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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pickens County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Pickens 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
Base county rate varies by district; special taxing districts for schools, fire protection, and municipal services add to base rate
1st Due
Oct 1
2nd Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Pickens County, Alabama provide essential funding for local government services, schools, and infrastructure improvements. The county operates under Alabama's property tax system, where real property is assessed annually and taxed based on its assessed value. Property owners in Pickens County can expect effective tax rates that vary depending on their specific location within the county, as different areas may be subject to additional special taxing districts or municipal assessments.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on where your property is located within Pickens County, as special taxing districts for schools, fire protection, and other services can add to the base county rate. These variations mean that two properties with identical assessed values may have different tax bills based on their geographic location and the services provided in their area. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by checking with the Pickens County Revenue Commissioner's office, as rates can change annually based on budget requirements and voter-approved measures.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General1.00 millBase county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town taxes (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, other services

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 and apply to assessed value. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Total effective rates typically range from 1.00 to 2.50 mills depending on location within Pickens County and applicable special taxing districts. Contact the Pickens County Revenue Commissioner for your specific rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Apr 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 Pickens County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction or improvements that increase a property's assessed value, changes in property ownership, or corrections to previous assessments discovered by the county assessor.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July that increases your assessed value, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value from July through the end of the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from your regular annual property tax bill and have their own payment due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $30,000 (10% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $26,000
  • Annual Tax: $26 (at 1.00 mill base rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $2.17

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $60,000 (10% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax: $56 (at 1.00 mill base rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $4.67

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $100,000 (10% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit: -$5,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $95,000
  • Annual Tax: $95 (at 1.00 mill base rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $7.92

Note: Credits require application and qualification. Rates may be higher with special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Pickens County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due on October 1st each year. Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment up or down based on actual tax bills and account balances.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure accuracy, especially if you've applied for tax credits or if your property has been reassessed. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, remember that payments are due October 1st and become delinquent after December 31st. You can verify that your taxes have been paid by checking with the Pickens County Revenue Commissioner's office, and always retain payment receipts for your records.

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 Pickens County? A: Property taxes are due October 1st and become delinquent after December 31st for the current tax year.

Q: What homestead credits are available and how do I apply? A: Pickens County offers homestead exemptions including up to $4,000 in assessed value reduction for general homestead, and up to $5,000 for seniors over 65 with income under $12,000. Applications must be filed with the county assessor and are not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit reduces your assessed value by the credit amount (e.g., $4,000), which then reduces your tax bill. You must apply with the Pickens County Assessor's office and meet eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Alabama requires annual assessment of all property, though not all properties are physically inspected each year. The county assessor reviews market data and adjusts values accordingly.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Taxes become delinquent after December 31st and are subject to interest and penalties. Eventually, delinquent properties may be subject to tax sale.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Pickens County Revenue Commissioner's office to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Pickens County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically in the spring following assessment notices.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? A: Yes, depending on your property location, you may pay additional taxes for school districts, fire protection, or other special services, which can increase your total tax rate above 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
County
City and County Rate and Code Explanationsrevenue.alabama.gov
03
State
Fiscal Statements for All Countieslegislature.state.al.us
04
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
05
Personal Property - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Delinquent Property and Land Salesrevenue.alabama.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS IN ALABAMAndlegis.gov
09
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
10
County
Pickens County Commission Department of Examiners of ...alison.legislature.state.al.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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