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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington 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
21.9692% millage rate (varies by district with special assessments for fire, library, municipal services)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Alabama operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services. Property owners in Washington County are subject to an effective tax rate of 21.9692% for the 2025 levy year, though this represents the millage rate applied to assessed value rather than market value.

The actual tax burden varies significantly by location within Washington County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. Properties may be subject to additional assessments for fire districts, library services, or municipal services depending on their specific location. All property taxes are assessed annually based on the property's assessed value as determined by the Washington County Revenue Commissioner's office, with assessments typically conducted on a rotating cycle throughout the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariableBasic county services, administration
County SchoolsVariablePublic school operations and facilities
State Property TaxVariableState-mandated assessments
Special DistrictsVariableFire, library, municipal services (location-dependent)
Total Certified Rate21.9692Combined rate for 2025 levy year

Note: The 21.9692 mill rate applies to the 2025 levy year (effective January 1, 2025). Individual components vary by property location within Washington County due to municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. Properties within incorporated areas may have different total rates due to municipal taxes not reflected in the county rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington 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 Washington County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment but before the tax year ends, a supplemental bill is issued to account for the increased tax liability.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the effective date of the change. For example, if a property improvement adds $50,000 to assessed value in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase at the full tax rate, but prorated for the remaining six months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Property

  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $30,000
  • Annual Tax ($30,000 × 21.9692%): $6,591
  • Monthly Escrow: $549

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Property

  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Variable (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $60,000
  • Annual Tax ($60,000 × 21.9692%): $13,182
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,099

Example 3: $1,000,000 Market Value Property

  • Assessed Value (10% of market): $100,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applicable): Variable (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Annual Tax ($100,000 × 21.9692%): $21,969
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,831

Note: All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits may limit annual assessment increases rather than providing direct tax reduction.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. These funds are held in a separate account and used to pay property taxes when due on October 1st each year.

Lenders typically pay property taxes before the December 31st delinquency deadline to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments and can request escrow account statements annually. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, lenders will adjust monthly escrow payments and may require additional payments to cover shortfalls. Property owners who pay off their mortgage become responsible for making direct tax payments to Washington County.

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 Washington County for the 2025 tax year? A: Property taxes are due October 1st and become delinquent after December 31st. Late payments incur penalties starting January 1st.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead exemptions may be available for owner-occupied primary residences. These credits typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing the tax bill directly. Applications must be filed with the Washington County Revenue Commissioner's office and are not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Washington County? A: Properties are assessed annually, though physical inspections may occur on a rotating basis. The Revenue Commissioner determines assessed values based on market conditions and property characteristics.

Q: What happens if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the Washington County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines after assessment notices are mailed.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Alabama may offer various tax credits for seniors or disabled property owners. Contact the Washington County Revenue Commissioner's office to determine eligibility and application requirements, as these are not automatically applied.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes for fire protection, libraries, or municipal services depending on location. These appear as separate line items and vary by district.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Credit applications typically require proof of ownership, residency documentation, and specific eligibility documents. Contact the Revenue Commissioner's office for complete requirements and application deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Washington County Public Access > Property Detailwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
02
Tax Doc
Sales and Use Tax Rates - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
03
Bills to be Signed by the Governor on April 22, 2025governor.maryland.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
County
Collector | Washington County, ARwashingtoncountyar.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR SENIORS IN OTHER ...cga.ct.gov
09
County
Home Recovery Alabama Program – Washington Countyadeca.alabama.gov
10
County
Washington County Budget Topic Ques on Answer 1. ...washingtoncountyor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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