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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Etowah County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Etowah 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
Varies by location: Base county rate plus municipal and school district additions (typically 0.5% to 1.5% total)
1st Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Etowah County, Alabama operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as a primary funding source for local government services, public schools, and various municipal services. Property taxes in Etowah County fund essential services including education, law enforcement, road maintenance, fire protection, and county administration. The effective tax rate varies significantly based on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district allocations.

The county follows Alabama's assessment practices where property is typically assessed at current use value for residential properties. Your actual tax rate depends on multiple factors including your municipality, school district, and any special assessment districts in your area. Property owners should expect rate variations between different areas of Etowah County, with some locations having additional assessments for special services or municipal bonds.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
State Tax6.5Base Alabama state property tax
County GeneralVariesEtowah County operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
MunicipalVariesCity/town services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, drainage, bonds

Note: Mills are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value. Rates shown apply to the current tax year and vary significantly by location within Etowah County. Your specific rate depends on your exact address and the taxing jurisdictions that serve your property. Contact the Etowah County Revenue Commissioner for your specific millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Etowah 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 Etowah County are additional tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or significant improvements that increase assessed value. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in March, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering March through September (before the October 1 due date).

The supplemental tax is calculated by applying your area's tax rate to the increased assessed value, then prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. If your home's assessed value increases by $50,000 due to improvements completed in April, and your total tax rate is 50 mills, you would owe approximately $2,083 in supplemental taxes (($50,000 ÷ 1,000) × 50 mills × 6/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$290,000
  • Annual Tax (at 45 mills): $13,050
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,088

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$590,000
  • Annual Tax (at 45 mills): $26,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,213

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$990,000
  • Annual Tax (at 45 mills): $44,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,713

Note: Examples use estimated 45-mill rate for illustration. Actual rates vary by location. Credits shown require separate application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Etowah County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting 1/12 of your annual tax bill with each monthly payment. Your lender pays taxes directly to Etowah County on your behalf when due October 1st. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account and conduct annual analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balance.

You should receive an annual escrow statement from your lender showing tax payments made and any account adjustments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will likely increase. Property owners can verify tax payments by checking with the Etowah County Revenue Commissioner's office and should review escrow statements annually for accuracy.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Etowah 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? A: Alabama offers homestead exemptions for primary residences, but availability and amounts vary. You must apply with the county assessor's office - credits are not automatic and require annual application in most cases.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year, providing tax stability for longtime residents.

Q: When do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Most tax credits require application by October 1st for the following tax year. Contact the Etowah County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Alabama law requires periodic reassessment, but schedules vary by county. Contact the Etowah County Assessor for current reassessment schedules and appeal procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Properties become delinquent after December 31st, incurring penalties and interest. Extended delinquency can result in tax liens and eventual tax sale.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Etowah County Revenue Commissioner's office to verify current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my home value didn't change? A: Tax increases can result from higher millage rates, new special assessments, or loss of previously applied credits. Rate increases often reflect increased funding needs for schools or county services.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts (fire, drainage, municipal services) can assess additional taxes. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by district boundaries within Etowah County.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the Etowah County Board of Equalization. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed.

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
Sheet 1irs.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
Property Tax - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
06
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
Alabamairs.gov
09
What is a homestead exemption?revenue.alabama.gov
10
County
ETOWAH COUNTYlegislature.state.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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