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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Mercer County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Mercer 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
57.20¢ per $100 of assessed value (varies by location due to special districts)
1st Due
Jul 15
Exemptions
1+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Mercer County, West Virginia serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county operates on a fiscal year basis with tax bills issued annually by the county sheriff's office on or after July 15th each year.

Mercer County's property tax rate for 2025 is 57.20 cents per $100 of assessed value, though actual rates can vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as municipal levies, fire districts, and local improvement districts. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate may differ based on their exact location and the special districts that serve their area. The county assesses property at approximately 60% of fair market value for residential properties, with reassessments conducted periodically to maintain current valuations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General~15.00¢Basic county operations, roads, courts
School Levy~35.00¢Public education funding
Municipal LevyVariesCity/town services (if applicable)
Fire DistrictsVariesLocal fire protection services
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, improvement districts
Total Rate57.20¢Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Rates shown are approximate components totaling the county's base rate of 57.20¢ per $100 of assessed value. Your actual rate may vary based on your specific location within Mercer County and applicable special taxing districts. Municipal levies apply only to properties within city/town limits, and special district rates vary by location and services provided.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jul 15
Delinquent after Dec 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 Mercer County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, significant improvements, or corrections to previous assessments that result in increased taxable value.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in January, increasing the assessed value by $30,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $30,000 × 0.5720% = $171.60 for the full year. The county sheriff's office issues supplemental tax bills separately from regular annual tax bills, and these must be paid according to the payment schedule provided with the bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (60%): $180,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $160,000
  • Annual Tax: $160,000 × 0.5720% = $915.20
  • Monthly Escrow: $76.27

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (60%): $360,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $340,000
  • Annual Tax: $340,000 × 0.5720% = $1,944.80
  • Monthly Escrow: $162.07

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (60%): $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $580,000
  • Annual Tax: $580,000 × 0.5720% = $3,317.60
  • Monthly Escrow: $276.47

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Rates may vary based on special district locations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Mercer County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums, and hold these funds to pay taxes when due. Given Mercer County's split payment schedule (September 1st and March 1st), lenders typically pay both installments from the escrow account.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, as escrow shortages can occur if tax increases aren't properly accounted for in monthly payments. The lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis and adjust monthly payments as needed. Property owners can request escrow account statements and should review them for accuracy, especially after reassessments or when tax credits are applied or removed.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Mercer County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - the first installment is due September 1, 2025, and the second installment is due March 1, 2026.

Q: What is the Homestead Tax Credit and how do I apply? A: West Virginia's Homestead Exemption provides a $20,000 reduction in assessed value for homeowners age 65+ and disabled persons. This credit requires application through the Mercer County Assessor's office and is NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit limit assessment increases? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Eligible homeowners must file annually to maintain this protection against rapid assessment growth.

Q: What other tax credits are available in Mercer County? A: Additional credits may include veteran's exemptions, disabled person credits, and senior citizen credits. All require separate applications and proof of eligibility through the County Assessor's office.

Q: When does Mercer County reassess properties? A: West Virginia law requires periodic reassessments. Property owners receive notice before reassessment and can appeal new valuations during designated appeal periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments accrue interest and penalties. Unpaid taxes can result in tax liens and eventual tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Mercer County Sheriff's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, municipal services, or improvements add to your base county rate. Your exact rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for tax credits? A: Most tax credit applications have annual deadlines. Contact the Mercer County Assessor's office for specific application periods and required documentation.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed during designated periods following reassessment notices. Contact the Mercer County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2025 Annual Reportsec.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Rates - West Virginia Tax Divisiontax.wv.gov
03
Tax Doc
CLASSIFIED ASSESSED VALUATIONS TAXES LEVIEDtax.wv.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Dates - West Virginia Tax Division - WV.govtax.wv.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Return Due Dates - West Virginia Tax Divisiontax.wv.gov
06
State
STATE OF WEST VIRGINIAlegis.state.wv.us
07
Tax Doc
article 6b. homestead property tax exemption.wvlegislature.gov
08
Legislative Budget and Finance Committeelgc.state.pa.us
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - West Virginia Tax Division - WV.govtax.wv.gov
10
eo_wv.csv - EITC central - IRSeitc.irs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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