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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fayette County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Fayette 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 district, approximately 1% base rate plus local millage additions
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fayette County, Alabama operates under the state's property tax system, where taxes are calculated using millage rates applied to assessed property values. Property taxes in Fayette County fund essential local services including schools, county operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. The county follows Alabama's assessment practices where properties are assessed at different percentages of market value depending on their classification.

Property tax rates in Fayette County vary by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. While Alabama's statewide average effective property tax rate is approximately 1%, actual rates in Fayette County depend on your specific location and the combination of county, school, and special district millage rates that apply to your property. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate based on their property's location and applicable taxing jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General32.5Fayette County general operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, road districts, or other special assessments
MunicipalVariesCity/town taxes (if applicable within city limits)

Note: Millage rates shown are examples based on available data. Actual rates for the current levy year may differ and vary significantly by location within Fayette County. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Contact the Fayette County Revenue Commissioner for current rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fayette 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 Alabama are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When these changes happen, the county assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the additional tax revenue for the current tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Fayette County that was previously under-assessed, or if you complete a major home renovation, the county may issue a supplemental tax bill for the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. If your property's assessed value increases from $80,000 to $120,000 mid-year due to improvements, and your total millage rate is 65 mills, you would owe an additional $2,600 in supplemental taxes (($120,000 - $80,000) × 0.065), prorated for the remaining months.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value (10% for residential): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if eligible): $4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $26,000
  • Annual Tax (65 mills): $1,690
  • Monthly Payment: $141

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value (10% for residential): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if eligible): $4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax (65 mills): $3,640
  • Monthly Payment: $303

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

  • Assessed Value (10% for residential): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if eligible): $4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,000
  • Annual Tax (65 mills): $6,240
  • Monthly Payment: $520

Note: Examples use estimated millage rates. Homestead exemption requires application and approval. Actual rates vary by location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fayette County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment and maintains these funds in an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Fayette County when they become due on October 1st each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments. Property owners with escrow accounts should still monitor their tax bills and exemption status, as lenders rely on homeowners to apply for available exemptions and notify them of any changes that might affect the tax amount.

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 Fayette County? A: Property taxes are due October 1st each year and become delinquent after December 31st if unpaid.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: Fayette County offers a homestead exemption for owner-occupied primary residences. This exemption must be claimed in writing with the Fayette County Revenue Commissioner's office. Contact them directly for current exemption amounts and application procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Fayette County? A: Alabama law requires property reassessment every four years, though market value adjustments may occur annually. Contact the county assessor's office for your property's assessment schedule.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessments. Contact the Fayette County Board of Equalization for appeal procedures and deadlines, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What penalties apply for late payment? A: Properties with unpaid taxes after December 31st are subject to penalties and interest. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Are there other tax credits available besides homestead exemption? A: Alabama offers various exemptions for seniors, disabled veterans, and others. Each requires a separate application. Contact the Fayette County Revenue Commissioner for a complete list and application requirements.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional millage for fire districts, school bonds, or other special assessments depending on location. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable charges.

Q: What if I disagree with supplemental tax assessments? A: Supplemental assessments can be appealed through the same process as annual assessments. Contact the county assessor's office within the specified appeal period for procedures.

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
Personal Property - 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
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
HB210 INTRODUCEDalison.legislature.state.al.us
09
County
FAYETTE COUNTYfayettetn.us
10
State
General Summary of State Taxesrevenue.alabama.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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