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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Matanuska-Susitna County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Matanuska-Susitna 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
Varies by district - approximately 1% base rate plus additional levies for school districts and service areas
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Matanuska-Susitna County, Alaska, are the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal operations. The county operates under Alaska's property tax system, which assesses real property at fair market value without a statewide assessment cap. Property owners receive tax bills twice per year, with payments due in August and February.

The effective property tax rate in Matanuska-Susitna County varies significantly based on your property's location within the borough due to special taxing districts, school districts, and service areas that levy additional assessments. While Alaska's average property tax rate is approximately 1%, your actual rate may be higher or lower depending on the specific taxing jurisdictions that serve your property. It's important to understand that rates can differ substantially between areas like Palmer, Wasilla, and rural parts of the borough due to these overlapping tax districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The specific tax rates for FY 2025-2026 in Matanuska-Susitna County are not publicly specified in available records. Property owners should contact the Tax Collection office at 907-861-[number not complete in source] for exact current rates applicable to their property location.

ComponentRateDescription
Base Borough LevyContact Tax OfficeGeneral borough operations and services
School DistrictContact Tax OfficeLocal school district funding
Special Service AreasVaries by LocationFire protection, road maintenance, other services
Total Effective RateVaries by Property LocationCombined rate of all applicable levies

Note: Rates vary significantly within Matanuska-Susitna County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the borough's Tax Collection office for your specific rate calculation, as properties in different areas of the borough may have substantially different total tax rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Matanuska-Susitna 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 property taxes in Matanuska-Susitna County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification during the tax year. These most commonly occur following new construction, major improvements, or when property changes hands and receives a new assessment at current market value.

When supplemental taxes are triggered, they are calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and your property tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe approximately $1,200 in supplemental taxes for that year, prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year. These supplemental bills are issued separately from your regular property tax statements and have their own payment due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Contact assessor for available credits
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: Contact Tax Collection office for rate
  • Estimated Monthly Escrow: Divide annual tax by 12

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Contact assessor for available credits
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: Contact Tax Collection office for rate
  • Estimated Monthly Escrow: Divide annual tax by 12

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Contact assessor for available credits
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: Contact Tax Collection office for rate
  • Estimated Monthly Escrow: Divide annual tax by 12

Important Note: Most tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assessor's Office at 350 E Dahlia Ave, Palmer, AK 99645 to determine which credits you may qualify for and obtain current tax rates specific to your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Matanuska-Susitna County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due.

Property taxes in Matanuska-Susitna County are due twice per year: the first half payment is due August 15, 2025, and the second half is due February 17, 2026. Your lender will typically pay these installments on your behalf from your escrow account. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, as escrow shortages can occur if property values increase significantly or if new special assessments are added to your property.

You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the projected tax payments and any adjustments to your monthly escrow amount. If you pay your taxes directly rather than through escrow, ensure you budget for the semi-annual payment schedule and allow sufficient time for processing to avoid late penalties.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Matanuska-Susitna County? A: For 2025 property taxes, the first half is due August 15, 2025, and the second half is due February 17, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tax credits available vary and most require application - they are not automatically applied. Contact the Borough Assessor's Office at 350 E Dahlia Ave, Palmer, AK 99645 for information on credits you may qualify for and application requirements.

Q: Is there a homestead credit available? A: Contact the county assessor to check for available homeowner exemptions and credits. Any homestead-type benefits would require application and may limit assessment increases rather than reduce market value.

Q: Are there exemptions for non-profit organizations? A: Yes, non-profit organizations can apply for non-profit property tax exemptions in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Applications must be submitted to the Borough Assessor's Office.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Contact the Borough Assessor's Office for information about the assessment schedule and process for your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assessor's Office for information about the assessment appeal process, deadlines, and required procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Contact the Tax Collection office at 907-861-[complete number not available] for information about late payment penalties and interest charges.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Tax Collection office for information about available payment methods, including online payment options.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Tax rates vary because different areas are served by different combinations of special service areas, fire districts, school districts, and other special taxing jurisdictions.

Q: How do I find out my exact tax rate? A: Contact the Tax Collection office, as rates vary significantly by location within the borough based on which special taxing districts serve your specific property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax - Matanuska-Susitna Boroughmatsugov.us
02
Tax Doc
Transparency > Your Mat-Su Borough Tax Billtransparency.matsugov.us
03
Annual Comprehensive Financial Reportmatsugov.us
04
https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentSe...vendorportal.ecms.va.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax, Local Government Online, Division ...commerce.alaska.gov
06
Tax Doc
MSB - Non-Profit Property Tax Exemptionmatsu.gov
07
Tax Doc
Application for Exemption from Property Taxmatsugov.us
08
Sec. 09.38.010. Homestead exemption. (a) An individual is ...akleg.gov
09
Government Asupremecourt.gov
10
State
Alaska LNG Environmental Impact Statementferc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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