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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Baldwin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Baldwin County, AL. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.4% to 0.8% effective rate (varies significantly by location and special districts within county)
1st Due
Oct 1
2nd Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Baldwin County, Alabama operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. The county follows Alabama's standard assessment schedule where property taxes are paid in arrears, meaning taxes due October 1st are for the previous tax year (October 1 - September 30). Property owners in Baldwin County should expect effective tax rates typically ranging from 0.4% to 0.8% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary considerably by location within Baldwin County due to special taxing districts, school district boundaries, municipal incorporations, and voter-approved bond measures. Properties in incorporated cities may have different rates than unincorporated areas, and some neighborhoods fall within special assessment districts for infrastructure improvements. The Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner's office administers property tax collection for most areas, while some municipalities handle their own collections.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesPublic education funding (varies by district)
State Property TaxVariesAlabama state-level assessment
Municipal TaxVariesCity services (incorporated areas only)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, water/sewer, road districts
Bond AssessmentsVariesVoter-approved infrastructure bonds

Note: Specific rates for the current levy year are determined annually by local government entities. Baldwin County encompasses multiple school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts, so your actual tax rate depends on your precise location. Contact the Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner at (251) 937-0264 or visit their office for your property's specific tax rate breakdown. Rates shown apply to assessed value, not market value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Baldwin County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Baldwin County are additional property tax bills issued when there's a change in ownership, new construction completion, or property improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Baldwin County in January and the assessed value increases from the previous owner's assessment, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering January through September. Similarly, if you complete a home addition or major renovation, the increased assessed value will trigger a supplemental assessment once the Baldwin County Tax Assessor's office processes the improvement.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $25,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 50 mills): $1,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $104

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 50 mills): $2,750
  • Monthly Escrow: $229

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $95,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 50 mills): $4,750
  • Monthly Escrow: $396

Note: These examples use estimated millage rates. Actual rates vary by location within Baldwin County. All tax credits require separate application and approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Baldwin County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to the Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner when due on October 1st. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and may require a cushion of 2-6 months of payments.

Each year, your lender will provide an escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's tax payments and adjusting your monthly escrow amount based on any tax changes. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly mortgage payment will increase accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Baldwin County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due October 1st each year for the previous tax year. The grace period extends through December 31st to avoid penalties.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Baldwin County offers homestead exemptions that must be applied for separately. The basic homestead exemption caps assessment increases and reduces taxable value on your primary residence. Applications must be filed with the Baldwin County Tax Assessor's office and require proof of primary residency.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits how much your assessed value can increase each year on your primary residence, typically capping annual increases. It does NOT reduce your home's market value but provides tax relief by controlling assessment growth. You must file an application - it's not automatic.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Baldwin County? A: Alabama follows a rotating assessment schedule. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal during the designated appeal period after receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent after December 31st, with penalties and interest accruing. Contact the Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner's office at (251) 937-0264 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Baldwin County? A: Different areas fall under different combinations of school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and special assessment districts, each with their own tax rates approved by local governing bodies.

Q: What other tax credits might I qualify for? A: Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, or agricultural use. Each requires separate application with specific documentation and deadlines. Contact the Tax Assessor's office for eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Tax Rate Information - Baldwin Countybaldwincountyal.gov
02
Tax Doc
Taxes | Gulf Shores, AL - Official Websitegulfshoresal.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
04
County
FAQ - Baldwin Countybaldwincountyal.gov
05
County
Collections - Baldwin Countybaldwincountyal.gov
06
County
Pay by Mail with Check - Baldwin Countybaldwincountyal.gov
07
County
Exemptions - Baldwin Countybaldwincountyal.gov
08
County
Act 2013-295 Homestead Exemption Act ... - Baldwin Countybaldwincountyal.gov
09
County
Property Tax Calculator - Baldwin Countyservices.baldwincountyal.gov
10
County
Fiscal Year 2025 Baldwin County Commissionbaldwincountyal.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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