Taxes
It is the responsibility of the Lewis County Sheriff’s office to collect property taxes for the State, the County and School Districts. In addition, almost every Sheriff’s office collects taxes for some other special taxing district or special function such as fire protection districts, libraries, etc.
If you have questions about the assessment of your property taxes or you feel your tax bill is incorrect, you should contact the Lewis County Property Valuation Administration at (606)796-2622.
For any other questions, feel free to call our office at (606)796-2912.
WHY DID I RECEIVE THIS BILL?
Tax bills for real estate property are sent to the owner of records as of January 1st, unless a deed is filed after January 1st with specific tax bill instructions for the current year. According to the records of the Property Valuation Administrator’s Office. If you are not the current owner please call or forward this bill to the rightful owner if possible. If this is not possible, please notify the Sheriff’s Office.
HOW WAS MY TAX CALCULATED?
The property tax bill lists the assessed value of your personal property, the tax rate applied by various jurisdictions such as the state, county, school system or other special taxing district or special function such as fire protection districts, libraries, etc. The Property Valuation Office does not set these rates, they are only responsible for assessing the value of your property.
WHY DID I RECEIVE THIS BILL?
Tax bills for real estate property are sent to the owner of record as of January 1st, or the current owner, according to the records of the Property Valuation Administrator’s Office. If you are not the current owner please call or forward this bill to the rightful owner if possible. If this is not possible, please notify the Sheriff’s Office.
HOW WAS MY TAX CALCULATED?
The property tax bill lists the assessed value of your property, the tax rate that was applied by various jurisdictions such as the state, county and school system and the subtotal of each, before discounts or penalties. Pay only the single amount listed in the “If Paid By: Balance Due” areas at the bottom right of your bill and on your payment stub. Do not submit separate payments for each subtotal.
I THOUGHT MY MORTGAGE COMPANY TOOK CARE OF THIS / WHY DID I GET THIS BILL?
In the past, you may not have known the amount of tax due, or which districts were taxing your property. Again this year, all real estate property owners will receive a copy of the notice, even if a mortgage company handles payment, so you can see how your tax was calculated and where your tax dollars go.
WHAT IF I BOUGHT OR SOLD THE PROPERTY DURING THE YEAR?
The seller usually pays a pro-rated tax during closing for the portion of the year they owned the property. The buyer is then responsible to pay the entire tax amount when billed. If you are in doubt, refer to your closing settlement statement.
WHAT ARE HOMESTEAD AND DISABILITY EXEMPTIONS?
These exemptions can reduce your taxable assessment. The homestead exemption applies to people over 65 who own the home in which they live. The disability exemption applies to people who are totally disabled and own the home in which they live. If you think you might qualify for either of these exemptions, and you are not already receiving the exemption, call the Property Valuation Administrator’s Office at (606)796-2622.
AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THIS BILL?
Yes, the property owner is legally responsible for ensuring that the tax bill is paid. However, if you assume that the mortgage company will use your escrow account to pay the tax bill, but are unsure, call them. Also, if you did not receive a tax bill and you do own property, please check with the Sheriff’s Office to determine the amount of taxes due for your property, especially if you have recently purchased property.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE AVAILABLE?
You may pay your bill by cash, check, money order or with a debit/credit card. Make your check or money order payable to: Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. Include the Property I.D. number, (shown on your bill), on your check or money order. * PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL.
WHEN IS MY PAYMENT DUE?
There is a schedule at the bottom right of your tax bill, and on your payment stub, showing the amount that is due, depending on the date your payment is received. As you can see, if your payment is received in the Sheriff’s Office by the earliest date shown, you will receive a 2 percent discount. Please note that the later you wait to pay, the higher the amount due.
HOW DO I MAKE MY PAYMENT?
There are three convenient methods to pay your property tax bill.
- Mail your tax bill payment stub & check to:
- Lewis County Sheriff’s Office
112 Second Street Suite 102
Vanceburg, KY 41179 - Pay in person at the Sheriff’s Office.
- Pay over the phone or in the office with a debit/credit card.
* Note: Taxpayers will be charged a convenience fee if a debit/credit card is used, based on the amount of your tax bill.
WHAT IF I AM DUE A REFUND?
If for some reason, you think there is an overpayment, please call the Sheriff’s Office. We may need you to provide documentation before a refund can be processed.
WHAT IF MY CHECK IS RETURNED FOR INSUFFICIENT FUNDS?
There is a fee of $25 for any returned check. Also, when you resend your payment, additional penalties may apply, based on the late payment schedule shown on your bill.
MAY I PAY SEVERAL BILLS WITH ONE PAYMENT?
Yes, if you mail your payment or pay in person. However, when doing so, please check to be sure you’ve added all the appropriate amounts correctly, so your payments will not be delayed in processing. Please remember to include your stubs for each property bill you pay.
