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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bethel County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - base rate plus school and special district assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bethel County, Alaska operates under a unique property tax structure that differs from many other Alaska regions. While many areas of Alaska do not levy property taxes, Bethel County does assess property taxes to fund essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal operations. The property tax system serves as a primary revenue source for local government functions and community services.

Property tax rates in Bethel County can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Based on available data, property taxes are assessed annually with payments typically due twice per year. Property owners should be aware that their exact tax rate will depend on which taxing jurisdictions their property falls within, and rates can change annually based on local government budget requirements and voter-approved measures.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: Specific tax rates for FY 2025-2026 are not currently available through public sources. Property owners should contact the Bethel County Assessor's office for current rates.

ComponentRateDescription
Base County LevyContact AssessorGeneral county services and operations
School DistrictContact AssessorLocal education funding
Municipal LevyContact AssessorCity services (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, utilities, other services

Important: Tax rates vary by location within Bethel County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Under Alaska Statute 29.45.090, all property within the same municipality is taxed at the same rate, but rates can differ between municipalities and unincorporated areas. Contact your local assessor for specific rates applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bethel 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 Bethel County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include the sale or transfer of property (change of ownership), completion of new construction, additions or major improvements to existing structures, and changes in property use classification.

When a supplemental tax is assessed, it represents the difference between the original tax assessment and the new assessment, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at a lower value, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering April through December for the difference in tax liability. The calculation is based on the number of months remaining in the tax year divided by 12, multiplied by the additional tax amount due.

Example Calculation

Note: These examples use estimated rates as specific FY 2025-2026 rates are not available. Contact Bethel County Assessor for current rates.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Contact assessor for current credit amounts
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: Contact assessor for calculation
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Contact assessor for current credit amounts
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: Contact assessor for calculation
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Contact assessor for current credit amounts
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: Contact assessor for calculation
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bethel County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. The lender maintains these funds in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due.

Property taxes in Bethel County are typically due on January 20 and June 20 of each year. Your lender will receive tax bills and payment notices directly from the county. It's important to verify that your lender has received and paid your tax bills on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using an escrow account. You can verify payment status by contacting the Bethel County tax collector's office or checking online payment systems if available.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

When are property taxes due in Bethel County for the current fiscal year? Property taxes are typically due on January 20 and June 20. Contact the Bethel County tax collector to confirm specific due dates for the current tax year.

What tax credits are available and how do I apply? Available tax credits may include homestead credits and other local programs. All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Bethel County Assessor's office for current programs, application forms, and deadlines.

How does the homestead credit work? If available, a homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value rather than reducing the market value itself. This credit requires annual filing and is not automatic. Contact your assessor for specific program details and application requirements.

When are properties reassessed? Assessment schedules vary by Alaska jurisdiction. Contact the Bethel County Assessor's office for information about reassessment cycles and procedures in your area.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal. Contact the Bethel County Assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by local ordinance. Contact the Bethel County tax collector for current penalty rates and payment policies.

Can I pay property taxes online? Online payment availability varies by jurisdiction in Alaska. Contact the Bethel County tax collector to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

How do special district taxes work? Special districts provide services like fire protection, water, or recreation facilities. If your property is within a special district boundary, you'll pay additional taxes for those services. These rates vary by district and are added to your base property tax bill.

What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? Unpaid property taxes can result in penalties, interest, and eventually tax lien procedures. Contact the Bethel County tax collector immediately if you're unable to pay on time to discuss possible payment arrangements.

How can I get current tax rate information? For the most current tax rates and assessment information specific to your property location, contact the Bethel County Assessor's office directly, as rates vary by taxing district and are updated annually.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Changesdfa.arkansas.gov
02
The cost of living in Alaskalive.laborstats.alaska.gov
03
2025admin.ks.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax, Local Government Online ...commerce.alaska.gov
05
County
bethel local school district miami county single audit for the ...ohioauditor.gov
06
Government of the District of Columbia Glen Lee Chief Financial ...ora-cfo.dc.gov
07
HomeChoice™ahfc.us
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Statistics Supplemental FY 2012-13oregon.gov
09
ALASKA COURT SYSTEM BETHEL COURTHOUSE LEASEaws.state.ak.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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