HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sitka County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate, varies by location within county
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sitka County, Alaska operates under a property tax system that serves as a crucial revenue source for local government services, particularly given the county's significant federal public land holdings. The property tax funds essential services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. With a FY24 budget of $14 million in expenditures and steady economic growth reflected in the county's $433.2 million economic output as of 2022, property taxes play a vital role in maintaining community services.

Property tax rates in Sitka County are based on assessed property values, with the state's base rate structure around 1% serving as a general guideline. However, actual effective rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional assessments for services like schools or infrastructure improvements. Property owners should expect rate variations based on their precise geographic location and any applicable special district levies that may apply to their property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County LevyContact AssessorPrimary county operations and services
Municipal LevyVaries by LocationCity services (if within municipal boundaries)
School DistrictContact AssessorEducational services and facilities
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, water, sewer, other local services

Note: Specific tax rates for the current levy year are not publicly available in standardized format. Property owners must contact the Sitka County Assessor's Office directly for current rates applicable to their specific property location. Rates vary significantly within the county based on municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. The total effective rate is the sum of all applicable levies for your property's location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sitka 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 Sitka County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When property changes hands or new construction is completed, the assessor determines the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value based on current market conditions.

The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases by $100,000 due to new construction completed in July, and the total tax rate is 1.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,500 × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $750 for that fiscal year.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Tax Credits: Contact Assessor for eligibility
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Estimated Annual Tax (1% rate): $3,000
  • Estimated Monthly Payment: $250

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Tax Credits: Contact Assessor for eligibility
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Estimated Annual Tax (1% rate): $6,000
  • Estimated Monthly Payment: $500

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Tax Credits: Contact Assessor for eligibility
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Estimated Annual Tax (1% rate): $10,000
  • Estimated Monthly Payment: $833

Note: These calculations use estimated rates. Actual rates vary by location and special districts. Most tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sitka County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly mortgage payments include a portion set aside for property taxes. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount as required by federal regulations. The lender pays property taxes directly to the county when due, usually on the April 15 and October 15 payment dates.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, as special district assessments or supplemental taxes may not be automatically included in escrow calculations. If your property tax bill changes due to reassessment or new special district levies, contact your lender immediately to adjust escrow payments. Escrow shortages may result in higher monthly payments or a lump-sum payment requirement, while overages typically result in refunds or reduced future payments.

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 Sitka County? A: Property taxes are typically due April 15 and October 15 each year. Check with the county assessor for specific due dates for the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Alaska offers various tax credits including senior citizen and veteran credits. Most credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Sitka County Assessor's Office for current available credits and application requirements.

Q: Is there a homestead credit and how does it work? A: Check with your county assessor for available homestead-type credits. In Alaska, such credits may limit assessment increases rather than reduce market value, and typically require annual or periodic filing to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Contact the Sitka County Assessor's Office for the current assessment schedule and revaluation cycle for your area.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the county tax collector for specific penalty rates and procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Sitka County website or contact the tax collector's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection or water service. These taxes appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by district boundaries.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Sitka County Assessor's Office for the appeal process, deadlines, and required documentation to challenge your property's assessed value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
Economic Trends in Public Lands Countiesnyecountynv.gov
02
County
Property Detail - Columbia Countycolumbia.floridatax.us
03
The City & Borough of Sitka Alaska - homeusgs.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax, Local Government Online ...commerce.alaska.gov
05
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
06
Public Law 106-113govinfo.gov
07
1 9 / 8 6 4 0 Oakleg.gov
08
3047 SSA SB 323 - SB 353akleg.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate