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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kent County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.572 per $100 assessed value (varies by municipality within Kent County)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kent County, Rhode Island operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, public schools, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Kent County are assessed and collected at the municipal level, with each city and town within the county setting its own tax rates based on local budgetary needs and state-mandated services.

The effective property tax rate in Kent County is approximately $0.572 per $100 of assessed value for Fiscal Year 2025, though actual rates vary significantly by municipality and special taxing districts within each community. Rhode Island assesses properties at full market value with no statutory assessment cap, and property owners may be eligible for various tax credits that can reduce their annual tax liability. These credits typically require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Property tax rates can vary within the same municipality due to special taxing districts for services such as fire protection, sewer systems, lighting districts, or special improvement areas, making it essential for property owners to understand their specific tax jurisdiction and applicable rates.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base Municipal Rate$0.572FY 2025 countywide average rate
School District LevyVaries by districtIncorporated into municipal rate
Fire District Tax$0.10-$0.50Where applicable, varies by district
Sewer District Assessment$0.05-$0.25Properties within sewer districts
Special Lighting District$0.02-$0.08Street lighting improvement areas
Library District$0.01-$0.05Some municipalities have separate library taxes

Note: These rates apply to Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025). Actual rates vary significantly by municipality within Kent County. Special taxing districts can add additional assessments to the base rate. Property owners should verify their specific rate with their local tax assessor, as rates can differ even within the same city or town based on the special districts that serve their property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kent 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 Kent County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the annual assessment date but during the current tax year. The most common triggers include the sale of property to a new owner, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use classification, or corrections to assessment errors discovered during the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year from the date of the change. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in January and increases the assessed value by $100,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $100,000 × $0.572 × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $286.

Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event, and these taxes are due within 30 days of the bill date. Supplemental taxes are separate from regular property tax bills and cannot be paid through existing escrow accounts without specific arrangements with the mortgage servicer.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (at 100% market value)
  • Veterans Tax Credit Applied: -$1,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,500
  • Tax Rate: $0.572 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,707.42
  • Monthly Payment: $142.29

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (at 100% market value)
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$3,000 (requires application)
  • Special Fire District: +$300 additional assessment
  • Net Taxable Value: $597,000
  • Annual Tax: $3,714.84
  • Monthly Payment: $309.57

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (at 100% market value)
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Special Assessments (sewer/fire): +$500 additional
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,220.00
  • Monthly Payment: $518.33

Important Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Credits are not automatically applied and eligibility requirements vary. Contact your local assessor for specific credit applications and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kent County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes. The lender collects monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment, deposits them into an escrow account, and pays your property taxes directly to the municipality when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount (usually 2-3 months of taxes) to ensure sufficient funds are available.

Property tax payments in Kent County are due in three installments: July 15th, October 15th, and December 15th, with grace periods extending each deadline to the last day of the following month. Lenders generally make payments during the grace period to maximize interest earnings on escrow funds. Property owners should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender showing tax payments made and any required adjustments to monthly escrow amounts.

If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, sometimes requiring a lump sum payment if the escrow account becomes insufficient. Property owners can verify that taxes are being paid correctly by checking with their municipal tax collector and ensuring escrow payments match the actual tax bills issued.

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 Kent County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due in three installments: July 15th, October 15th, and December 15th. Grace periods extend each deadline to the last day of the following month (July 31st, October 31st, and December 31st).

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common tax credits include Veterans Tax Credit, Elderly Tax Credit, and Homestead Tax Credit. All credits require annual application through your local assessor's office. Application deadlines typically fall between March 1st and April 15th. Contact your municipal assessor for specific forms and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit limits annual assessment increases on owner-occupied properties, typically capping increases at 5-10% per year rather than reducing the property's market value. You must file an application and reapply annually to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Kent County? A: Rhode Island requires municipal revaluations every 9 years, though some municipalities conduct them more frequently. Properties are assessed at 100% of fair market value as of the assessment date.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest accrues at 12% annually on unpaid taxes after the grace period ends. Additional penalties may apply, and unpaid taxes become a lien on the property that can eventually lead to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Most Kent County municipalities offer online payment options through their websites or third-party payment processors. Convenience fees typically range from $2-15 depending on payment method and amount.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a written appeal with your local Board of Assessment Review within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Include comparable property sales data and evidence supporting your claim that the assessment exceeds fair market value.

Q: What happens if I disagree with special district taxes on my bill? A: Special district taxes (fire, sewer, lighting) are assessed separately from municipal taxes. Contact the specific district office to dispute these charges, as they have separate appeal processes from general property tax appeals.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
fy24-annual-comprehensive-financial-report.pdfkentcountyde.gov
02
Tax Doc
RI Division of Taxation: Welcometax.ri.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Collectorcoventryri.gov
04
Tax Doc
Rhode Island Department of Revenue - RI Division of Taxationtax.ri.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Collectorwestwarwickri.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions | Rhode Island -Office of Veterans ...vets.ri.gov
07
National Housing Trendslgc.state.pa.us
08
Tax Doc
Residential Property Tax Relief Programsarchive.legmt.gov
09
Tax Doc
Town of Kent - Tax Bills Search & Paytownofkentct.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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