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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Tuscaloosa County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Tuscaloosa 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
Approximately 0.35% effective rate for residential properties, varies by district and municipality
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. The county follows Alabama's state property tax framework, with an effective tax rate of approximately 0.35% for most residential properties. Property assessments are based on fair market value, though Alabama uses different assessment ratios for different property types.

Property tax rates in Tuscaloosa County vary significantly by location due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations. Residents may pay different rates depending on whether they live within city limits, specific school districts, or areas with additional levies for services like fire protection or library funding. The tax year runs from October 1 to September 30, with assessments typically conducted every four years by the county revenue commissioner.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
State Property Tax6.5Base state levy
County General Fund10.0County operations and services
County Roads5.0Road maintenance and improvements
School District15.0-25.0Varies by school district location
Municipal Levy0.0-15.0Only if within city limits
Special Districts2.0-8.0Fire, library, or other local services
Total Range38.5-69.5Varies by specific location

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 tax year. Actual rates depend on your specific address and applicable taxing districts. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When property changes hands or improvements are completed, the county assessor determines if additional taxes are owed for the remainder of the current tax year based on the difference between the old and new assessed values.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $150,000 but now has a market value of $200,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $50,000 difference for the remaining months of the tax year (April through September). The supplemental bill would calculate: ($50,000 ÷ 1,000) × your area's mill rate × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = additional tax owed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20% ratio): $60,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,000
  • Annual Tax (50 mills): $2,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $233

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20% ratio): $120,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $116,000
  • Annual Tax (50 mills): $5,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $483

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20% ratio): $200,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $196,000
  • Annual Tax (50 mills): $9,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $817

Note: Mill rates vary by location. Homestead credit requires annual application and caps assessment increases rather than providing a fixed reduction.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Tuscaloosa County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Lenders collect monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and hold these funds in escrow until taxes become due on October 1st. Your lender will pay the county directly from your escrow account before the December 31st delinquency deadline.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected based on your current tax bill. If taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. You should receive annual statements showing escrow activity and any surplus or shortage. Property owners can verify their tax payments through the Tuscaloosa County Revenue Commissioner's website and should ensure their lender has paid on time to avoid penalties.

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 Tuscaloosa County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due October 1, 2025, and become delinquent after December 31, 2025. Interest and penalties begin accruing January 1, 2026.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption caps annual assessment increases at 10% for your primary residence. You must apply annually with the Revenue Commissioner's office by October 1st with proof of residency.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, including senior citizen credits (age 65+), disability credits, and military service credits. All require annual application with supporting documentation by October 1st deadline.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Tuscaloosa County? A: Properties are typically reassessed every four years, though the county can conduct interim assessments for significant changes or improvements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving your notice. Contact the County Board of Equalization to request a hearing with supporting evidence of your property's value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues at 12% annually starting January 1st. Additional penalties and fees may apply for extended delinquency, potentially leading to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, the Tuscaloosa County Revenue Commissioner accepts online payments through their official website using bank transfer or credit card (processing fees may apply).

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Tuscaloosa County? A: Rates depend on your location's taxing districts, including school district boundaries, municipal limits, and special service districts for fire protection, libraries, or other local services.

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 Tax Information Alabamanacdashboard.nara.gov
02
County
Tuscaloosa County Statutory Effective Date: November 1, 2025revenue.alabama.gov
03
County
in the circuit court of montgomery county, alabamagulfshoresal.gov
04
Tax Doc
When are my property taxes due?revenue.alabama.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
06
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
07
HB224 1 112724-1 2 By Representative Allen ( ...alison.legislature.state.al.us
08
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
09
What is a homestead exemption?revenue.alabama.gov
10
Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 168 (Wednesday ...govinfo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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