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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Anchorage County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location within Municipality of Anchorage boundaries, based on full and true value assessment
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

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.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Base Municipal Levy~1.0-1.2%Core municipal services, administration, public safety
School District Bonds~0.2-0.4%Educational facility construction and maintenance
Fire Service Areas~0.1-0.2%Fire protection services in specific districts
Special Improvement DistrictsVariesLocal infrastructure projects, lighting, drainage
Total Effective Rate~1.3-1.8%Combined rate varies by property location

Note: These rates are estimates based on historical data. The most recent specific rate available was 1.55% as of July 2022. For current FY 2025-2026 rates, property owners should verify their specific tax bill or contact the Property Appraisal Division, as rates vary significantly by special taxing districts within the municipality. Each property's actual rate depends on which special districts apply to that specific location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Anchorage 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 Anchorage County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that alter the assessed value after the January 1 assessment date. When these events occur, the Property Appraisal Division issues a supplemental assessment to capture the change in taxable value for the remainder of the tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the original 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 date of the change. For example, if a property undergoes a $100,000 improvement completed in July, and the local tax rate is 1.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $750 (($100,000 × 1.5%) ÷ 12 months × 6 months remaining). Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills separately from their regular annual property tax bills, and these must be paid according to the specified due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Senior Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (full and true value)
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: -$150 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.4% (estimated average)
  • Annual Tax: $4,200 - $150 = $4,050
  • Monthly Escrow: $337.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Assessment Limit: Caps annual assessment increases (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.5% (estimated with special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $9,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $750

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: None assumed
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.6% (estimated with multiple districts)
  • Annual Tax: $16,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,333.33

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

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Anchorage County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into this escrow account, which the lender uses to pay your property taxes when they become due. The lender typically collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount as allowed by federal law.

Property tax payments in Anchorage are typically due in installments, and your lender will pay these directly to the Municipality of Anchorage Treasury Division. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your escrow account was managed and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may also increase. You can verify that your taxes have been paid correctly by checking the Municipality of Anchorage Treasury Division website at https://www.muni.org/departments/finance/treasury/ or by contacting them directly. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring their taxes are paid on time, even when using escrow services.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax due dates vary in Alaska. Contact the Municipality of Anchorage Treasury Division or check your tax bill for specific due dates, as Alaska allows local jurisdictions to set their own payment schedules.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Anchorage County offers several tax credits that require separate applications, including senior citizen credits and disabled veteran credits. The first $150,000 of assessed value may be exempt for qualifying primary residences. All credits must be applied for through the Property Appraisal Division and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Alaska's homestead exemption can limit assessment increases on primary residences, helping protect homeowners from dramatic tax increases due to rising property values. This is a tax credit that requires filing an application - it is not automatic and must be renewed as required by local regulations.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: The Property Appraisal Division reassesses all properties annually as of January 1st to determine full and true value as required by Alaska state law. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal if they disagree with the valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by the Municipality of Anchorage. Contact the Treasury Division for current penalty rates and payment options to avoid additional charges.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, the Municipality of Anchorage Treasury Division offers online payment options. Visit https://www.muni.org/departments/finance/treasury/ for available payment methods and instructions.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special taxing districts within Anchorage County can significantly impact your total tax rate. These may include fire service areas, school bond districts, and local improvement districts. Your specific property's location determines which special districts apply.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Property Appraisal Division. Specific procedures, deadlines, and forms are available at https://www.muni.org/departments/finance/property_appraisal/. Appeals must typically be filed within specified timeframes after receiving your assessment notice.

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