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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Covington County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
32.5 mills base rate plus municipal/district additions, varies by location within county
1st Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Covington County, Alabama operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes in Alabama are calculated based on assessed value (typically 10% of market value for residential properties) multiplied by the local millage rate. The effective tax rate in Covington County generally ranges from approximately 0.4% to 0.6% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates in Covington County vary by municipality and special taxing districts within the county. Areas may have additional millage for school bonds, municipal services, or other special assessments. The county's base millage rate of 32.5 mills serves as the foundation, with additional rates applied depending on your property's location. Property owners should verify their specific tax district to understand the complete rate structure that applies to their property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General32.5Base county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, other special services
State6.5Alabama state property tax

Note: Rates shown are approximate and vary by specific location within Covington County. The county millage rate of 32.5 mills is subject to annual adjustments. Contact the Covington County Revenue Commissioner for current levy year rates and your specific district's total millage. Special taxing districts can add significant additional millage to your total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Covington 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 Covington County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are most commonly triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements to existing properties. When these changes occur mid-tax year, a supplemental assessment ensures the property is taxed at its current value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The resulting tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the current tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $30,000 to $50,000 due to improvements completed in January, and the total millage rate is 45 mills, the supplemental tax would be ($20,000 × 0.045) × (remaining months ÷ 12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Property

  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps future assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $30,000
  • Tax Rate (45 mills example): 4.5%
  • Annual Tax: $1,350
  • Monthly Escrow: $112.50

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Property

  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $58,000
  • Tax Rate (45 mills example): 4.5%
  • Annual Tax: $2,610
  • Monthly Escrow: $217.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Market Value Property

  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • No Credits Applied: $100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Tax Rate (45 mills example): 4.5%
  • Annual Tax: $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375.00

Note: Credits shown require application and approval. Actual rates vary by location within the county. Contact the Covington County Revenue Commissioner for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Covington County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the county when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion to account for potential increases.

Property taxes in Alabama are typically paid annually, with due dates varying by county. Lenders usually pay taxes before the delinquency date to avoid penalties and interest charges. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments to your monthly payment. If your escrow account has a shortage, you may need to pay the difference or accept higher monthly payments for the following year. Property owners can verify tax payments were made correctly by checking with the Covington County Revenue Commissioner's office or reviewing 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 Covington County? A: Property tax due dates vary by county in Alabama. Contact the Covington County Revenue Commissioner's office for specific due dates for the current fiscal year. Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What homestead credit is available and how do I apply? A: Alabama offers a homestead exemption that caps annual assessment increases on your primary residence. This requires application with the Covington County Assessor's office by the deadline (typically October 1st). The credit limits how much your assessed value can increase each year, not your current market value.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Credits may be available for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances. All credits require application and approval - none are automatic. Contact the Covington County Assessor's office for available programs and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Alabama requires property reappraisal every four years, though counties may reassess more frequently. Covington County follows the state schedule for comprehensive reappraisals.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Covington County Board of Equalization within the specified timeframe after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Continued non-payment can eventually lead to tax liens and potential loss of property through tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Covington County Revenue Commissioner's office to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties within special taxing districts (fire districts, library districts, etc.) pay additional millage beyond the base county rate. Your total rate depends on all applicable districts for your property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 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
Personal Property - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
Revenue Commissionercovingtoncountyal.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionscovingtoncountyal.gov
05
George L. Patterson, Jr.covingtoncountyal.gov
06
County
COVINGTON COUNTY REVENUE COMMISSIONER'S ...covingtoncountyal.gov
07
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX PLAN FOR EQUALIZATIONcovingtoncountyal.gov
08
State
United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land ...eplanning.blm.gov
09
Business & Financecov.k12.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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