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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bristol Bay County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bristol Bay County, AK. 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 borough mill rate + special district assessments (varies by location within borough)
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bristol Bay County, Alaska operates under the Bristol Bay Borough tax system, which levies property taxes to fund essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and borough operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real property and applied tax rates established annually by the Bristol Bay Borough Assembly, most recently outlined in Resolution 2025-17 for the 2025 tax year.

The effective tax rate in Bristol Bay County varies by location within the borough due to special taxing districts that may impose additional assessments beyond the base borough levy. Property owners should expect their total tax rate to reflect both the base borough mill rate and any applicable special district assessments. Tax bills are issued annually with payment due March 31st, and penalties begin accruing 30 days after the due date for delinquent accounts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base Borough LevyContact Borough OfficeGeneral fund operations, basic services (FY 2025)
School DistrictVaries by DistrictEducational services and facilities
Special DistrictsVaries by LocationFire protection, road maintenance, other services
Total Effective RateVaries by LocationCombined rate depends on property location

Note: Exact mill rates for FY 2025 are established in Resolution 2025-17. Contact Bristol Bay Borough offices at (907) 246-4224 for current rates specific to your property location, as rates vary significantly based on which special taxing districts serve your area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bristol Bay 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 Bristol Bay County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the borough assessor calculates additional tax owed on the increased value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in September (3 months remaining in the tax year), and your total tax rate is 1.5%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $187.50 ($50,000 × 1.5% × 3/12 months). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from annual tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% estimated rate): $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% estimated rate): $7,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $600

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.2% estimated rate): $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,000

Note: Most tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Bristol Bay Borough Assessor for current credit programs and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bristol Bay County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill, then pays your property taxes directly to Bristol Bay Borough when due on March 31st.

Lenders typically analyze escrow accounts annually and may adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills received. Since Bristol Bay County issues tax bills in early spring, you may see escrow adjustments in your mortgage payment during spring or summer months. Property owners can verify their tax payments and account status by contacting Bristol Bay Borough directly, as lenders occasionally make payment errors or delays that can result in late fees.

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 Bristol Bay County? A: Property taxes are due March 31st for the current tax year. Penalties and interest begin accruing 30 days after the due date (April 30th) on any unpaid balance.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Alaska offers a Senior Citizen Property Tax Credit for qualifying residents, but this requires annual application and has specific eligibility requirements. Contact the Bristol Bay Borough Assessor's office to determine available credits and obtain application forms, as most credits are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Senior Citizen credit work? A: The Senior Citizen Property Tax Credit can provide assessment limitations for qualifying elderly residents. This credit requires filing an application with specific income and residency requirements. It may limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value directly.

Q: How often are properties assessed? A: Bristol Bay Borough follows Alaska state guidelines for property assessments. Contact the Borough Assessor at (907) 246-4224 for current assessment schedules and procedures for your property type.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessed value can file an appeal with the Bristol Bay Borough Board of Equalization. Appeals typically must be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Penalties and interest begin accruing 30 days after the March 31st due date. Contact Bristol Bay Borough offices immediately if you cannot meet the payment deadline to discuss possible payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact Bristol Bay Borough at (907) 246-4224 to inquire about current online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Why does my tax rate differ from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Bristol Bay County based on special taxing districts that serve your property. Different areas may have additional assessments for fire protection, road districts, or other special services that affect your total tax rate.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Bristol Bay Borough Assembly Meetingbbbak.us
02
Bristol Township 2025 Budgetbristoltwppa.gov
03
Bristol Bay Borough Assembly Meeting December 5, 2025bristolbayboroughak.us
04
Bristol Bay Borough Assembly Meeting June 2, 2025.pdfbbbak.us
05
Tax Doc
Raw Fish Tax Return Amendmentbristolbayboroughak.us
06
State
DECISION & ORDER BEFORE THE STATE OF ALASKA ...aws.state.ak.us
07
Tax Doc
Assessed Valuations for Local General Property Taxationwww2.census.gov
08
1 9 / 8 6 4 0 Oakleg.gov
09
HomeChoice - Steps to Homeownershipahfc.us
10
Bill Rangeakleg.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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