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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Aleutians West County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Aleutians West County, AK. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by municipality, approximately 1% of assessed value (City of Unalaska and other incorporated areas set individual rates)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Aleutians West County, Alaska, operate under a unique municipal structure where individual cities within the county may levy their own property taxes rather than having a county-wide system. The most significant municipality in the county is the City of Unalaska, which sets its own tax rates and administers property taxation for areas within its boundaries. Property taxes fund essential local services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, utilities, and municipal operations in these remote Aleutian communities.

Alaska's property tax system allows municipalities to establish their own rates, and in Aleutians West County, effective tax rates typically align with the state's average of around 1% of assessed value. However, actual rates can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county and which municipality has jurisdiction over your property. Some areas may not be subject to property taxes at all if they fall outside incorporated municipal boundaries, while others may have additional special district assessments for services like fire protection or port operations.

Property owners should note that tax obligations depend entirely on the specific municipality where their property is located, as different cities within Aleutians West County maintain separate tax systems with varying rates, exemptions, and payment schedules.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Municipal Base RateVaries by CitySet individually by each municipality within the county
City of Unalaska (if applicable)Contact CityUnalaska sets its own rates for properties within city limits
Special DistrictsVariesMay include port authority, fire protection, or utility districts
School DistrictVariesEducational funding assessment where applicable

Note: Tax rates for FY 2024-2025 vary significantly by location within Aleutians West County. The City of Unalaska, being the largest municipality, maintains its own rate structure. Property owners should contact their specific municipal assessor's office for current rates as they differ substantially between communities. Some areas of the county may not be subject to property taxes if they fall outside incorporated municipal boundaries.

Special taxing districts within individual municipalities may add additional assessments for services such as harbor facilities, emergency services, or infrastructure improvements, resulting in different total tax rates even within the same city.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Aleutians West 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 are triggered when there are changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or significant improvements that increase the assessed value of a property mid-tax year. In Aleutians West County municipalities that levy property taxes, supplemental assessments ensure that new property value is captured for the current tax year rather than waiting until the next regular assessment cycle.

Common triggers include: completion of new construction projects, change of ownership that prompts reassessment, completion of major renovations or improvements, and subdivision of property creating new taxable parcels. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a $200,000 home improvement is completed in January and the municipal tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $2,400 ($200,000 × 0.012) for the full year, or prorated based on when the improvement was completed and added to the tax roll.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Municipal Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Property Tax: $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Municipal Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Property Tax: $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Municipal Tax Rate: 1.0%
  • Annual Property Tax: $10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $833

Note: These examples use estimated rates for illustration purposes. Actual tax rates vary by municipality within Aleutians West County. Tax credits may be available but require separate application to the appropriate municipal assessor's office. The City of Unalaska and other municipalities may offer credits for seniors, veterans, or other qualifying circumstances, but these are not automatically applied and must be requested by the property owner.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Aleutians West County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly given the remote location and varying municipal payment schedules. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to your estimated annual property tax divided by 12, plus a small cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property tax payment timing varies by municipality within the county. Personal property taxes are generally due March 1, while real property tax due dates are set by individual cities. Your lender will monitor these dates and make payments on your behalf when taxes become due. The escrow account is analyzed annually to ensure adequate funds are collected, and you'll receive a refund if there's an overage or a bill if there's a shortage.

Given the unique municipal structure in Aleutians West County, it's important to verify that your lender understands which municipality has jurisdiction over your property and the correct payment schedule, as this varies significantly between communities within the county.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Aleutians West County? A: Due dates vary by municipality. Personal property taxes are typically due March 1, while real property tax dates are set by individual cities. Contact your specific municipal assessor for FY 2024-2025 due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Tax credits vary by municipality and may include senior, veteran, or disability credits. These require separate application to your municipal assessor's office and are not automatically applied. Application deadlines vary by city.

Q: Is there a homestead credit available? A: Some municipalities within the county may offer homestead-type credits that limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These require annual or periodic application and are not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Assessment schedules vary by municipality within Aleutians West County. Contact your local assessor for the specific reassessment cycle in your area.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Appeal processes are handled by individual municipalities. Contact your city assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required forms.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties vary by municipality and are set by local ordinance. Contact your city treasurer or tax collector for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment availability varies by municipality within the county. Check with your specific city's website or contact their offices directly for available payment methods.

Q: Do I owe taxes if my property is outside city limits? A: Properties outside incorporated municipal boundaries in Aleutians West County may not be subject to property taxes, as Alaska has no county-wide property tax system in this area.

Q: What if I have questions about special district taxes? A: Special district assessments (such as port or fire district taxes) are administered separately from municipal taxes. Contact the relevant district office for information about rates and payment procedures.

Q: Where can I get help understanding my tax bill? A: Contact your municipal assessor's office directly. In areas like Unalaska, city staff can explain the components of your tax bill and available credits or payment options.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Tax, Local Government Online, Division ...commerce.alaska.gov
02
State
State of Alaskaalaska.gov
03
Draft Proposed Program 2019–2024files.nc.gov
04
Alaska Statutes 2024akleg.gov
05
current public lands and forests bills hearingcongress.gov
06
CITY OF UNALASKA, ALASKAunalaska.gov
07
The Fiscal Year 2025 Budgetlegfin.akleg.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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