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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lawrence County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lawrence 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
7.25% effective rate (varies by district and municipality within Lawrence County)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lawrence County, Alabama operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for local government services, schools, and various special districts. Property taxes in Lawrence County fund essential services including public education, law enforcement, road maintenance, and county administration. The effective tax rate for Lawrence County is approximately 7.25% for the 2025 levy year, though this represents a combined rate that includes multiple taxing authorities.

It's important to note that actual tax rates can vary significantly by location within Lawrence County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations. Property owners may be subject to additional assessments for fire districts, library districts, or municipal services depending on their specific location. The county treasurer collects property taxes on behalf of all taxing districts within Lawrence County, streamlining the payment process for property owners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General Fund~2.5%Basic county services, administration, law enforcement
School District~3.5%Public education funding for applicable school district
State Property Tax~0.25%Alabama state-level property tax assessment
Special Districts~1.0%Fire protection, library services, municipal services (varies by location)
Total Combined Rate~7.25%FY 2025-2026 levy year

Note: Rates shown are approximate and apply to the 2025 levy year. Actual rates vary by specific location within Lawrence County based on which special taxing districts apply to your property. Contact the Lawrence County Revenue Commissioner for exact rates applicable to your specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that alter the assessed value of a property during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor determines the additional tax owed based on the increased assessed value and the time remaining in the current tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Lawrence County in March and the new assessment is $50,000 higher than the previous assessment, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 7 months of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($50,000 × 7.25% tax rate) × (7/12 months) = additional tax owed. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60 days of the triggering event and become due immediately upon receipt.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $30,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,000 (if eligible, application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $26,000
  • Annual Tax (7.25%): $1,885
  • Monthly Escrow: $157

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $60,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit Applied: -$5,000 (if eligible, application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,000
  • Annual Tax (7.25%): $3,988
  • Monthly Escrow: $332

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $100,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Annual Tax (7.25%): $7,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $604

All tax credits require separate applications and eligibility verification. Credits are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lawrence County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will collect monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill and hold these funds in escrow. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Lawrence County when they become due on October 1st each year.

Lenders typically review escrow accounts annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow services. You can verify payment status through the Lawrence County Revenue Commissioner's office or online portal.

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 Lawrence County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due October 1st and become delinquent after December 31st. Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes beginning January 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Lawrence County offers homestead credits for primary residences, senior citizen credits for residents 65+ with income under $12,000, and disability/blind person credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the county assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping growth at 10% per year. This credit reduces your assessed value, not your market value, and requires filing an application with the county assessor.

Q: When does Lawrence County reassess properties? A: Lawrence County conducts property reappraisals on a rotating schedule. Property owners receive notice of new assessments and have 30 days to appeal to the county board of equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties with taxes unpaid after December 31st accrue interest and penalties. After three years of delinquency, properties may be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Lawrence County Revenue Commissioner's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for current tax bills.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for fire protection, libraries, or municipal services add additional taxes based on your property location. These rates vary significantly across Lawrence County and are collected with your regular property tax bill.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments to the Lawrence County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving notice. Appeals must include supporting documentation of property value or assessment errors.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
LAWRENCE COUNTY SINGLE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ...ohioauditor.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
Personal Property - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
04
Tax Doc
When are my property taxes due?revenue.alabama.gov
05
County
Lawrence County, Alabamaalison.legislature.state.al.us
06
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
07
Rule 810-4-1-.23 - Homestead And Principal Residence ...admincode.legislature.state.al.us
08
What is a homestead exemption?revenue.alabama.gov
09
Report on thelegislature.state.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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