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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Haines County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Haines 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
Approximately 1% base rate plus special service district assessments (varies by location within borough)
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Haines County (officially the Haines Borough) operates a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, emergency services, municipal operations, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed based on the full market value of real property, with the borough conducting regular assessments to maintain current valuations. The effective tax rate in Haines Borough typically ranges around Alaska's base rate of approximately 1%, though actual rates can vary depending on your property's location within specific taxing districts.

Property tax bills in Haines Borough reflect not only the base borough levy but may also include assessments from special service districts, depending on your property's location. These additional assessments can include fire protection districts, road service areas, or other special improvement districts that provide enhanced services to specific geographic areas within the borough. The final tax rate applied to your property will depend on which combination of these taxing jurisdictions serve your specific location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base Borough LevyTBD for 2026General municipal services, administration
School DistrictVariesHaines Borough School District operations
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire protection, road maintenance, other services
Total Effective Rate~1.0% (estimated)Combined rate varies by property location

Note: The official 2026 property tax rates have not yet been set by the Haines Borough Assembly. Rates are typically established closer to the beginning of each tax year. The actual rate applied to your property will depend on which special taxing districts serve your location within the borough. Contact the Haines Borough Clerk's office for the most current rate information for your specific area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Haines 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 Haines Borough are triggered when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year, such as new construction, major improvements, or changes in ownership that affect the property's assessed value. When these events occur, the borough assessor calculates the difference between the original assessment and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine any additional tax owed for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and the borough tax rate is 1.0%, you would owe approximately $667 in supplemental taxes (calculated as $100,000 × 1.0% × 8/12 months remaining in the tax year). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular annual tax bills and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the date of billing.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Exemption (if applicable): -$150,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): $1,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $125

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Available Credits (application required): $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (application required): $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at ~1.0%): $10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $833

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Senior citizen exemptions have specific eligibility requirements and assessed value limits. Contact the Haines Borough Assessor for current credit applications and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Haines Borough require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to your estimated annual property tax divided by 12, plus a small cushion for rate increases. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay your property tax bill when it becomes due on November 1st each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payments based on actual tax bills and any rate changes. If your escrow account has a shortage due to tax increases, your lender will either spread the shortage over 12 months or offer you the option to pay it as a lump sum. Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax information and mailing address on file with the Haines Borough to ensure proper payment processing and avoid penalties.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Haines Borough? A: Property taxes are due November 1st each year. For tax year 2024, taxes were due Friday, November 1, 2024. A 10% penalty and 12% annual interest apply to late payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Haines Borough offers limited tax credits including senior citizen property tax exemptions for qualifying residents. These credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Borough Assessor's office for current application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the senior citizen exemption work? A: The senior citizen exemption can reduce the assessed value of qualified properties, potentially up to $150,000 or more depending on current limits. This is an exemption that reduces assessed value, not a credit. Eligibility requirements include age, income limits, and residency requirements. Applications must be filed with the assessor's office.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Haines Borough conducts regular property assessments to maintain current market values. Property owners receive assessment notices prior to the tax year and have the right to appeal assessments through the Board of Equalization process.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur a 10% penalty plus 12% annual interest on the unpaid balance. Interest continues to accrue until the full amount is paid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Haines Borough Clerk's office at (907) 766-2231 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be located within special taxing districts that provide additional services like enhanced fire protection or road maintenance. These districts add their own assessments to your tax bill, which varies by location within the borough.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessments through the Board of Equalization. Appeal forms and instructions are available on the Haines Borough website, with specific deadlines that must be met.

Q: When do nonprofit exemption renewals need to be filed? A: Nonprofit property tax exemption renewal declarations are due March 31st each year for qualifying organizations.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Lands | Haines Borough AKhainesalaska.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendar Due Dateshainesalaska.gov
03
May 2025 Alaska Economic Trendslive.laborstats.alaska.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxes are due Friday, November 1, 2024hainesalaska.gov
05
1 9 / 8 6 4 0 Oakleg.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemption Details - filing onlineexemptions.polkflpa.gov
07
Haines Boroughhainesalaska.gov
08
A Proposal for Assessment Services for ...hainesalaska.gov
09
Local Budget Manuallanecountyor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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