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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Winston County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Winston 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 rate 6.5 mills (0.65%) plus county, school, and special district levies; varies by location within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Winston County, Alabama operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes in Winston County are based on Alabama's assessment system, where properties are typically assessed at 10% of their appraised fair market value for residential properties and 20% for commercial properties.

The effective property tax rate in Winston County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. The state base rate is 6.5 mills (0.65%), but total rates including county, school, and special district levies typically result in higher effective rates. Property owners should note that their exact tax rate depends on their specific location within Winston County, as cities, fire districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions may impose additional millages on top of the base county rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
State Base Rate6.5 millsBasic state property tax levy
County RateVariesSet annually by Winston County Commission
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding levy
MunicipalVariesAdditional rate if within city limits
Fire DistrictsVariesSpecial fire protection districts
Other Special DistrictsVariesAdditional local improvement districts

Note: Rates shown apply to FY 2024-2025 levy year. Total millage rates vary significantly by location within Winston County due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions. The county commission sets rates annually, and specific rates for FY 2025-2026 have not yet been finalized. Property owners should contact the Winston County Revenue Commissioner for their exact millage rate based on their property's location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Winston 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 Winston County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are typically triggered by new construction, property improvements that increase assessed value, or changes in property ownership that result in reassessment. According to Alabama law, a supplemental tax of $0.25 was implemented effective September 1, 2015, per Act 2015-537, in addition to existing assessments.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property improvement increases the assessed value by $10,000 and the total tax rate is 50 mills, the supplemental tax would be $500 annually, but 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 Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $30,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax (estimated 45 mills): $1,350
  • Monthly Escrow: $112.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $60,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax (estimated 45 mills): $2,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $225.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax (estimated 45 mills): $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375.00

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within Winston County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Winston County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds to pay taxes when due. Since Winston County property taxes are due October 1 and become delinquent after December 31, lenders typically pay the taxes in early October to avoid any late fees.

Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, comparing actual tax bills to estimated amounts. If taxes increase, monthly escrow payments may be adjusted upward, and property owners may need to pay any shortage. Conversely, if taxes decrease or if excess funds accumulate, borrowers may receive refunds or see reduced monthly payments. Property owners should verify their tax payments are made timely and review their annual escrow statements for accuracy, as assessment changes or new exemptions can significantly impact the required escrow amount.

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 Winston County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due October 1 each year and become delinquent after December 31. This applies to the FY 2024-2025 tax year.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available, and how does it work? A: Winston County offers a homestead credit for owner-occupied residences. This credit typically caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic. Contact the Winston County Revenue Commissioner for application requirements and deadlines.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, various tax credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances. All credits require separate applications and documentation. Contact your county assessor to determine eligibility and application procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Winston County? A: Alabama law requires property reappraisals every few years, though the specific schedule varies. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights during designated periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent after December 31, and penalties and interest accrue on unpaid balances. Extended delinquency can result in tax lien sales.

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

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Winston County? A: Different areas within the county may be subject to additional millages from municipalities, school districts, fire districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions, resulting in varying total tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect can file an appeal during the designated appeal period. Contact the Winston County Board of Equalization for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: Do new constructions or improvements trigger additional taxes? A: Yes, new construction or significant improvements may result in supplemental tax assessments during the tax year, calculated on the increased assessed value.

Q: Where can I get specific information about my property's tax rate and exemptions? A: Contact the Winston County Revenue Commissioner's office for property-specific information, as rates vary by location and individual circumstances affect available credits.

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
County
Winston County Commissionalison.legislature.state.al.us
04
Tax Doc
When are my property taxes due?revenue.alabama.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxrevenue.alabama.gov
06
Tax Doc
What is the timetable for property taxes?revenue.alabama.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Alabama Department of Revenuerevenue.alabama.gov
08
What is a homestead exemption?revenue.alabama.gov
09
State
State Sales and Use Tax Ratesrevenue.alabama.gov
10
Town of Noxapaterosa.ms.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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