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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Marengo County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Marengo 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 - base county rate plus municipal and special district millages
1st Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Marengo County, Alabama operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, and various municipal services. Property taxes in Marengo County are assessed annually and represent a significant source of revenue for local government operations. The effective tax rate for property owners varies based on location within the county due to different special taxing districts that may apply additional levies for services like fire protection, library systems, or municipal services.

Property owners in Marengo County can expect tax rates that differ from the statewide average due to local millage rates set by county commissioners, school boards, and other taxing authorities. The actual tax burden depends on both the assessed value of the property and the specific combination of taxing districts where the property is located. Understanding these variations is crucial for property owners, as rates can differ significantly between municipalities and unincorporated areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General1.50General county operations and services
School District2.50Local school district funding
Other Local0.50Various local authorities and special districts
Total Base Rate4.50Combined rate for most areas

Rates shown are for FY 2025 levy year. Actual rates may vary by special taxing districts within Marengo County. Properties located within incorporated municipalities or special service districts may have additional millage rates applied. Contact the Marengo County Revenue Commissioner for specific rates applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Marengo County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Marengo County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase the assessed value of a property during the tax year. When these events occur, the property is reassessed, and additional taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property undergoes a major renovation that increases its assessed value from $200,000 to $250,000 in July, the owner would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional $50,000 in assessed value, calculated from July through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be approximately $225 (using the 4.50 mill rate) for the remaining months of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio (20%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax (4.50 mills): $252
  • Monthly Escrow: $21

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio (20%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $116,000
  • Annual Tax (4.50 mills): $522
  • Monthly Escrow: $44

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio (20%): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $196,000
  • Annual Tax (4.50 mills): $882
  • Monthly Escrow: $74

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates may vary based on special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Marengo County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the estimated annual tax bill and pays the taxes directly to the county when due. Lenders typically analyze escrow accounts annually and may adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current information about tax bills and due dates, as Marengo County follows the typical Alabama payment schedule with taxes generally due in April and October. If there are escrow shortages due to increased assessments or tax rates, lenders will typically offer options to spread the shortage over 12 months or pay it immediately. Property owners can access their tax information directly from the Marengo County Revenue Commissioner's office to verify payments are being made correctly.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Marengo County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due April 15th and October 15th each year. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied residences. This credit requires annual application through the county assessor's office and must be filed by a specific deadline each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases and provides a tax credit for qualifying owner-occupied properties. It does not reduce market value but caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must apply annually.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Marengo County? A: Alabama law requires properties to be appraised every four years, though market changes and property improvements can trigger interim assessments.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments to the Marengo County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Marengo County Revenue Commissioner's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Marengo County? A: Different areas have different special taxing districts for services like fire protection, libraries, or municipal services, which can add additional millage to the base county rate.

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
Sales and Use Tax Rates - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
02
Business | City of Demopolisdemopolisal.gov
03
County
Marengo County Commissionalison.legislature.state.al.us
04
Tax Doc
Tax Delinquent Property and Land Salesrevenue.alabama.gov
05
Tax Doc
Handbook for Alabama Tax Administrators:legislature.state.al.us
06
Alabama Legislaturelegislature.state.al.us
07
Tax Doc
I am over 65. Do I have to pay property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
08
County
COUNTY FINANCE MANUALlimestonecounty-al.gov
09
f __„_____„______. - NPGallerynpgallery.nps.gov
10
(UNTITLED) | CIA FOIA (foia.cia.gov)cia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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