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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kanawha County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kanawha County, WV. 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
0.85% residential, 0.90% commercial (varies by district with additional levies)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kanawha County, West Virginia operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the Kanawha County Assessor's Office, with the current average effective rate being approximately 0.85% for residential properties and 0.90% for commercial properties.

Your actual property tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Kanawha County due to special taxing districts, municipal levies, and school district boundaries. These additional assessments can include special improvement districts, fire districts, and municipal services, meaning properties in incorporated areas typically have higher effective rates than those in unincorporated county areas. The county assessor determines property values, while the sheriff's office handles tax collection and payment processing.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General Levy0.25%Basic county services, courts, administration
School District Levy0.45%Local school operations and facilities
Municipal Levy0.10-0.15%City services (varies by municipality)
Special Districts0.05-0.10%Fire districts, improvement districts
Total Residential Rate~0.85%Average combined rate
Total Commercial Rate~0.90%Average combined rate

Note: These rates are estimates for planning purposes. The exact FY 2025-2026 tax rates are subject to approval in April 2025 budget meetings. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Kanawha County based on your specific taxing districts. Contact the Kanawha County Assessor at https://kanawhaassessor.com/ for your precise rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kanawha 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 Kanawha County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to property ownership, completion of new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year.

Common triggers include: purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, change of property use (residential to commercial), or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and your tax rate is 0.85%, you would owe approximately $425 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 0.85%) for that tax year, billed separately from your regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (current exemption, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $280,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.85%
  • Annual Tax: $2,380
  • Monthly Escrow: $198

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $580,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.85%
  • Annual Tax: $4,930
  • Monthly Escrow: $411

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Senior/Disabled Credit: -$10,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $970,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.85%
  • Annual Tax: $8,245
  • Monthly Escrow: $687

Note: All credits require annual application and approval. The Homestead exemption may increase to $40,000 pending legislative approval (SB 7).

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Kanawha County properties. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, then pays your tax bills directly to the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office when due. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing covering 2-3 months of taxes as a cushion.

Property taxes are due in two installments: September 1st for the first half and March 1st of the following year for the second half. Your lender should pay these on your behalf before the due dates to avoid penalties. You can verify payments and check your tax status online at https://kanawhasheriff.com/taxes/. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the sheriff's office by mail, online, or in person.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Kanawha County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due in two installments: September 1, 2025 (first half) and March 1, 2026 (second half). Interest begins accruing October 1st on unpaid first installments and April 1st on unpaid second installments.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit ($20,000 reduction in assessed value), available to primary residence owners who apply annually. Additional credits may be available for seniors (65+) and disabled veterans. All credits require application through the Kanawha County Assessor's Office and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your assessed value by $20,000 (potentially increasing to $40,000 if SB 7 passes). This is NOT a cap on assessment increases but a flat reduction in taxable value. You must apply annually and use the property as your primary residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: West Virginia conducts property reappraisals periodically. Contact the Kanawha County Assessor at https://kanawhaassessor.com/ for current assessment schedules and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing at statutory rates starting October 1st for first installment and April 1st for second installment. Additional penalties may apply for significantly delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the Kanawha County Sheriff's website at https://kanawhasheriff.com/taxes/. Various payment methods are typically accepted including credit cards and electronic checks.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Kanawha County based on special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, school districts, and fire districts. Two properties on the same street may have different rates if one is in city limits or a special improvement district.

Q: How do I apply for the Homestead Credit? A: Contact the Kanawha County Assessor's Office at https://kanawhaassessor.com/ for application forms and deadlines. Applications must typically be filed annually and require proof of primary residency.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Kanawha County Taxesnacdashboard.nara.gov
02
Tax Doc
CLASSIFIED ASSESSED VALUATIONS TAXES LEVIEDtax.wv.gov
03
Special Meeting Agenda - Tuesday, April 15, 2025kanawha.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Dates - West Virginia Tax Division - WV.govtax.wv.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Office Frequently Asked Questionskanawhasheriff.us
06
Tax Doc
Ad Valorem Tax Process and the Sheriffs' Role and ...wvlegislature.gov
07
Tax Doc
article 6b. homestead property tax exemption.wvlegislature.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - West Virginia Tax Division - WV.govtax.wv.gov
09
Bill Status - All Billswvlegislature.gov
10
stc1232c.pdftax.wv.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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