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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cleburne County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cleburne 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%) county rate, varies by district with additional municipal and school assessments
1st Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cleburne County, Alabama operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and multiplied by the applicable millage rate. The current county millage rate is 32.5 mills (or 3.25%), though your actual tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within the county due to additional special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal assessments.

Property taxes in Cleburne County are assessed annually and due by October 1st, becoming delinquent after December 31st. Property owners should note that tax rates can vary significantly across different areas of the county based on which special taxing districts apply to their property. The total effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 1% to 1.5% of assessed value, depending on your property's location and applicable district assessments. Alabama assesses property at fair market value without a statutory assessment cap, though eligible homeowners may apply for credits that can limit assessment increases.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Base32.5General county operations, roads, public safety
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town services (if applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesBonds, improvements, other districts

Note: These rates apply to the current tax year. The total millage rate for your property depends on which special taxing districts serve your area. For example, rural properties may have different school district rates than properties within city limits. Contact the Cleburne County Revenue Commissioner's office at the county courthouse for your specific district combination and current year rates. The 2025 property tax rates have not yet been finalized - check with the Alabama Department of Revenue for the most current information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Dec 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 Cleburne County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership or improvements made during the tax year. The most common triggers include the sale or transfer of property to a new owner, completion of new construction, major renovations that increase property value, or the correction of assessment errors discovered after the regular tax roll has been completed.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the tax is calculated on a prorated basis for the portion of the tax year affected by the change. For example, if you purchase a home in Cleburne County in March and the previous assessment was lower than the current market value, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference between the old and new assessed values, calculated from March through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax uses the same millage rate as your regular property tax bill and is due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $0 (limits future increases)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 32.5 mills (county only)
  • Annual Tax: $975
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $81.25

Example 2: $600,000 Home in School District

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $0 (limits future increases)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: ~45 mills (estimated with school district)
  • Annual Tax: $2,700
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $225

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with All Districts

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $0 (limits future increases)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: ~50 mills (estimated with all applicable districts)
  • Annual Tax: $5,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $416.67

Important: Homestead credits require annual application and primarily limit assessment increases rather than reducing current value. All examples assume no other applicable tax credits that require separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cleburne County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who request this service. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender pays your property tax bill directly to Cleburne County when taxes become due on October 1st.

Lenders typically perform an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments if your property taxes increase or decrease. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments. If your property taxes change due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. Property owners with escrow accounts should still monitor their tax bills for accuracy and ensure their lender receives bills promptly. You can verify that your taxes have been paid by contacting the Cleburne County Revenue Commissioner's office or checking online payment records if available.

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 Cleburne County? A: Property taxes are due October 1st and become delinquent after December 31st for the current tax year.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead credits are available for primary residence owners and must be applied for annually through the County Assessor's Office. These credits primarily limit future assessment increases rather than reducing current taxes. Application deadlines and requirements should be confirmed directly with the assessor's office.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Alabama law requires annual assessment updates. The County Assessor reviews property values each year, though not all properties may see changes annually.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your assessment through the Cleburne County Board of Equalization. Appeals typically must be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties after December 31st. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Cleburne County Revenue Commissioner's office to confirm current online payment options and acceptable payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill change from last year? A: Changes can result from property reassessment, millage rate adjustments by taxing authorities, new special district assessments, or changes in applicable tax credits.

Q: What special taxing districts might affect my property? A: Common districts include school districts, fire protection districts, municipal assessments, and special improvement districts. Your specific districts depend on your property location within the county.

Q: Are there tax credits available for seniors or disabled persons? A: Alabama may offer additional credits for qualifying seniors or disabled property owners. Contact the County Assessor's Office for specific programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Q: What happens if I don't receive my tax bill? A: Property owners are responsible for paying taxes even if they don't receive a bill. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office immediately if you haven't received your bill by September.

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
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
02
Tax Doc
Sales and Use Tax Rates - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
County
City and County Rate and Code Explanationsrevenue.alabama.gov
04
Tax Doc
When are my property taxes due?revenue.alabama.gov
05
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
06
County
Cleburne County: Homecleburnecounty.us
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
County
Tax Assessor/Collector - Claiborne Countyccmsgov.us
09
Federal Register, Volume 64 Issue 81 (Wednesday, April ...govinfo.gov
10
Tax Doc
Handbook for Alabama Tax Administrators:legislature.state.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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