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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Franklin 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 total rate, varies by location due to special taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Alabama operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services, including education, public safety, road maintenance, and local government operations. Property taxes in Franklin County are collected by the Revenue Commissioner and distributed to various local entities including the county general fund, school districts, and municipal governments.

The county utilizes a millage rate system where property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real and personal property. For the 2025 tax year, Franklin County's total millage rate is 32.5 mills, though actual rates vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal areas. Property owners should expect their effective tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the combination of taxing authorities that serve their area.

Property assessments in Franklin County are conducted by the county assessor, with most residential properties assessed at approximately 10% of their fair market value. The actual tax burden can vary significantly depending on available tax credits and the specific taxing districts where the property is located.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund6.5County operations, services, infrastructure
County School District15.0Public education funding
County Roads3.0Road maintenance and improvements
Emergency Services2.0Fire protection and emergency response
Debt Service6.0Bond payments for capital projects
Total Base Rate32.5Combined millage rate

Rates shown are for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and represent the base county rate. Additional millage may apply based on your specific location within Franklin County, including municipal taxes, special assessment districts, or additional school district levies. Properties within incorporated cities may have additional municipal millage rates. Contact the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner for location-specific rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 Franklin County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction after the annual assessment date. These taxes are prorated based on the remaining months in the tax year and ensure that property tax obligations reflect current property values and ownership.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include the purchase of property (change of ownership), completion of new construction, additions to existing structures, or the removal of exemptions. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplying by the applicable millage rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in January, and the addition increases the assessed value by $5,000 (at 10% assessment ratio), the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $5,000 × 0.0325 = $162.50 for the full year, prorated for the remaining 9 months = approximately $121.88. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from the regular annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $25,000
  • Annual Tax ($25,000 × 0.0325): $812.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $67.71

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,000
  • Annual Tax ($55,000 × 0.0325): $1,787.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $148.96

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $95,000
  • Annual Tax ($95,000 × 0.0325): $3,087.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $257.29

Note: Homestead credit amounts are estimated and require annual application. Actual credits may vary, and additional special district taxes may apply depending on property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner when they become due on October 1st.

Lenders typically collect escrow payments based on the previous year's tax bill plus a small cushion (usually 2 months' worth of taxes) to account for potential increases. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your escrow funds were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or millage rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly.

Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner, especially during the first year of homeownership. If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), remember that payments are due October 1st and become delinquent after December 31st, with potential penalties and interest charges applying to late payments.

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 Franklin County? A: Property taxes for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 are due October 1, 2025, and become delinquent after December 31, 2025. Late payments may incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit is available to property owners who occupy their single-family residence as their primary residence. This credit must be claimed in writing with the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31. The credit reduces your taxable assessed value and caps annual assessment increases.

Q: Are tax credits automatic or do I need to apply? A: Most tax credits in Franklin County require annual application and are NOT automatic. You must file the appropriate forms with deadlines typically between October 1 and December 31. Contact the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner for specific application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Franklin County conducts property reassessments periodically as determined by the county assessor. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal assessments during designated appeal periods.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Taxes become delinquent after December 31st. Delinquent properties may face additional penalties, interest charges, and ultimately land sales if taxes remain unpaid. Contact the Revenue Commissioner immediately if you cannot pay on time.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods. Payment options may include online portals, mail, or in-person payments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional millage rates depending on location within school districts, fire districts, municipalities, or other special taxing authorities. Your total rate may exceed the base county rate of 32.5 mills.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Franklin County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What exemptions are available for senior citizens or disabled persons? A: Alabama law provides various exemptions for qualifying senior citizens and disabled persons. These require application and proof of eligibility. Contact the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner for specific requirements and application procedures.

Q: How are mobile homes and personal property taxed? A: Mobile homes and personal property (vehicles, boats, business equipment) are subject to property tax in Franklin County. Contact the Revenue Commissioner for specific rates and assessment procedures for personal property taxes.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Franklin County Commissionalison.legislature.state.al.us
02
County
FRANKLIN COUNTY SINGLE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ...auditor.state.oh.us
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
Tax Delinquent Property and Land Salesrevenue.alabama.gov
06
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
07
HB65 ENROLLEDalison.legislature.state.al.us
08
Report on thealison.legislature.state.al.us
09
Name Change E-Filing Guideprobate.franklincountyohio.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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