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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Petersburg County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base borough rate varies by location due to special taxing districts and service areas beyond base levy
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Petersburg County (Petersburg Borough), Alaska operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real property, with assessments conducted annually to reflect current market conditions. The borough's property tax system serves as a primary revenue source for local government operations and community services.

Property tax rates in Petersburg County vary by location within the borough due to special taxing districts and service areas that may impose additional assessments beyond the base borough levy. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and applicable service districts. The borough provides online resources for property tax information and payment processing, available 24 hours a day through the Property Tax Division.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Borough General FundContact BoroughBase municipal services levy
School DistrictContact BoroughEducational services funding
Special Service AreasVaries by DistrictAdditional assessments for specific geographic areas
Total Effective RateVaries by LocationCombined rate depends on property location

Note: Specific tax rates for the current levy year are available through the Petersburg Borough Property Tax Division. Rates vary significantly based on special taxing districts and service areas within the borough. Property owners should contact the borough directly for current rate information applicable to their specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Petersburg 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 Petersburg County are typically assessed when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that alter the property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, it is calculated based 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 undergoes major improvements worth $50,000 in assessed value halfway through the tax year, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining six months of the tax year at the applicable tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Exemption (if applicable): -$100,000 (assessed value limit)
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000 (with exemption) / $300,000 (without)
  • Annual Tax: Contact borough for current rates
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Available exemptions (application required): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (or reduced amount with exemptions)
  • Annual Tax: Net taxable value × applicable tax rate
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available exemptions (application required): Limited impact due to value caps
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: Net taxable value × applicable tax rate
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Note: All exemptions require formal application and approval. Contact the Petersburg Borough assessor for specific rate calculations and exemption eligibility.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Petersburg County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, holding these funds to pay property taxes when due. Escrow payments are calculated by dividing the annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender receives and pays tax bills correctly. The Petersburg Borough Property Tax Division sends tax bills to both the property owner and the mortgage company when an escrow account is established. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, even when using escrow services. Annual escrow account statements show how funds were collected and disbursed throughout the year.

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 Petersburg County? A: Property taxes are due by April 15 each year. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax exemptions are available and how do I apply? A: Petersburg County offers a Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption with a $100,000 assessed value limit for qualifying seniors. All exemptions require formal application and are not automatic. Contact the county assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties are typically assessed annually. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal assessments through the formal appeal process.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Continued non-payment can eventually result in tax lien proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, the Petersburg Borough Property Tax Division offers online payment options available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Special service areas and districts within Petersburg County may impose additional assessments beyond the base borough tax rate, depending on your property's location.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how does it work? A: Alaska property tax exemptions vary by municipality. Contact the Petersburg Borough assessor to determine what homeowner exemptions may be available and their application requirements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the borough. Contact the assessor's office for appeal deadlines and procedures, typically following receipt of annual assessment notices.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Tax | Petersburg Alaskapetersburgak.gov
02
The cost of living in Alaskalive.laborstats.alaska.gov
03
City Charterpetersburgmi.gov
04
PETERSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ...cityofhomer-ak.gov
05
1 9 / 8 6 4 0 Oakleg.gov
06
december-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
07
FUND BALpetersburgva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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