Campbell County (Newport, Fort Thomas) Tax Rates
In Campbell County, Kentucky, the 2026 motor vehicle property tax baseline is $1.171 per $100 of assessed value (state 45 + county-wide 19.9 + Campbell County schools 52.2 cents), so a $20,000 vehicle owes about $234.20 a year before any school, city, or fire district change. Inside Fort Thomas and its independent school district the rate is $1.9711. The 2025 baseline real estate rate is $1.012 per $100, before city levies. Sales tax is 6%, with no local add-on.
Official source, tax year 2026 (vehicles) and tax year 2025 (real estate): Kentucky Department of Revenue rate books, checked October 2026. See our methodology.
Pay or look up your bill: vehicle property tax is paid with your registration renewal through the Campbell County Clerk (campbellcountyclerk.ky.gov), online or at the Newport and Alexandria offices. County, state, and Campbell County school real estate tax is paid to the Campbell County Sheriff (campbellcountysheriffky.org). Newport and Fort Thomas bill their city property tax separately (newportky.gov, fortthomasky.org). Value questions go to the Campbell County PVA (pva.campbellcountykentucky.com).
Key Takeaways
- Vehicle (car) tax baseline: $1.171 per $100 for 2026 (unchanged from 2025), below the statewide median of $1.2138. A $20,000 vehicle owes about $234.20 a year.
- Where you live inside the county changes the rate: five independent school districts, seven taxing cities, and three fire districts change the rate. Fort Thomas city + schools is $1.9711 (about $394.22 on $20,000), and Bellevue city + schools is $2.048.
- Newport levies no city vehicle tax; a Newport address in the Newport Independent school district pays $1.642.
- The car tax is due with your registration renewal, by the end of your renewal month (KRS 134.810). There is no state relief on the first $20,000.
- Real estate baseline: $1.012 per $100 for 2025, above the statewide median of $0.992. The Sheriff's 2% discount for 2025 bills ran November 1-30, 2025.
- Homeowners 65 and older or totally disabled can deduct the $49,100 homestead exemption (2025-2026). Sales tax is 6% statewide; groceries are exempt.
Campbell County Tax Rates - At a Glance
| Tax Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Property (Car) Tax | $1.171 per $100 (2026) | Baseline: state 45 + county-wide 19.9 + Campbell County schools 52.2 cents; independent schools, cities, and fire districts change it by address; J.D. Power average trade-in value on January 1 |
| Real Estate Tax | $1.012 per $100 (2025) | Baseline: state 10.6 + county-wide 26.3 + Campbell County schools 64.3 cents; independent schools, 15 cities, and fire districts add or change it by address |
| Sales Tax | 6% | Statewide rate; no local sales tax in Kentucky; groceries exempt |
Vehicle Property (Car) Tax
2026 Rate Stack
Kentucky taxes vehicles as property every year. For 2026, an owner in the Campbell County school district who lives outside any taxing city or fire district pays $1.171 per $100 of assessed value. That baseline is the sum of three rates from the Kentucky Department of Revenue's 2026 MOTAX Rate Book: the 45-cent state rate, Campbell County's 19.9-cent county-wide rate (general 13.1, library 2.6, health 2.2, and extension 2 cents), and the 52.2-cent Campbell County school rate. Every Campbell County vehicle rate is the same as in 2025.
The river cities change the picture. Bellevue, Dayton, Fort Thomas, Newport, and Southgate each have an independent school district whose rate replaces the county school rate, and most of those cities add their own vehicle levy. An address inside Fort Thomas and the Fort Thomas Independent district pays $1.9711 per $100; Bellevue city + schools is $2.048 and Dayton city + schools is $2.0089. Newport has no city vehicle levy, so a Newport Independent address pays $1.642.
| Levy | Type | Rate | Total With Baseline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southgate Independent | School (replaces 52.2) | 50.4 cents | $1.1530 |
| Dayton Independent | School (replaces 52.2) | 85.9 cents | $1.5080 |
| Fort Thomas Independent | School (replaces 52.2) | 92.5 cents | $1.5740 |
| Newport Independent | School (replaces 52.2) | 99.3 cents | $1.6420 |
| Bellevue Independent | School (replaces 52.2) | 101.4 cents | $1.6630 |
| City of Wilder | City | +14.8 cents | $1.3190 |
| City of Cold Spring | City | +16.9 cents | $1.3400 |
| City of Silver Grove | City | +20.6 cents | $1.3770 |
| City of Southgate | City | +27.0 cents | $1.4410 |
| City of Bellevue | City | +38.5 cents | $1.5560 |
| City of Fort Thomas | City | +39.71 cents | $1.5681 |
| City of Dayton | City | +50.09 cents | $1.6719 |
| Campbell Fire & Rescue | Fire district | +18.0 cents | $1.3510 |
| Fire District #1 Campbell Co | Fire district | +20.0 cents | $1.3710 |
| Fire District #2 Central Campbell | Fire district | +20.0 cents | $1.3710 |
Each total adds one levy to the $1.171 baseline; a city total assumes the Campbell County school district. Where a city has its own independent school district, add the city levy to that district's total instead (Fort Thomas 157.4 + 39.71 = $1.9711; Bellevue 166.3 + 38.5 = $2.048; Dayton 150.8 + 50.09 = $2.0089; Southgate 115.3 + 27 = $1.423). Newport and the other cities have no vehicle levy. The 2025 property rate book notes that Fire District #1 merged into Campbell Fire & Rescue in March 2025, but the 2026 MOTAX Rate Book still lists both; your notice shows the district that applies. Source: Kentucky Department of Revenue 2026 MOTAX Rate Book, Campbell County 019.
How the Vehicle Is Valued
January 1 is the assessment date. Under KRS 132.485 the standard value is the vehicle's average trade-in value in the J.D. Power valuation manual, not the rough or clean trade-in value and not the price you paid. Vehicles 20 or more years old use their 19th-year value, reduced 10% for each year beyond 19. The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) may adjust the value when you show that the standard value does not reflect the vehicle's condition, options, mileage, or title.
| Assessed Value | At the $1.171 Baseline | In Fort Thomas ($1.9711) |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $117.10 | $197.11 |
| $20,000 | $234.20 | $394.22 |
| $30,000 | $351.30 | $591.33 |
| $40,000 | $468.40 | $788.44 |
Property tax only. The Fort Thomas column assumes the Fort Thomas Independent school district. The plate registration fee is billed separately with your renewal and is not included. For your exact address, pick your school district, city, and fire district in the Kentucky car tax calculator.
When and How to Pay
The Campbell County Clerk collects the tax with your registration renewal at its Newport office (1098 Monmouth Street) or Alexandria office (8330 W. Main St.), Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with evening hours to 6 p.m. on the first and last Monday of the month in Newport and the first and last Thursday in Alexandria. The Clerk's motor vehicle line is (859) 292-3850, and its site links to the state's online renewal service. Plates are usually renewed in the owner's birth month, and the Kentucky Department of Revenue mails a notice in the month before. Under KRS 134.810, the tax is due by the last day of the renewal month, or by the last day of the month the vehicle is transferred if that comes first. Once the tax is delinquent, late payment adds a 3% penalty if paid within 30 days of becoming delinquent (waived if paid within 5 days), 10% after that, plus 15% annual interest (KRS 134.810).
Disputing a value: assessment questions go to the Campbell County PVA (1098 Monmouth Street, Newport; (859) 292-3871), not the Clerk. Under Kentucky Department of Revenue guidance, talk to the PVA first; if that does not resolve it, a written protest goes to the Department of Revenue within 60 days of the date of notice.
Kentucky has no state relief on the first $20,000 of vehicle value like Virginia's PPTRA. For how a relief program changes a car tax bill, see our Virginia PPTRA explained guide.
Real Estate Tax
2025 Rates
The 2025 baseline real estate rate in Campbell County is $1.012 per $100 of assessed value: the 10.6-cent state residential rate, Campbell County's 26.3-cent county-wide rate (fiscal court 15.3, library 5.9, extension 2.6, health 2.2, and soil conservation 0.3 cents), and the 64.3-cent Campbell County school rate, per the Kentucky Department of Revenue's 2025 Property Tax Rate Book. The baseline applies outside any city, independent school district, and fire district.
The independent school rates replace the county school rate on real estate. Example: a home inside Fort Thomas and its independent school district pays 10.6 + 26.3 + 104.4 + 34.8 (City of Fort Thomas) = $1.761 per $100, or about $4,402.50 a year on a $250,000 assessment, compared with about $2,530.00 at the baseline. A Newport home in the Newport Independent district pays 10.6 + 26.3 + 77 + 22.4 = $1.363, about $3,407.50.
| Levy | Type | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Newport Independent | School (replaces 64.3) | 77.0 |
| Bellevue Independent | School (replaces 64.3) | 84.3 |
| Dayton Independent | School (replaces 64.3) | 89.3 |
| Fort Thomas Independent | School (replaces 64.3) | 104.4 |
| Southgate Independent | School (replaces 64.3) | 109.9 |
| Mentor | City | +7.0 |
| Cold Spring | City | +12.5 |
| California | City | +13.0 |
| Alexandria | City | +14.0 |
| Highland Heights | City | +14.7 |
| Crestview | City | +15.1 |
| Woodlawn | City | +17.9 |
| Silver Grove | City | +18.2 |
| Newport | City | +22.4 |
| Wilder | City | +23.1 |
| Fort Thomas | City | +34.8 |
| Bellevue | City | +36.4 |
| Dayton | City | +39.8 |
| Melbourne | City | +40.2 |
| Southgate | City | +52.9 |
| Fire District - Southgate | Fire district | +5.387 |
| Campbell Fire & Rescue | Fire district | +18.0 |
| Fire District #1 Campbell Co | Fire district | +18.0 |
| Fire District #2 Central Campbell | Fire district | +20.0 |
| Fire District #6 Melbourne | Fire district | +20.0 |
The rate book notes that Crestview and Silver Grove did not report 2025 rates, so their 2024 rates are shown; Fire District #1 merged into Campbell Fire & Rescue in March 2025; and Silver Grove Independent schools merged into the county school system in 2019. Source: Kentucky Department of Revenue 2025 Property Tax Rate Book, Campbell County 019.
Tax year 2026: the state's 2026 Property Tax Rate Book was not yet published at our last check, so the 2026 Campbell County real estate stack is not shown here. Your 2026 bill shows the rates that apply to your parcel.
Assessment, Bills, and Due Dates
Real estate is assessed at fair cash value as of January 1 by the Campbell County PVA, which notes that it does not set rates, issue bills, or collect tax. The Campbell County Sheriff collects state, county, and Campbell County school taxes. For the 2025 tax year, the Sheriff's 2% discount period ran from November 1 through November 30, 2025; to get it, payment had to be made in person or postmarked (cancelled by the Post Office, not just metered) by the end of business on November 30. The 911 fee on the bill is not subject to the discount, and later payment periods are printed on the bill. The Sheriff has not yet posted 2026 dates.
You can pay online through the Sheriff's tax lookup (credit and debit cards carry a 3% fee; e-checks $3.00, up to $30,000), by mail with the return envelope (checks payable to the Sheriff), or in person at the Newport office (1098 Monmouth Street) or Alexandria office (8330 West Main Street), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prior-year delinquent taxes are paid to the County Clerk ((859) 292-3845).
City bills are separate. Newport mails city tax bills by late September; they include the property taxes levied by the City and the Newport Board of Education, are payable on or before October 31, and carry a 10% penalty plus 6% annual interest if late (City of Newport). Fort Thomas taxes are due by October 31, 2026 and are paid at the city building, through its drop box, or by ACH (City of Fort Thomas). Other cities may also bill separately; check the bills you receive.
Homestead Exemption
Homeowners who own and live in their home and are 65 or older, or classified as totally disabled, can deduct $49,100 from the home's assessed value for the 2025-2026 assessment years (Kentucky Department of Revenue; KRS 132.810). The Sheriff asks owners who qualify but see no exemption on their bill to contact the Campbell County PVA at (859) 292-3871 before paying.
Sales Tax
Rate and Composition
The sales tax rate in Campbell County is 6%, the same as everywhere in Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Revenue states that there are no local sales and use taxes in Kentucky, so Newport, Fort Thomas, and the other cities add nothing. Food and food ingredients for human consumption (groceries) are exempt under KRS 139.485. Candy, soft drinks, prepared food, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and dietary supplements are taxable at 6%.
Source: Kentucky Department of Revenue - Sales and Use Tax.
How Campbell County Compares Across Kentucky
Campbell County's 2026 vehicle baseline of $1.171 ranks 31st of Kentucky's 120 county baselines from lowest, below the statewide median of $1.2138; the statewide baselines run from $0.925 (Martin County) to $1.454 (Casey County). Its 2025 real estate baseline of $1.012 is higher than 64 of the 120 county baselines and above the statewide median of $0.992. Compare other Kentucky county pages: Jefferson County ($1.201 vehicle baseline), Fayette County ($1.2175), Kenton County ($1.3563), Warren County ($1.235), Boone County ($1.157), Hardin County ($1.1416), Daviess County ($1.194), and Madison County ($1.266). See all 120 counties on the Kentucky county tax map.
Kentucky Tax Tools
Kentucky Car Tax Rates by County
All 120 Kentucky counties ranked by 2026 vehicle tax baseline. Campbell County ranks 31 of 120 (1 = lowest).
LiveKentucky Vehicle Tax Map
Every Kentucky county shaded by its 2026 vehicle tax baseline. Select any county to compare it with Campbell County.
LiveKentucky Car Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 Campbell County vehicle tax with your school district, city, and fire district rates added from the official rate book.
CalculatorNeighboring Kentucky Counties
Campbell County borders two Kentucky counties, and Hamilton and Clermont counties, Ohio, across the Ohio River. The Kentucky neighbors' 2026 vehicle baselines from the same rate book:
- Kenton County - vehicle baseline $1.3563 per $100 (2026)
- Pendleton County - vehicle baseline $1.29 per $100 (2026)
For all 120 counties, see Kentucky Tax Rates by County.
Official Sources
-
Kentucky Department of Revenue - 2026 MOTAX Rate Book (Campbell County 019)
2026 and 2025 motor vehicle rates for the state, county, school, city, and fire district levies.
revenue.ky.gov - 2026 MOTAX Rate Book (PDF) -
Kentucky Department of Revenue - 2025 Property Tax Rate Book (Campbell County 019)
2025 real estate rates, including independent school districts, cities, and fire districts.
revenue.ky.gov - 2025 Property Tax Rate Book (PDF) -
Campbell County Clerk
Newport and Alexandria offices and hours, motor vehicle phone line, vehicle registration renewal link.
campbellcountyclerk.ky.gov and contact page -
Campbell County Sheriff - Tax Information
2025 discount period, 911 fee, payment methods and fees, office locations.
campbellcountysheriffky.org - Tax Information -
City of Newport - Taxes; City of Fort Thomas - Pay Fort Thomas Taxes
City property tax bills, due dates, and penalties (Newport bills include Newport Board of Education taxes).
newportky.gov - Taxes and fortthomasky.org - Taxes -
Campbell County Property Valuation Administrator
Real estate and vehicle assessment, homestead exemption, and property search.
pva.campbellcountykentucky.com - Campbell County PVA -
Kentucky Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Property Tax
Assessment and the 60-day written protest to the Department of Revenue.
revenue.ky.gov - Motor Vehicle Property Tax -
KRS 132.485 and KRS 134.810
Vehicle valuation standard; vehicle tax due date, penalty, and interest.
KRS 132.485, KRS 134.810 -
Kentucky Department of Revenue - Homestead Exemption; Sales and Use Tax
$49,100 homestead exemption for 2025-2026; 6% sales tax with no local sales tax (food exemption: KRS 139.485).
revenue.ky.gov - Homestead Exemption and revenue.ky.gov - Sales and Use Tax
Vehicle rates are tax year 2026 and real estate rates are tax year 2025, from the Kentucky Department of Revenue rate books. Rates change every year. Verify your bill with the Campbell County Clerk, Sheriff, PVA, or your city before making financial decisions. Data last verified: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the car tax rate in Campbell County, Kentucky?
For 2026 the baseline motor vehicle property tax rate in Campbell County is $1.171 per $100 of assessed value: the 45-cent state rate, Campbell County's 19.9-cent county-wide rate, and the 52.2-cent Campbell County school rate. It applies to an owner in the Campbell County school district outside any taxing city or fire district. Five independent school districts (Bellevue, Dayton, Fort Thomas, Newport, and Southgate) replace the county school rate inside their boundaries, seven cities add a vehicle rate, and three fire districts add 18 to 20 cents.
How much is the car tax on a $20,000 vehicle in Fort Thomas or Newport, Kentucky?
Inside Fort Thomas city limits and the Fort Thomas Independent school district, the 2026 rate is $1.9711 per $100 (state 45 + county-wide 19.9 + Fort Thomas Independent 92.5 + City of Fort Thomas 39.71 cents), or about $394.22 a year on a vehicle assessed at $20,000. Newport levies no city vehicle tax, so an address in the Newport Independent school district pays $1.642, about $328.40. At the county baseline of $1.171, the same vehicle owes about $234.20.
When is the Campbell County vehicle tax due?
Vehicle property tax is paid to the Campbell County Clerk when you renew your registration, usually in your birth month. Under KRS 134.810 it is due by the last day of your renewal month, or by the last day of the month the vehicle is transferred if that is earlier. Once it is delinquent, late payment adds 3% if paid within 30 days (waived within 5 days), then 10%, plus 15% annual interest.
What is the Campbell County property tax rate?
The 2025 baseline real estate rate is $1.012 per $100 of assessed value: the 10.6-cent state residential rate, Campbell County's 26.3-cent county-wide rate, and the 64.3-cent Campbell County school rate. It is above the Kentucky median of $0.992. A home inside Fort Thomas and the Fort Thomas Independent school district pays about $1.761 per $100, because the 104.4-cent independent school rate replaces the county school rate and the city adds 34.8 cents.
When are Campbell County property tax bills due?
The Campbell County Sheriff collects state, county, and Campbell County school district property tax. For the 2025 tax year its 2% discount period ran from November 1 through November 30, 2025; payment had to be made in person or postmarked by November 30, and the 911 fee on the bill is not discounted. Later payment periods are printed on the bill. Newport and Fort Thomas bill their own city property tax: Newport's city bill (which includes Newport Board of Education taxes) is due by October 31, and Fort Thomas taxes are due by October 31, 2026.
Is there a local sales tax in Newport or Campbell County?
No. Kentucky's sales tax is 6% statewide, and there are no local sales and use taxes in Kentucky, so purchases in Newport, Fort Thomas, and the rest of Campbell County are taxed at 6%. Groceries are exempt, while prepared food, candy, soft drinks, alcohol, and tobacco are taxable.
Kentucky Vehicle Tax Map
Every Kentucky county shaded by its 2026 baseline vehicle tax rate per $100. Campbell County is highlighted - select any other county to compare its vehicle and real estate baselines.
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Written by Munib Ur Rehman