applies to the first $38,200 of assessed value and requires annual application with proof of age/disability status.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Wayne County? A: Kentucky requires county-wide reassessments every four years. Wayne County's last reassessment was completed in recent years. Individual properties may be reviewed annually if significant changes occur.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Wayne County Board of Assessment Appeals within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Wayne County PVA at (606) 348-5607 for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay property taxes late? A: A 10% penalty applies immediately after December 31st, plus 1.5% interest per month. After May 15th of the following year, properties become subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online in Wayne County? A: Contact the Wayne County Clerk's office at (606) 348-9751 to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Wayne County determines which special districts apply to your property (fire districts, library districts, etc.). These can significantly impact your total tax rate, which is why rates vary throughout the county.

Q: How do I find my exact tax rate? A: Contact the Wayne County PVA at (606) 348-5607 with your property address to determine the specific taxing districts and rates applicable to your property.

Q: What if I recently purchased property - will I get a supplemental tax bill? A: If the property wasn't properly assessed as of January 1st or if improvements were completed mid-year, you may receive a supplemental tax bill pro-rated from the change date through December 31st.

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