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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Russell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Russell 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
32.5 mills (3.25%) average, varies by location and special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Russell County, Alabama operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined at 10% of fair market value for residential properties and 20% for commercial/industrial properties. The current tax rate for Russell County is approximately 32.5 mills (3.25%) applied to assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations.

Property owners throughout Russell County should be aware that their effective tax rate depends on their specific location within the county, as different areas fall under various special taxing districts that may include additional levies for schools, fire protection, or other local services. The county uses these tax revenues to maintain roads, fund the sheriff's department, support the court system, and provide other essential county services, while school districts rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund education programs and facilities.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
State Tax6.5Alabama state property tax levy
County General26.0Russell County operations, roads, public safety
Total Base Rate32.5Standard county-wide rate
School DistrictsVariesAdditional 15-25 mills depending on district
Municipal TaxesVariesCity taxes where applicable (5-15 mills)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, other services

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 and are subject to change. Actual total rates range from 32.5 mills to over 70 mills depending on location within Russell County. Special taxing districts within the county may impose additional levies for fire protection, libraries, or other services. Property owners should verify their specific rate with the Russell County Revenue Commissioner based on their exact location and applicable taxing jurisdictions.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Russell 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 Russell County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction outside of the regular assessment cycle. The most common trigger is when property changes hands and the Russell County Assessor determines that the assessed value should be updated to reflect current market conditions. New construction or major improvements that add value to a property will also generate supplemental assessments.

These supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current millage rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property's assessed value increases by $5,000 due to improvements completed in January, and the local tax rate is 50 mills total, the annual supplemental tax would be $250 ($5,000 × 0.050), with the actual bill prorated based on when the improvement was completed during the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $4,000 (if qualified)
  • Net Taxable Value: $26,000
  • Annual Tax (50 mills avg): $1,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $108

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $4,000 (if qualified)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax (50 mills avg): $2,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $233

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $4,000 (if qualified)
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,000
  • Annual Tax (50 mills avg): $4,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $400

Note: These examples use an average combined millage rate of 50 mills. Actual rates vary by location within Russell County. The homestead exemption shown requires application and qualification. All tax credits and exemptions must be applied for annually and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Russell County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. Russell County property taxes are due October 1st each year and become delinquent after December 31st. However, taxpayers can pay the first half by June 20th if they prefer to split the payment.

Lenders typically pay the full annual amount by the October 1st deadline to avoid any late fees or penalties. Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has the correct tax amount, as escrow shortages can occur if the lender underestimated the annual tax bill. The Russell County Revenue Commissioner's office can provide verification of current tax amounts for escrow analysis. If you pay your own taxes rather than through escrow, remember that late payments after December 31st will incur penalties and interest charges that accumulate until paid.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Russell County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due October 1st and become delinquent after December 31st. You can pay the first half by June 20th if you prefer to split the payment.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available in Russell County? A: Russell County offers a homestead exemption for owner-occupied residences, typically around $4,000 off assessed value. This credit requires annual application with the Russell County Assessor's office and is NOT automatic. Applications are generally due by December 31st.

Q: Is there a senior citizen tax credit available? A: Yes, Alabama provides tax credits for residents age 65 and older with adjusted gross income of $12,000 or less, covering up to $2,000 in assessed value on up to 160 acres. This requires application with documentation of age and income.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Russell County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Russell County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Taxes become delinquent after December 31st and will incur penalties and interest. Continued non-payment can eventually lead to tax sale proceedings.

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

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Russell County? A: Alabama law requires property reassessment every four years, though the Russell County Assessor may update assessments more frequently based on sales activity or improvements.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Russell County determines which special taxing districts apply to your property, such as fire protection districts, library districts, or municipal taxes, which can significantly impact your total tax rate.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Applications typically require proof of ownership, occupancy verification for homestead credits, age verification for senior credits, and income documentation where applicable. Contact the Russell County Assessor's office for specific requirements.

Q: How is assessed value different from market value? A: In Alabama, residential properties are assessed at 10% of fair market value, while commercial properties are assessed at 20%. Your tax is calculated on this assessed value, not the full market value.

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
Property (Ad Valorem) Taxrevenue.alabama.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Assessment - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQrussellcountyva.gov
04
Tax Doc
When are my property taxes due?revenue.alabama.gov
05
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
06
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
07
What is a homestead exemption?revenue.alabama.gov
08
John E. Harris, Springhill Lighting and Supply, Inc.alsb.uscourts.gov
09
SENATE Substitute for Substitute for Substitute for HOUSE BILL ...kslegislature.gov
10
2013 - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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