How Do I… / FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I…

1. Rating: +3

   

   Find out who owns a certain property?

   The PVA offers a free Basic Property Search that will help you find information on property ownership and assessed property value. You can search by address or by parcel ID. If you are looking for more detailed information, the PVA offers a Subscription Search Service that provides more detailed information such as transfer history, property photos, improvement characteristics, property class, and tax information. See our Subscription Service area for more information.

2. Rating: +0

   

   Pay my taxes?

   The Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office is responsible for collecting property taxes. Please contact their office with any issues concerning your property tax bill.

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   Learn how much a certain property sold for?

   The PVA’s Subscription Search Service allows you to view the transfer history for any property in Jefferson County. With the Subscription Search Service, you can search by address, sale price and date range, parcel ID, owner, or by legal description.

4. Rating: +0

   

   How can I find more detailed info about a certain property?

   You can find information such as year built, square footage, number of bathrooms, and more listed in the Property Details section of any property report when logged into your Subscription Search Service. If you’re not signed up yet, find out more in the Subscription Search Service area.

5. Rating: +2

   

   Know if I’m eligible to apply for an assessment exemption?

   You can find out if you’re eligible for an exemption in the Exemptions section of this website. There you will find information on Homestead/Disability Exemptions, Exemptions for Religious Groups and Exemptions for Non-Profit Groups.

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   Change my mailing address?

   You can download the Change of Mailing Address form in the Forms and Tools section. Please be aware that there are separate forms for Commercial and Residential properties.

7. Rating: +1

   

   Obtain a map of my property?

   Property owners can print out a map of their property at the PVA office, or at any Louisville Free Public Library branch, at no charge. Maps of any other property can be printed in our office for a small fee. Contact the PVA at (502)-574-6380 or email CustomerService@jeffersonpva.ky.gov for more details. (PVA maps are not legal documents and should be used for general reference only)

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   Dispute my Property Assessment?

   Each year, you can appeal your current property assessment. To learn more about how to appeal your assessment, visit the Appeals Process area.

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   Fix incorrect information about my property?

   If the PVA has information about your property that is inaccurate, you can call our office at (502) 574-6380 to ensure it is corrected. Also, you may receive an assessment notice in the mail if you’re property’s assessment has changed. You can mail the return section back to the PVA to inform us about any inconsistencies that may appear.

10. Rating: +0

    

    How can I change my name on my property?

    To change your name on the tax assessment roll, you must do one of the following:

    • You can quitclaim deed your property from your old name to your new name and file it with the Jefferson County Clerk's Office. There is a $17.00 fee to file this document
    • You can petition the Jefferson County District Probate Court to have a judge sign a name change order formally changing your name. The cost is $43.00 payable to the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk's Office and an $8.00 filing fee payable to the Jefferson County Clerk's Office. The phone number to the Jefferson District Probate division is (502) 595-4434.
    • You can file a copy of your marriage license (certificate) with the Jefferson County Clerk's Office. There is a $13.00 fee to file this document.
    • You can file a copy of your divorce decree, signed by a judge ordering that your maiden name be restored, with the Jefferson County Clerk's Office. There is a $13.00 fee to file this document.

    The Jefferson County Clerk's Office provides the PVA with a stamped copy of quitclaim deeds and name change orders. The stamped copy of a marriage license or divorce decree must be given directly to the PVA either by mail or in person. Mailing Address and Directions

    The tax assessment roll will be changed after the receipt of these filed, stamped documents. There is no charge by the PVA to make this change. Email Landrecords@jeffersonpva.ky.gov or call (502) 574-6380 if you have any questions.

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    Change the misspelled name on my tax bill?

    The Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office is responsible for producing property tax bills. If your name is misspelled on the PVA tax assessment roll, it can be changed if you signed the original property deed with your name spelled correctly. You do not need to file any further documents if the signature is on the property deed. If you have any other questions, please email Landrecords@jeffersonpva.ky.gov or call (502) 574-6380. To change the name on your property, see the FAQ "How can I change my name on my property?"

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    How do I subscribe to the PVA?

    We've created this video to help guide you through the sign up process on your new PVA account.
    

Site Support

1. Rating: +0

   

   I am a subscriber, why can't I log in?

   You may need to log in to the new PVA system with your account email address. As not all users of the previous PVA system had usernames we had to use the account email address. Once you log in, you will be prompted to change your this to a username of your choice.

   If you are unsure of your username or account email address, please send your account password to jefferson@viastudio.com and we will be glad to look up your credentials.

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   Why do I get a "Session Limit" message when I log in?

   You have reached the maximum number of users for your current account. If you are the only user of this account, you may not have clicked the "Logout" link at the top right when you finished using the PVA system. As such, your previous session is held for up to 15 minutes.

   If you need more than one user accessing the site at the same time you can upgrade your account to increase the number of sessions on the My Account page. If you need more than 10 users, please call the PVA office to discuss a custom account.

3. Rating: +0

   

   Why are the Deed Page links not working?

   You may be using Internet Explorer 6.0. You can determine your current browser by selecting the "Help" menu from the browser's application bar at the top. At the bottom select "About Internet Explorer". A new window will appear that will provide your browser's version number.

   In order to take advantage of newer technologies, the PVA website no longer supports Internet Explorer 6. There are many sites that are ceasing support for this browser including Google, Amazon, and State of Kentucky websites by the end of this year. It is strongly recommended that you upgrade your browser to Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8. Alternative, you can download Firefox if Internet Explorer 6 is required by your office. All of these are available as a free download and can be found by a Google search.

4. Rating: +0

   

   Why do I get logged out when I try to print property details?

   You may be using Internet Explorer 6.0. You can determine your current browser by selecting the "Help" menu from the browser's application bar at the top. At the bottom select "About Internet Explorer". A new window will appear that will provide your browser's version number.

   In order to take advantage of newer technologies, the PVA website no longer supports Internet Explorer 6. There are many sites that are ceasing support for this browser including Google, Amazon, and State of Kentucky websites by the end of this year. It is strongly recommended that you upgrade your browser to Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8. Alternative, you can download Firefox if Internet Explorer 6 is required by your office. All of these are available as a free download and can be found by a Google search.

5. Rating: +0

   

   Why is the My Account box is covering property information?

   You may be using Internet Explorer 6.0. You can determine your current browser by selecting the "Help" menu from the browser's application bar at the top. At the bottom select "About Internet Explorer". A new window will appear that will provide your browser's version number.

   In order to take advantage of newer technologies, the PVA website no longer supports Internet Explorer 6. There are many sites that are ceasing support for this browser including Google, Amazon, and State of Kentucky websites by the end of this year. It is strongly recommended that you upgrade your browser to Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8. Alternative, you can download Firefox if Internet Explorer 6 is required by your office. All of these are available as a free download and can be found by a Google search.

Property Tax Assessment Questions

1. Rating: +1

   

   How do they come up with an assessment?

   The Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator’s duties are to discover, list and value all properties within the county. Property not exempted from taxation is to be assessed for taxation at its fair cash value, estimated at the price it would bring at a fair voluntary sale. The PVA is charged with assessing all property equitably and accurately.Learn more about the Property Assessment process.

2. Rating: +0

   

   Why did my assessment go up this year?

   Your assessment is often based on what comparable homes are selling for in your neighborhood. Especially in Jefferson County, this can sometimes appreciate faster than expected. Also, remember that your property is usually only revalued once every four years. Therefore, the increase is actually reflecting four years worth of appreciation.

   House Bill 44 was enacted to limit the increase of countywide taxes to 4% per year. This is a very complex formula that dictates only the tax rate, not the assessment value. Although, our office strives to keep up with the fair cash value of every home in Jefferson County, sometimes the reality is that market values have increased that much in your neighborhood. We would be happy to meet with you any time to discuss the sales and reasons behind your assessment.

3. Rating: +0

   

   Why does the person down the street with all the land have a lower value than mine?

   It is possible that your neighbors have qualified for an Agricultural and Horticultural Exemption.

   Property (usually defined as greater than 10 acres actively used for an agricultural or horticultural purpose) has a specific agricultural value and is not taxed the same as a residence. It is a tool designed to help farmers be able to afford their land.It would be infeasible for farmers and landowners to pay the tax on their full fair cash value.

4. Rating: +1

   

   How come you can‘t appeal your property when you get your tax bill?

   KRS 133.045 dictates the appeal period to be the first Monday in May and to extend for two weeks thereafter. The assessments must be finalized before the tax rates are calculated. Learn more about the Appeals Process.

5. Rating: -4

   

   What is the tax rate of an address?

   The tax rate consists of a state tax rate, a county tax rate, a city tax rate (if applicable), a library tax rate, a health tax rate, an extension office health rate, a fire district rate and a school district rate.

6. Rating: +0

   

   I moved in my house in February, but I can‘t get the homestead until next year? Why?

   Real Estate taxes are determined as of January 1. You will not be eligible for the Homestead Exemption until you are in the property, as of January 1st. Likewise, you may not be responsible for your taxes that first year.

7. Rating: +0

   

   I bought my house in April for less than what the tax bill says. How come I have to pay the higher amount?

   Real Estate taxes are determined as of January 1. Therefore, the value at that date is what our office has determined to be the value at the beginning of the tax year. Your real estate taxes will be adjusted for the purchase price the following tax year. However, you may not be responsible for paying the entire amount of the tax bill.

   See If I buy property after January 1st, when will I get a tax bill?

8. Rating: +0

   

   The neighbor next door gets a discount? How come I don’t?

   The exemption your neighbor may be getting is a special exemption because they are elderly or disabled.

9. Rating: -2

   

   How much do you get off for the Homestead/Disability Exemption?

   For 2011-2012, the Homestead or Disability exemption amount is $34,000.

10. Rating: +0

    

    Can I get the Homestead/Disability Exemption for Commercial Property?

    You can receive the Homestead or Disability Exemption on commercial properties if you own AND occupy the building. (e.g. you live on the second floor of the commercial building). Learn more about the Homestead/Disability Exemption.

Motor Vehicle Property Tax Questions

1. Rating: -1

   

   How do you determine the assessment on vehicles?

   All automobiles, trucks, boats, boat trailers, motorcycles, aircraft, and recreational vehicles are assessed as of January 1 of each year. Motor vehicles are generally taxed in the county of registration. If you have assessment questions regarding motor vehicles or boats, please contact the Motor Vehicle Department at (502) 574-6450.

2. Rating: +0

   

   I do not agree with the value of my vehicle. How can I get it lowered?

   The PVA may be able to lower the value of your vehicle if you have excessive mileage or excessive damage. If you have assessment questions regarding your motor vehicle assessment, please contact the Motor Vehicle Department at (502) 574-6450.

3. Rating: +0

   

   I have either sold a vehicle or moved out of state. What should I do now?

   You can remove your vehicle from the tax roll by supplying the PVA with a a copy of a bill of sale or a copy of the front & back of the KY title indicating you transferred the vehicle. Please note, if you have moved out of state, you may provide the PVA with a copy of your new title, or a copy of your registration.

4. Rating: +0

   

   Why do I have to pay a whole year of tax when I didn’t own the car for the entire year?

   All vehicle taxes are assessed as of January 1. As a convenience, you can pay your motor vehicle tax bill in your birth month. Although, your vehicle tags may be valid from birth month to birth month, your taxes are applicable from January to December.

5. Rating: +0

   

   I turned in all my vehicle information to the clerks office and I’m still getting a tax bill. No one told me I had to come here also. Why don’t your offices communicate?

   While we do our best to share information with other government offices, it is often difficult with the influx of people and data to do so all the time. The County Clerk is a county office and the PVA office is a separate state office.

   We are working everyday to bridge these communication gaps that may sometimes overlay.

6. Rating: +0

   

   I turned in my license plates. Is there anything else I need to do?

   After you turn in your license plates, you may need to follow several more steps. See "I have either sold a vehicle or moved out of state. What do I do now?" in the FAQs.

7. Rating: +0

   

   My car went out of state. How come that state didn’t notify you?

   Other states may not make Kentucky aware when a vehicle is transferred out-of-state.

   Please contact both state offices to ensure that the vehicle has been properly removed from one state and registered in another state.

8. Rating: +0

   

   I junked my car and gave my title to the junkyard. Why am I still getting a tax bill?

   If you are going to "junk" your vehicle and give your title to the junkyard, you should make a copy of the front and back of your title and fax it to (502) 574-5036 with the Motor Vehicle Affidavit. Copies of the Motor Vehicle Affadavit can be requested by calling the Motor Vehicle Department at (502) 574-6450 or emailing MotorVehicle@JeffersonPVA.Ky.gov.

   You may be receiving a tax bill because the junkyard does not always let our office know when they receive a “junked” vehicle.

Tangible Property Tax Questions

1. Rating: +0

   

   Where did the assessed value on my tangible returns come from?

   The assessed value of your tangible property is based on the tangible return you file with our office each year in May.

2. Rating: +1

   

   I received a tangible tax bill. What is it for? How did you come up with that figure?

   Your tangible tax bill is based on your KY Tangible Return, Form 62A500, which you file in our office by May of each year.

   The calculated tax is based on the reported value you listed on the return.