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Alabama · How-To Guide

How do I pay my property taxes?

County Revenue Commissioner / Tax Collector (county level - office name varies by county)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Locate your tax bill: Property tax bills are mailed in October each year. The tax year runs October 1 through September 30. Alabama pays taxes one year in arrears.
  2. Review your bill for the correct amount, parcel number, and due date
  3. Choose your payment method: in person at the county Revenue Commissioner or Tax Collector's office, by mail, or online if your county offers an online payment portal
  4. Pay by the deadline - October 1 is the lien date; taxes are due by December 31 to avoid penalty
  5. Retain your receipt as proof of payment
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Property tax bill or parcel number
  • Payment (cash, check, or card - varies by county; some counties charge a card convenience fee)
Fee
Varies by county millage rate and assessed value. Alabama has among the lowest property tax rates in the nation. DUE DATE: December 31 each year (taxes become delinquent January 1) LIEN DATE: October 1 PENALTY FOR LATE PAYMENT: Interest and penalties accrue after December 31; property subject to tax lien sale if unpaid INSTALLMENT PLAN: Not available statewide - contact your county Revenue Commissioner ONLINE OPTION: Yes - many counties offer online payment; check your county Revenue Commissioner website WHERE TO GO: County Revenue Commissioner or Tax Collector office (name varies by county - check your v2 county data for the correct office name and contact)
Online Option
Yes - many counties offer online payment; check your county Revenue Commissioner website
Where to Go
County Revenue Commissioner or Tax Collector office (name varies by county - check your v2 county data for the correct office name and contact)
County-specific variations apply

Online payment availability varies by county. Some counties accept credit cards (with convenience fee); others accept only cash or check in person. The office that handles tax collection is named differently across Alabama counties - may be Revenue Commissioner, Tax Collector, or Tax Assessor-Collector. Verify with your specific county.

Alabama Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Alabama property taxes are among the lowest in the United States.
  • Assessment ratio is 10% of fair market value for residential property (Class III).
  • The lien date is October 1 of the tax year - the owner on record that date is responsible for taxes.
  • Homestead exemption available for primary residences - reduces taxable value. Apply at county Revenue Commissioner office.
  • Senior exemption: Homeowners age 65+ with income below $12,000 are exempt from state property taxes. Apply at county Revenue Commissioner.
  • Tax delinquency leads to a tax lien sale - county sells the lien to a third party who may eventually foreclose.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Alabama Department of Revenue - revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax | (334) 242-1525