How Property Tax Works
Anchorage County, officially known as the Municipality of Anchorage, operates Alaska's largest property tax system, managing approximately 98,000 parcels of real property and 4,400 personal property accounts representing about $59.8 billion in assessed value. The Property Appraisal Division is responsible for determining the property tax base by identifying, describing, and valuing all taxable real and personal property to ensure fair and equitable taxation. Property taxes fund essential municipal services including public safety, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and administrative services.
Alaska state law requires the Municipality of Anchorage to assess most property at full and true value as of January 1 of each assessment year. Property tax rates in Anchorage vary by location within the municipality due to special taxing districts that may include school bonds, fire service areas, and other local improvement districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.8% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and applicable special assessments. Property owners are encouraged to review their property information through the municipality's online portal and notify the Property Appraisal Division of any errors or omissions as required by state law.