Every fall, Louisville homeowners open the mailbox and find the Jefferson County property tax bill. And every fall, I get the same texts: When is it due? Do I pay it or does my mortgage company? Why did it go up? Can I get it lowered?

Here's your plain-English guide to the 2026 bill. Every date below comes from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (which collects the tax) and the Jefferson County PVA (the Property Valuation Administrator, the office that sets your home's assessed value). Always double-check the dates printed on your own bill.

When do 2026 property tax bills come out?

The Jefferson County PVA lists November 1, 2026 as the date 2026 tax bills are mailed. If you haven't gotten yours by the second week of November, the Sheriff's Office says to request a copy or print one from their website. Not getting a bill doesn't get you out of paying it or out of late penalties.

When is it due, and how do I save money?

Pay early and you save 2%. Pay late and it costs you. Here's the Sheriff's schedule:

• November 1 to December 1: pay with a 2% discount
• December 2 to January 2: pay the full amount, no discount and no penalty
• January 3 to February 3: a 5% penalty is added
• February 4 to April 15: a 10% penalty plus a 10% Sheriff's add-on fee
• After April 15: unpaid bills go to the Jefferson County Clerk, more costs and interest get added, and the bill can be sold to a third party

On a $3,000 tax bill, paying by December 1 saves you $60. Paying in mid-January costs you an extra $150, and waiting until after February 3 adds about $600 or more. Pay early if you can.

How do I pay my Jefferson County property tax bill?

• Online through the Jefferson County Sheriff's website. An eCheck has a small flat fee, and cards carry a percentage fee.
• By mail with the payment stub from your bill. Give it time to arrive and post.
• In person at the Sheriff's downtown office on West Market Street during business hours.

Does my mortgage company pay it?

If your mortgage payment includes an escrow account for taxes and insurance, your lender usually pays the bill out of that account. Your bill will often say a mortgage company is paying. But legally you're still responsible for it, so if you're not sure, check with your lender. Don't assume and get hit with a penalty.

I just bought or sold a house. Who pays?

The bill goes to whoever owned the house on January 1 or whoever was on the PVA's records when the tax roll was made. That's often the seller, even if the house sold this year.

In most sales, the taxes get split at closing. The seller pays their share for the part of the year they owned it, and the buyer pays the bill when it comes. Check your settlement statement from closing to see exactly how yours was handled. If you got a bill that the other side owes, forward it or ask the Tax Department to mail them a copy.

Why does my house have more than one tax bill?

Louisville has a lot of small cities inside the county, like St. Matthews, Jeffersontown, and others. Many of them send their own separate city property tax bill on top of the county bill. If you live in one, watch for both, and contact your city office with questions about the city bill.

How can I lower my property tax bill?

The homestead exemption (age 65 and up)

If you're 65 or older and own and live in the home as your main residence as of January 1, Kentucky's homestead exemption takes $49,100 off your home's assessed value for 2025 and 2026. On a $250,000 home, you'd be taxed as if it were worth $200,900. You can apply with the Jefferson County PVA online or by mail. You're eligible in the year you turn 65.

The disability exemption

Homeowners who are totally disabled may qualify for a disability exemption instead. Only one exemption, homestead or disability, is allowed per household. Ask the PVA what paperwork you need.

Appeal your assessment

Your bill is based on the PVA's value of your home as of January 1. If you think that value is too high, you can challenge it. In 2026, the PVA's online conference window ran from April 24 to May 18, and the deadline to appeal to the Local Board was June 12. That means it's too late to change this year's value, but you can get ready now for next spring.

Here's our full guide to appealing your Jefferson County property assessment. The best way to win an appeal is with recent sales of similar homes near you. That's exactly what a comparative market analysis is, and I'm happy to pull one for you. Text or email me before the window opens next spring.

Behind on property taxes?

If you've fallen behind, don't ignore it. Penalties and fees stack up fast, and the bill can be sold to a third party. Read behind on property taxes in Louisville to see your options. If the house has a tax lien on it, here's how selling a home with a tax lien in Louisville works.

Is your value right? Find out what your house is really worth

Your tax bill tells you what the PVA thinks your home is worth. The market might say something different, higher or lower. Here's how to find out:

• Estimate your Jefferson County property tax
• Get a free home value estimate
• See what you'd walk away with if you sold
• Who pays taxes when you sell a house in Kentucky

Questions about your bill or your home's value? Text or email me.

Louisville property tax bill FAQ

When are Jefferson County property taxes due?

Bills are mailed around November 1. You get a 2% discount if you pay by December 1, and the full amount is due by January 2. Penalties start January 3.

What is the property tax discount in Jefferson County, Kentucky?

You save 2% if you pay between November 1 and December 1. After that, you pay the full amount with no discount until January 2.

What is the penalty for paying property taxes late in Louisville?

A 5% penalty applies from January 3 to February 3. From February 4 to April 15, it's a 10% penalty plus a 10% Sheriff's add-on fee. After April 15, unpaid bills go to the County Clerk and more costs are added.

How much is the Kentucky homestead exemption for 2026?

For 2025 and 2026, the homestead exemption takes $49,100 off the assessed value of a home owned and lived in by someone 65 or older. Apply through the Jefferson County PVA.

Who pays property taxes when a house sells in Kentucky?

The bill goes to the owner of record as of January 1, but taxes are usually split at closing so each side pays for the part of the year they owned the home. Check your settlement statement to see how yours was handled.

Can I appeal my property assessment in Louisville?

Yes. The Jefferson County PVA holds a conference window each spring, followed by a deadline to appeal to the Local Board. In 2026, the conference window was April 24 to May 18 and the appeal deadline was June 12. Recent sales of similar homes are your best evidence.