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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dale County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Dale 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
6.5 mills state base + variable county millage (varies by district and municipality)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dale County, Alabama operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county. The Alabama Department of Revenue sets the state base rate at 6.5 mills, while Dale County adds additional millage rates that are determined annually by the County Commission, typically finalized in February each year.

Property tax rates in Dale County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district zones. These additional assessments may include city taxes, school bonds, fire district fees, and other special assessments. The combined effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.4% to 0.8% of assessed value, though this can vary based on your property's specific taxing jurisdictions.

Property owners should note that Alabama uses an assessment ratio system where different types of property are assessed at different percentages of fair market value. Residential property is generally assessed at 10% of fair market value, while other property types may have different assessment ratios.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)DescriptionLevy Year
State Base Rate6.5Alabama state property taxFY 2024-2025
County GeneralTBDDale County operations (set Feb 2025)FY 2025-2026
School DistrictVariesLocal school fundingFY 2025-2026
MunicipalVariesCity taxes (if applicable)FY 2025-2026
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, other districtsFY 2025-2026

Note: County millage rates for FY 2025-2026 have not yet been determined and will be set by the Dale County Commission in February 2025. Total effective rates vary significantly by location within Dale County due to different combinations of municipal boundaries, school districts, and special taxing districts. Property owners should contact the Dale County Revenue Commissioner's office for their specific tax rate based on their property's location and applicable taxing jurisdictions.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dale 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 Dale County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, property improvements that increase value, changes in property use classification, or corrections to previous assessments. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the tax year.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property's current status. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 during the tax year, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessed value. The calculation would take the $50,000 improvement, apply the 10% residential assessment ratio (resulting in $5,000 assessed value), then multiply by your property's applicable mill rate.

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have their own payment due dates, separate from regular property tax installments. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when making significant property improvements or purchasing property mid-year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $26,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 40 mills
  • Annual Tax: $1,040
  • Monthly Escrow: $87

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 40 mills
  • Annual Tax: $2,240
  • Monthly Escrow: $187

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 40 mills
  • Annual Tax: $3,840
  • Monthly Escrow: $320

Note: Tax credits shown require application and approval. Rates are estimated as FY 2025-2026 county rates are not yet set. Actual rates vary by specific location within Dale County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dale County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Dale County when they become due.

Property tax payments in Dale County are typically structured in installments, with the first installment due December 1st, second installment due May 1st, and final payment due November 1st of the following year. Your lender will coordinate these payments according to the county's schedule. Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and they may adjust your monthly escrow amount if property taxes increase or decrease significantly.

Property owners should verify that their lender is making timely payments to avoid penalties and should review their annual escrow statements for accuracy. If you pay property taxes directly (without escrow), you're responsible for tracking due dates and ensuring timely payment to avoid interest charges and potential tax liens.

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 Dale County for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2025-2026, the first installment is due December 1, 2026, second installment due May 1, 2027, and final payment due November 1, 2027.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Alabama offers a homestead exemption for primary residences that can reduce your assessed value. This credit requires application with the Dale County Revenue Commissioner's office and is NOT automatic. The homestead exemption caps annual assessment increases rather than providing a flat reduction.

Q: How do I apply for property tax credits? A: Applications for homestead and other tax credits must be filed with the Dale County Revenue Commissioner's office. Contact them directly for current application forms, deadlines, and eligibility requirements, as most credits require annual or periodic renewal.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Dale County? A: Alabama conducts property reappraisals periodically, but the schedule varies by county. Contact the Dale County Revenue Commissioner for information about the current assessment cycle and when your property was last appraised.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. After extended delinquency, properties may be subject to tax liens or tax sales. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office immediately if you cannot make timely payments.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Dale County Revenue Commissioner's office to inquire about online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated processing fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Dale County? A: Your total tax rate depends on your property's location within various taxing jurisdictions including school districts, municipal boundaries, fire districts, and other special assessment areas. Properties in different areas face different combinations of these assessments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Dale County Board of Equalization within specified time periods after assessment notices are issued. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: What's the difference between assessed value and market value? A: In Alabama, residential property is assessed at 10% of fair market value. So a home worth $300,000 would have an assessed value of $30,000 for tax calculation purposes.

Q: Do senior citizens or disabled residents qualify for tax credits? A: Alabama may offer additional tax credits for seniors or disabled residents. Contact the Dale County Revenue Commissioner's office to inquire about available programs and application requirements, as these typically require proof of eligibility and formal application.

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 (Ad Valorem) Taxrevenue.alabama.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
Report on thelegislature.state.al.us
04
State
State Wise Property Tax Deadlines 2025 | Key Due Datesncscorpglobal.com
05
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates and Deadlines | Tax Administrationfairfaxcounty.gov
06
County
Dates & Deadlines - Auditor - Property Tax | Salt Lake Countysaltlakecounty.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
Office of Revenue Commissioner Department of Examiners ...dev.alison.legislature.state.al.us
09
Department of Solid Wastedalecountyal.gov
10
County
Report on the - Dale County Commission ...alison.legislature.state.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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