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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sumter County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Sumter 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
3.000% to 4.000% depending on location and special taxing districts
1st Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sumter County, Alabama operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county administration. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts and municipal boundaries.

The county's property tax rates for 2025 range from 3.000% to 4.000% depending on your specific location and the special districts that serve your property. With a median home value of $75,800 in Sumter County, property taxes are generally more affordable compared to state and national averages. However, actual tax bills can vary significantly based on your property's assessed value, available tax credits (which require application), and the specific combination of taxing entities that serve your area.

Property assessments in Alabama are conducted every four years, with the most recent countywide reassessment affecting tax bills. It's important to note that most tax credits and exemptions are not automatic and require property owners to file applications with specific deadlines to receive benefits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
General County Levy3.000%Base county services, administration, roads, and public safety
Higher Rate Districts4.000%Areas with additional municipal or special district assessments
School DistrictVariesIncluded in general rate, funds local education
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes for incorporated city/town services
Special AssessmentsVariesBond payments, fire districts, or other special services

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual tax rate depends on your property's location within Sumter County and which special taxing districts serve your area. Properties within the six cities and towns in Sumter County may have additional municipal taxes beyond the base county rate. Contact the Sumter County Revenue Commissioner for your specific rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sumter 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 Sumter County are additional property tax bills issued when there's a change in property ownership or significant improvements made to existing property during the tax year. The most common triggers include purchasing a home, completing new construction, or making substantial renovations that increase the property's assessed value.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it's calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $100,000 but now has a market value of $150,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $50,000 increase in assessed value, applied for the remaining months of the tax year (typically July through September in Alabama's fiscal calendar).

Supplemental tax bills are separate from your regular annual property tax bill and have their own due dates. Property owners should budget for these additional taxes when making significant property improvements or purchasing real estate mid-year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% in Alabama)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.000%
  • Annual Tax: $8,880
  • Monthly Escrow: $740

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if applied for and approved)
  • Less: Senior Exemption: -$2,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $594,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.000%
  • Annual Tax: $17,820
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,485

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $996,000
  • Tax Rate: 4.000% (higher district rate)
  • Annual Tax: $39,840
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,320

All tax credits shown require separate applications and approval. Credits are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sumter County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender collects approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account until tax payments are due.

Property taxes in Sumter County are typically due by October 1st each year, and lenders usually make payments on behalf of homeowners before this deadline. Your lender will receive the tax bill directly from the county and handle the payment process. However, as the property owner, you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid correctly and on time.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing how your escrow funds were collected and disbursed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and could require an additional payment to cover any shortage. You can request to pay your own property taxes directly, but most lenders require this only after you've built significant equity in your home and have a strong payment history.

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 Sumter County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by October 1, 2025, with penalties and interest applying after December 31, 2025. However, homestead properties with tax liability under $500 avoid penalties.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Alabama offers a homestead tax credit that exempts the first $4,000 in assessed value from state property taxes. This credit requires a separate application filed with the Revenue Commissioner's office and is not automatic.

Q: Is there a senior citizen tax credit available? A: Yes, property owners age 65 and over may qualify for an additional exemption of up to $2,000 on property not exceeding 160 acres, subject to income limitations (adjusted gross income must be under $12,000). Application is required.

Q: How does the homestead credit work exactly? A: The homestead credit provides a $4,000 reduction in your property's taxable assessed value, not the market value. You must file an application to receive this credit - it's not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Sumter County? A: Alabama conducts property reassessments every four years. Property owners can appeal their assessment within specific timeframes if they believe the assessed value is incorrect.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: After December 31st, delinquent property taxes accrue penalties and interest. Properties with significant delinquent taxes may eventually face tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Sumter County Revenue Commissioner's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Depending on your property's location, you may pay additional taxes for municipal services, school bonds, or special districts like fire protection. These vary by specific location within the county.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Property ownership changes, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year can trigger supplemental tax bills.

Q: Where do I apply for tax credits and exemptions? A: All applications for homestead credits, senior exemptions, and other tax benefits must be filed with the Sumter County Revenue Commissioner's office. Contact them for current application deadlines and required documentation.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
September 10, 2025 Sumter County (7060) arevenue.alabama.gov
02
Tax Doc
Sales and Use Tax Rates - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
County
City and County Rate and Code Explanationsrevenue.alabama.gov
04
County
Sumter County Alabamausgs.gov
05
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
06
Tax Doc
When are my property taxes due?revenue.alabama.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
09
CAFR-City of Sumter 2020sumtersc.gov
10
County
Sumter County, AL Property Records | Owners, Deeds, Permitsalabama.propertychecker.com
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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