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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ketchikan Gateway County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ketchikan Gateway 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 location within borough due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries
1st Due
Jul 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ketchikan Gateway Borough administers property taxes that fund essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real property and personal property within the borough, with tax bills typically representing the largest source of local government revenue.

The property tax system in Ketchikan Gateway Borough operates on a fiscal year basis, with taxes becoming due July 1st each year. Property owners should note that actual tax rates can vary depending on location within the borough due to additional special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. The borough assessor determines property values annually, and property owners receive assessment notices prior to the tax due date.

Effective tax rates in Ketchikan Gateway Borough generally align with Alaska's statewide average of approximately 1%, though individual tax bills will vary based on assessed value, applicable tax credits, and the specific taxing districts where the property is located. Property owners are encouraged to review their assessment notices carefully and contact the borough assessor's office with questions about valuations or available tax relief programs.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for the current tax year, property tax rates in Ketchikan Gateway Borough include:

ComponentRateDescription
Borough General FundVariableFunds general borough operations and services
School DistrictVariableFunds local school district operations
Special Assessment DistrictsVariableVaries by location for specific improvements
Municipal AdditionsVariableAdditional rates for incorporated areas

Note: Specific millage rates for the current levy year are determined annually by the borough assembly and school board. Property owners should consult their individual tax notices for exact rates applicable to their property, as rates vary significantly based on location within special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. Contact the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assessor's Office at 907-228-6637 for current year rate information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ketchikan Gateway County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 property taxes in Ketchikan Gateway Borough are additional tax assessments that may be levied when property changes occur after the regular assessment date. These typically arise from new construction, substantial improvements, or changes in property ownership that affect the property's assessed value during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are triggered, they are calculated on the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 addition in January and the borough tax rate is 1.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,500 prorated from the completion date through the end of the fiscal year.

Property owners receive separate supplemental tax bills in addition to their regular annual property tax statement. These supplemental assessments follow the same payment schedule and penalty structure as regular property taxes, becoming delinquent on October 1st if unpaid.

Example Calculation

Below are property tax calculations for three different assessed values, assuming a combined effective rate of approximately 1.2% for properties within the general borough boundaries:

Example 1 - $300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior/Veteran Credit (if applicable): $0*
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (1.2%): $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 2 - $600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior/Veteran Credit (if applicable): $0*
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (1.2%): $7,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $600

Example 3 - $1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior/Veteran Credit (if applicable): $0*
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (1.2%): $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,000

*Tax credits require annual application and approval. Contact the borough assessor's office to determine eligibility and application requirements for available tax credit programs.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ketchikan Gateway Borough require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes. Lenders collect monthly property tax payments along with mortgage payments, depositing funds into an escrow account to ensure timely tax payment when bills become due on July 1st each year.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current contact information with the borough tax collector to ensure tax bills are sent to the correct servicing address. Lenders typically pay property taxes directly to the borough before the October 1st delinquency date. Property owners can verify payment status by contacting the Ketchikan Gateway Borough tax office or checking online payment records.

When property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, lenders will conduct escrow analyses and may adjust monthly payment amounts. Property owners should budget for potential escrow payment increases and can request escrow account statements from their lender to review payment history and account balances throughout the year.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Ketchikan Gateway Borough? A: Property taxes are due July 1st each year and become delinquent on October 1st. No quarterly payments are required.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits may include senior citizen, veteran, and disability credits. All credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the borough assessor's office at 907-228-6637 for current application forms and deadlines.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that caps assessment increases? A: Alaska does not have a traditional homestead exemption that caps assessment growth. Property values are assessed at fair market value annually without statutory caps on increases.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assessor conducts annual assessments of all taxable property within the borough boundaries.

Q: What is the penalty for late payment? A: Property taxes become delinquent on October 1st. Contact the borough tax office for current penalty and interest rate information on delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Ketchikan Gateway Borough at 907-228-6637 or visit their website for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed within 41 days of the tax due date. Contact the borough assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties located within special improvement districts, fire districts, or incorporated municipalities may have additional tax assessments beyond the base borough rate.

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
Sales Taxes | Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AKkgbak.us
02
Finance | Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK - Official Websitekgbak.us
03
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQkgbak.us
04
Assessment | Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AKkgbak.us
05
Property Search | Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AKkgbak.us
06
Tax Doc
Assessed Valuations for Local General Property Taxationwww2.census.gov
07
Request for Proposalskgbak.us
08
Trask v. Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Case No. S-13590 ...courts.alaska.gov
09
ClearGov | Documents - City of Ketchikanketchikan.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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