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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Colbert County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Colbert 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
4.50% effective rate (varies by location within county due to special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Colbert County, Alabama operates a property tax system that serves as a primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Colbert County are assessed annually and collected to support both county-wide services and special district functions within the community.

The effective property tax rate in Colbert County is currently 4.50% as of 2025, representing a decrease from the previous rate of 5.125%. However, actual tax rates can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate based on their property's location, as some areas may have additional assessments for fire districts, municipal services, or special improvement districts.

Property assessments in Alabama are conducted by the county tax assessor, with properties typically reassessed periodically to reflect current market conditions. Unlike some states, Alabama does not impose a statewide assessment cap, though various tax credits and exemptions may be available to qualifying property owners through application processes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate4.50%Primary county operations, schools, and services (FY 2025)
School District LevyIncluded in baseColbert County School District funding
Municipal OverlayVariesAdditional rate for incorporated areas (varies by city)
Fire District AssessmentVariesRural fire protection districts (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesDrainage, improvement, or utility districts (location-specific)

Note: The 4.50% rate applies to the FY 2025 levy year and represents the standard county-wide assessment. Properties within incorporated municipalities may have additional municipal taxes, and some rural areas include fire district assessments. Special taxing districts can add 0.25% to 1.0% or more to the base rate depending on location. Property owners should contact the Colbert County Revenue Commissioner to determine their exact total tax rate based on their property's specific location and applicable district overlays.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Colbert 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 property taxes in Colbert County are assessed when there are changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. According to Alabama law, a supplemental tax of $0.25 per transaction has been in effect since September 1, 2015, in addition to existing fees.

When supplemental taxes are triggered, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining months in the current fiscal year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $200,000 to $250,000 due to completed renovations in January, the supplemental tax would apply to the $50,000 increase for the remaining months of the fiscal year.

Example: A $50,000 assessment increase in January with a 4.50% tax rate would result in a supplemental tax of approximately $1,875 (($50,000 × 0.045) × (9 months remaining ÷ 12 months)), plus applicable fees. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills separately from their annual tax statement and payment is due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,000
  • Annual Tax (4.50%): $13,275
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,106

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Senior Citizen Credit: -$2,000 (if qualified, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Annual Tax (4.50%): $26,685
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,224

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$5,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Annual Tax (4.50%): $44,775
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,731

Important Notes: All tax credits shown require separate applications and approval - they are not automatically applied. Homestead credits may also include assessment increase limitations rather than direct value reductions. Actual tax amounts may vary based on special district assessments in your specific location. Contact the Colbert County Revenue Commissioner for precise calculations based on your property's location and eligibility for credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Colbert County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account specifically designated for tax payments.

Property tax payments in Colbert County are due October 1st each year and become delinquent after December 31st. Your mortgage servicer will typically pay your property taxes directly to the Colbert County Revenue Commissioner before the October 1st deadline using funds from your escrow account. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances, and may adjust your monthly escrow amount based on actual tax bills and account balances.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making tax payments directly to the Colbert County Revenue Commissioner. You can verify that your taxes have been paid by contacting the Revenue Commissioner's office or checking online payment systems if available. Property owners should retain payment receipts and monitor their mortgage statements to ensure escrow calculations remain accurate, especially after reassessments or successful tax credit applications.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Colbert County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due October 1, 2025, and become delinquent after December 31, 2025. Payments must be received by the due date to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Several tax credits are available including Homestead credits (limiting assessment increases), Senior Citizen credits for those 65+ with income under $12,000, and Disabled/Blind person credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied. Application deadlines vary, so contact the Colbert County Revenue Commissioner early in the tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but instead caps annual assessment increases and may provide exemptions from certain county levies. You must apply for this credit annually - it's not automatic. The credit can provide significant savings by limiting how much your assessed value can increase each year.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Delinquent property taxes in Colbert County accrue penalties and interest charges. Taxes become uncollectible after December 31st and may result in tax lien procedures. Contact the Revenue Commissioner immediately if you cannot make the October 1st deadline.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Colbert County? A: Alabama law requires periodic reassessment to maintain current market values. Colbert County follows state guidelines for reassessment cycles. Property owners can appeal assessments through the county Board of Equalization within specified timeframes after receiving assessment notices.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Colbert County Revenue Commissioner's office to verify current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Alabama counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why might my tax rate differ from the 4.50% county rate? A: Your actual tax rate depends on special districts in your area, including municipal boundaries, fire districts, school district overlays, and special improvement districts. Some properties may pay additional assessments that increase the effective rate above the base 4.50%.

Q: Who do I contact about my property taxes in Colbert County? A: Contact the Colbert County Revenue Commissioner for tax payments and billing questions, or the Colbert County Tax Assessor for assessment values and tax credit applications. Both offices can provide specific information about your property's tax situation.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Colbert County Commissionalison.legislature.state.al.us
02
TO: ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, AND CORPORATIONS making sales at ...revenue.alabama.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.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
Tax Doc
Tax Delinquent Property and Land Salesrevenue.alabama.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
Rule 810-4-1-.23 - Homestead And Principal Residence ...admincode.legislature.state.al.us
09
Tax Doc
I am over 65. Do I have to pay property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
10
State
State Sales and Use Tax Ratesrevenue.alabama.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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