Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Bourbon County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

Authority	Avg. Rate
County General Fund	0.45%
School District (Avg)	1.20%
City / Local (Avg)	0.35%

How Property Tax Works in Bourbon County

Understanding property taxes is crucial to managing your finances and knowing what to expect when assessing your tax burden. Here's a simplified explanation of how property taxes work in Bourbon County: * **Assessment Process:** The county's appraisal department determines the value of every property within its jurisdiction, using established standards, market conditions, and similar properties as benchmarks. * Once assessed, this data is then sent to the Kentucky Department of Revenue (KDR), which prepares your tax bills. * A comprehensive assessment process ensures fair valuations for all property types. * **Millage Rates:** These are crucial percentages applied to every dollar of property value to determine how much you pay in taxes. Millage rates vary across Bourbon County and depend on the specific purpose of the funds. * The rate is decided by the county's Board of Supervisors, who balance needs like schools, road maintenance, and public safety with other priorities. ### Available Exemptions Kentucky offers several exemptions to help eligible homeowners pay their taxes more affordably. These apply to various demographics and include: * **Homestead Exemption:** This exemption is for the primary residence where you reside. It reduces your property tax burden by a percentage (usually around 10%). * **Senior Citizen/Disability Exemption:** Seniors, disabled veterans, and people with specific disabilities may be eligible for exemptions depending on income and qualifying criteria set by Kentucky law. Please check with the Bourbon County Clerk's Office for details. * **Veteran Exemption:** Eligible veterans can benefit from this exemption that reduces their property tax burden. Contact the county clerk's office for more information about the veteran's specific requirements. For a complete understanding of eligibility and application procedures, it's recommended to visit the Kentucky Department of Revenue (KDR) website or contact your local Bourbon County Assessor's Office directly.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Understanding payment schedules ensures you pay your property taxes on time and avoid penalties: * **Annual Payment Deadline:** Typically in June, but it may vary each year. Check the Bourbon County Clerk's Office website or your tax bill for the precise deadline. * Late payments might incur additional fees. * **Payment Options:** The county offers various payment options to accommodate your needs: * **Online Payment:** Use the secure online portal on the Bourbon County Clerk's website. * **Mail-In Payments:** Send a check or money order payable to "Bourbon County Tax Collector" to their designated address (found on your tax bill). * **Payment In Person:** Visit the Bourbon County Tax Collector’s office in person with appropriate payment options available. ### Appealing Your Assessment You have the right to appeal an assessment if you believe it is too high or inaccurate. You can initiate an appeal for various reasons, such as: * **Discrepancy between your property's assessed value and market value.** * **Errors in the assessment process itself.** * **Issues with the information provided to your assessor.** To initiate a formal appeal, you must file it directly with the Bourbon County Assessors Office within a specific timeframe (usually outlined by Kentucky law). You can usually find the appeal application form and relevant information on their website or by contacting the office directly. *** It's essential to contact the Bourbon County Clerk's Office for detailed information about all these exemptions and processes, as this is meant to provide general guidance only.