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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lauderdale County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lauderdale 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
15.80 mills ($15.80 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by municipal and special districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Lauderdale County, Alabama serve as a critical funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. The county operates under Alabama's property tax system where real property is assessed at 10% of fair market value for residential properties and 20% for commercial properties. With a current millage rate of 15.80 mills (equivalent to $15.80 per $1,000 of assessed value), Lauderdale County maintains a moderate tax burden compared to other Alabama counties.

Property tax rates vary significantly by location within Lauderdale County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. Properties within incorporated cities may have additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may be subject to special district assessments for services like fire protection or library funding. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.4% to 0.8% of market value depending on your specific location and applicable exemptions or credits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund4.50Basic county operations, roads, courthouse
County Schools8.30Lauderdale County School District operations
Special Districts1.50-3.00Fire protection, libraries (varies by location)
Municipal Tax0-8.00City taxes (if within city limits)
Base County Total15.80Standard county-wide rate

Rates shown are for the current tax year. The 2025 millage rates have not yet been finalized and will be set during budget hearings in late 2024. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school zones. Properties in Florence, Muscle Shoals, or other incorporated areas will have additional municipal millage rates applied.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or use outside the regular assessment cycle. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, changes in property classification (such as losing agricultural exemption), or correction of assessment errors discovered mid-year.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current millage rate to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, the assessed value increase would be $5,000 (10% of market value). With the 15.80 mill rate, this creates an additional $79 annual tax liability, prorated for 6 months remaining in the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of approximately $39.50.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $26,000
  • Annual Tax (15.80 mills): $411.20
  • Monthly Escrow: $34.27

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax (15.80 mills): $884.80
  • Monthly Escrow: $73.73

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,000
  • Annual Tax (15.80 mills): $1,516.80
  • Monthly Escrow: $126.40

Note: All credits require annual application and approval. Additional special district taxes may apply based on property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lauderdale County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the Lauderdale County Revenue Commissioner when taxes become due.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made in early October to meet the October 1st due date. Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits and payments, and they may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase due to reassessment or millage rate changes. It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for the debt even when using escrow services. You can verify payments through the Lauderdale County Revenue Commissioner's online portal or by contacting their office directly.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lauderdale County? A: Property taxes are due October 1st annually. The current fiscal year deadline is November 15th, after which a 10% penalty is applied. Taxes become delinquent after December 31st with additional penalties and interest.

Q: What homestead credit is available and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption provides up to $4,000 reduction in assessed value for owner-occupied primary residences. This credit requires annual application with the Lauderdale County Assessor's office and caps future assessment increases to help protect against rapid property value growth.

Q: Is there a senior citizen property tax credit? A: Yes, property owners 65 and older may qualify for additional senior exemptions on their primary residence. This requires separate application with proof of age and residence. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Lauderdale County conducts county-wide property reassessments every 4-6 years, with the most recent comprehensive reassessment completed in 2021. Individual properties may be reassessed more frequently due to improvements, sales, or appeals.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your assessment to the Lauderdale County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Appeals must include evidence supporting your claimed value, such as recent comparable sales or professional appraisals.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: A 10% penalty is added after November 15th. Additional penalties and interest accrue monthly after December 31st. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax lien sales.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, the Lauderdale County Revenue Commissioner accepts online payments through their website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are available with associated processing fees.

Q: Do special district taxes apply to my property? A: Depending on your location, you may pay additional taxes for fire protection districts, library services, or municipal services. These vary by geographic location within the county and are listed separately on your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Lauderdale County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
Personal Property - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
04
County
state of alabama - Lauderdale County Governmentlauderdalecountyal.gov
05
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
06
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
07
HB40 INTRODUCEDalison.legislature.state.al.us
08
What is a homestead exemption?revenue.alabama.gov
09
HB99 ENROLLEDalison.legislature.state.al.us
10
HB99 INTRODUCEDalison.legislature.state.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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