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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Choctaw County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Choctaw 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
32.5 mills (3.25%) base rate plus local district levies - varies by location within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Choctaw County, Alabama operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with the general state property tax rate at 32.5 mills (3.25%). However, your actual tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Choctaw County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and local assessments that may apply to your property.

The effective tax rate in Choctaw County typically ranges from the base state rate to higher amounts when local levies are included. Property is assessed at its fair market value, and unlike some states, Alabama does not impose a statewide assessment cap. Your total property tax bill represents a combination of county, school district, and any applicable special district taxes that fund services specific to your area within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
State Base Rate32.5General state property tax assessment
County GeneralVariesChoctaw County operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, road districts, other local services
Total Estimated Range32.5 - 65+Varies significantly by location within county

Note: These rates apply to the current tax year and are expressed in mills (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). Actual rates vary considerably based on your specific location within Choctaw County and which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Choctaw County Revenue Commissioner for your exact millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Choctaw County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made after the annual assessment date. These taxes are calculated based on the increased assessed value and the current tax rate, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, change of ownership that removes prior exemptions or credits, or subdivision of property. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your local tax rate is 50 mills, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $208 ($50,000 × 0.050 × 10/12 months remaining in the tax year). The supplemental tax bill is typically issued separately from your regular annual property tax statement.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): $0 (limits future increases, doesn't reduce current value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 45 mills (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $1,350
  • Monthly Escrow: $113

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits: $0 (most require separate application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 50 mills (estimated with additional districts)
  • Annual Tax: $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 55 mills (estimated with all districts)
  • Annual Tax: $5,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $458

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Rates shown are estimates and vary by specific location within Choctaw County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Choctaw County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until taxes are due. The lender typically pays your property taxes directly to the Choctaw County Revenue Commissioner by the October 1 due date to avoid delinquency.

Lenders analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balance. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. You can verify that your lender paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Choctaw County Revenue Commissioner's office or requesting a copy of the payment receipt from your lender. If you pay taxes independently, ensure payments are postmarked by December 31 to avoid delinquency penalties.

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 property taxes due in Choctaw County? A: Property taxes are due October 1 and become delinquent after December 31. For the current fiscal year, ensure payments are postmarked by December 31 to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Tax credits such as homestead, senior, and disability credits are available but require separate application through the County Assessor's office. Credits are NOT automatic and must be applied for annually or when first qualifying.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps future assessment increases on your primary residence, typically limiting annual growth to 10%. It does not reduce your current market value but protects against rapid assessment increases. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Choctaw County? A: Alabama law requires properties to be appraised every four years, though market changes may trigger interim adjustments. You can appeal your assessment through the County Board of Equalization if you believe it's incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent after December 31, and additional fees and interest accrue. Extended delinquency can result in tax lien sales, so prompt payment is essential.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Choctaw County Revenue Commissioner's office directly to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by county in Alabama.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Choctaw County based on special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, school districts, and fire protection districts that serve your specific property location.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for services like fire protection, road maintenance, or libraries may assess additional millage on properties within their boundaries. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and fund specific local services.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Sales and Use Tax Rates - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
HB351 INTRODUCEDalison.legislature.state.al.us
04
Tax Doc
When are my property taxes due?revenue.alabama.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Delinquent Property and Land Salesrevenue.alabama.gov
06
Tax Doc
Handbook for Alabama Tax Administrators:legislature.state.al.us
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
Alabama Legislaturelegislature.state.al.us
09
Full page fax printdoi.gov
10
Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2024-26irs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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