Updated 2025 Tax Year

Knox County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Knox County, ME. 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

1.6222% county-wide rate (varies by municipality from 1.15% to 1.62%)

1st Due

Jul 1

2nd Due

Jun 30

Exemptions

5+ Available

Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Knox County, Maine operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Knox County are assessed based on the fair market value of real estate as of April 1st each year, with the tax year running from July 1 to June 30.

The effective property tax rate in Knox County varies significantly by municipality and special taxing district, typically ranging from approximately 1.15% to 1.62% of assessed value. For the 2025-2026 tax year, the county-wide rate is 1.6222%, though individual municipalities within Knox County may have different total rates when combining county, municipal, and school district assessments. Property owners should note that their actual tax rate depends on their specific location within the county, as various municipalities and special service districts impose additional levies beyond the base county rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component	Rate	Description
County Base Rate	1.15%	Core county services and administration
Municipal Variance	0.30-0.47%	Varies by city/town within Knox County
School Districts	Varies	Local school funding assessments
Special Districts	Varies	Fire, water, sewer districts where applicable
Total Effective Rate (FY 2025-2026)	1.6222%	Combined rate for most areas

Note: These rates apply to the 2025-2026 levy year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026). Actual rates vary by municipality and special taxing districts within Knox County. The commitment date for 2025 taxes was August 11, 2025, with some municipal variations occurring as late as September 2, 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Knox County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment

Jul 1

Delinquent after Dec 10

Second Installment

Jun 30

Delinquent after Apr 10

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 Knox County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements completed after the annual assessment date of April 1st. These supplemental assessments are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the current tax year when the change occurs.

For example, if you purchase a home in Knox County in January 2026 that was previously exempt from taxation, or if you complete a major renovation adding $50,000 in assessed value in December 2025, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the remaining months of the fiscal year. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate (1.6222% for FY 2025-2026) to the additional assessed value, then prorating for the applicable time period. A $50,000 improvement completed in December would generate approximately $405 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 0.016222 × 6/12 months remaining).

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

Assessed Value: $300,000
Less: Homestead Credit (applied): -$25,000
Net Taxable Value: $275,000
Annual Tax: $275,000 × 0.016222 = $4,461
Monthly Escrow: $372

$600,000 Home:

Assessed Value: $600,000
Less: Homestead Credit (applied): -$25,000
Net Taxable Value: $575,000
Annual Tax: $575,000 × 0.016222 = $9,328
Monthly Escrow: $777

$1,000,000 Home:

Assessed Value: $1,000,000
Less: Homestead Credit (applied): -$25,000
Net Taxable Value: $975,000
Annual Tax: $975,000 × 0.016222 = $15,816
Monthly Escrow: $1,318

Note: All credits require application and approval. Homestead Credit applications must be filed with your local municipality.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Knox County require property tax escrow accounts for loans exceeding 80% loan-to-value ratio. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill, plus a cushion typically not exceeding two months of payments as allowed by federal law.

Knox County property taxes are paid semi-annually, with the first payment due October 15, 2025, and the second payment due April 15, 2026 for the current tax year. Some municipalities may have slightly different due dates, such as November 15 and May 15. Your mortgage servicer will pay these bills directly from your escrow account when due. Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits, payments, and any required adjustments to your monthly escrow amount based on actual tax bills and account balance projections.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Knox County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: The first payment is due October 15, 2025, and the second payment is due April 15, 2026. Some municipalities may have different dates (November 15 and May 15).

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, which reduces taxable value by up to $25,000. This credit requires a separate application filed with your municipality and is NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases and reduces your home's taxable value by up to $25,000. You must apply through your local municipality, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When are properties assessed in Knox County? A: Properties are assessed annually as of April 1st. Assessment appeals must be filed within 185 days of the commitment date (typically by February for most municipalities).

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified by individual municipalities, typically starting the day after the due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by municipality within Knox County. Contact your local tax collector for available online payment methods.

Q: Do I pay different rates for different special districts? A: Yes, your total tax rate includes county, municipal, school district, and any applicable special district assessments (fire, water, sewer) based on your property's location.

Q: What if my property value seems too high? A: You can appeal your assessment within 185 days of the commitment date. Contact your municipal assessor's office to begin the appeal process.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

County

Tax Rates for County: Knoxauditor.mo.gov

Tax Doc

2025 Certified Tax Rates by Districtin.gov

County

Knox County Budget 2025knoxcountymaine.gov

Assessor - Union, MEunion.maine.gov

Welcome to the Assessing Department!camdenmaine.gov

Tax Doc

Directions and Information for Taxpayersknoxcountymaine.gov

Homestead Exemption Program FAQmaine.gov

The Rockport Resourcerockportmaine.gov

Applicationscamdenmaine.gov

Formsknoxcountymaine.gov

All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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Knox CountyProperty Tax Guide