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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jackson County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1% effective rate (varies by district and municipality within Jackson County)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jackson County, Alabama operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are administered by the Jackson County Revenue Commissioner's office, with tax bills calculated based on assessed property values and applicable tax rates. The county follows Alabama's statewide assessment practices with property assessments conducted periodically.

Property tax rates in Jackson County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. The effective tax rate typically ranges around Alabama's base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates depend on your specific location and applicable district levies. Property owners should note that tax rates can differ significantly between areas within Jackson County based on local improvement districts, school funding needs, and municipal services.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
State Property Tax$0.0065 per $100Alabama state-level assessment
Supplemental Assessment$0.25 per $100Additional levy effective September 1, 2015
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, improvement districts (location-dependent)

Note: These rates apply to the current tax year and are subject to annual changes. Actual total rates vary significantly based on your property's location within Jackson County due to different school districts, municipal boundaries, and special taxing districts. Contact the Jackson County Revenue Commissioner for your specific area's total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jackson 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 Jackson County are triggered when property improvements are made or structures are removed from a property. Alabama law requires property owners or their agents to report any improvements made to or removal of structures by visiting the Revenue Commissioner's Office no later than December 31st to sign a new assessment. These changes must be reported for any modifications made on or before October 1st of that tax year.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated based on the increased assessed value of the improvements, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the improvement was completed. For example, if you add a $50,000 addition to your home completed in January, and your area's tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $600 ($50,000 × 0.012) for that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10% assessment ratio): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $25,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $300
  • Monthly Escrow: $25

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10% assessment ratio): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $660
  • Monthly Escrow: $55

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10% assessment ratio): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $95,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $1,140
  • Monthly Escrow: $95

Note: Credits shown require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by location within Jackson County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jackson County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account until taxes are due on October 1st each year.

Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Jackson County before the December 31st deadline to avoid delinquency. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing collected amounts, payments made, and any required adjustments to your monthly escrow payments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments by checking with the Jackson County Revenue Commissioner's office, as homeowners remain ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow services.

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 Jackson County? A: Property taxes are due October 1st each year and become delinquent after December 31st. The lien date is October 1st.

Q: What homestead credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead exemptions are available for owner-occupied residences and must be applied for annually between January 2nd and April 1st. Applications require car tag numbers for all vehicles and proof of residency. Contact the Jackson County Homestead Exemption Office for specific requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It provides property tax relief for primary residences but requires annual application - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Jackson County follows Alabama's periodic reassessment schedule. Property owners must report improvements or removals to the Revenue Commissioner by December 31st for changes made by October 1st.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Taxes become delinquent after December 31st. Contact the Jackson County Revenue Commissioner for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Jackson County offers online property tax payments through their website. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office for available payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Jackson County? A: Different areas have varying rates due to school district boundaries, municipal limits, fire districts, and special improvement districts that add additional assessments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Jackson County Board of Equalization. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office for appeal deadlines and procedures, which typically follow reassessment periods.

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