The PVA is a locally elected official who is charged with assessing, for tax purposes, all real property and certain personal property, such as mobile homes, situated in McCreary County. There are some exceptions, such as public service companies, bank shares, omitted tangible properties, and unmined coal which are valued by the state Revenue Cabinet in Frankfort Kentucky.

All property, unless specifically exempt by the Kentucky Constitution, is taxable. The Kentucky Constitution expressly prohibits exemption of any property or persons except those allowed by the Constitution itself. Currently, examples of such exemptions are the Homestead Exemption for age 65 and older, Disability Exemption for 100% totally disabled individuals, some religious, educational, and governmental properties, etc. A formal application must be filed with the PVA office before any exemption can be granted.

The PVA office does not set property taxes. The tax rates are set by the separate taxing districts such as the Library, Fire Department and School Board. The PVA does not collect taxes nor take payments on tax bills. Information provided by the McCreary County PVA or PVA staff is not to be interpreted as legal advice. The McCreary County PVA office is not a law firm or a certified public accountant or an appraisal company and does not hold itself to be same. The McCreary County PVA and staff attempt to provide general information/ideas on issues commonly encountered by the public. Requests for legal or technical opinions should be directed to your attorney, accountant, appraiser or surveyor.