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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Skagway County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Skagway 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
Uniform municipal rate applied countywide, generally lower than national average (exact rate varies annually)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Skagway County, Alaska operates under a unique property tax system that serves as a primary funding mechanism for local government services, including municipal operations, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety. As part of Alaska's borough system, Skagway functions as both a city and borough, collecting property taxes to support essential community services in this historic gateway community along the Alaska Marine Highway.

Property tax rates in Skagway County are applied uniformly across the municipality, as required by Alaska state law (AS 29.45.090). The effective tax rate is generally lower than the national average, reflecting Alaska's overall tax structure. Property owners should note that while the base municipal rate applies countywide, actual tax obligations may vary based on the specific services and improvements available in different areas of the borough.

Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real property, with the municipality following Alaska state guidelines for assessment and taxation procedures under AS 29.45.010-600. The system provides funding for critical services including emergency response, road maintenance, waste management, and administrative functions essential to the community's operation as a major cruise ship destination and transportation hub.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Municipal Base LevyContact Borough OfficeGeneral municipal services, administration, public safety
School District LevyContact Borough OfficeEducational services and facilities
Special AssessmentsVaries by DistrictInfrastructure improvements, utilities, special services

Note: Specific tax rates for the current fiscal year are not publicly available in standardized databases. Property owners should contact the Municipality of Skagway Borough directly at (907) 983-2297 for current levy rates and fiscal year information. Rates are set annually during the budget process and may include voter-approved bond measures or special assessments for capital improvements.

Rate Variations: While Alaska law requires uniform rates within the municipality (AS 29.45.090), different areas may be subject to varying special assessments based on services provided, such as enhanced snow removal, water/sewer districts, or improvement districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Skagway 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 Skagway County are triggered by specific property changes that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. The most common triggers include ownership transfers, new construction completion, additions to existing structures, or significant improvements that increase property value.

When a supplemental tax situation occurs, the Borough Assessor calculates the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to this difference. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year from the date the change became effective.

Example: If a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in January and the municipal tax rate is 8 mills ($8 per $1,000 assessed value), the supplemental tax would be approximately $400 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $8) prorated for the remaining months of the fiscal year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event and should contact the Borough office for specific calculation details.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Contact Borough for available credits
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Annual Tax: Contact Borough for current rate calculation
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Contact Borough for available credits
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Annual Tax: Contact Borough for current rate calculation
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Contact Borough for available credits
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Annual Tax: Contact Borough for current rate calculation
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Note: Specific calculations require current mill rates from the Municipality of Skagway Borough. Most tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Borough Assessor at (907) 983-2297 for precise calculations based on current rates and available credit programs.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Property owners with mortgages typically have property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their lenders. Mortgage companies estimate annual tax obligations and collect monthly payments as part of the total housing payment (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance - PITI). The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and makes tax payments directly to Skagway County when taxes become due.

Skagway County property taxes are generally due in two installments: April 1st and September 1st annually. Lenders typically make payments before these due dates to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has current contact information for the Municipality of Skagway Borough and confirm that payments are being made timely.

Annual escrow analysis statements from lenders show the projected tax obligations and any adjustments needed to maintain adequate account balances. Property owners experiencing significant assessment changes, new construction, or tax credit applications should notify their mortgage servicer promptly to ensure proper escrow adjustments. For properties without escrow accounts, owners are responsible for making direct payments to the Borough by the established due dates.

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 Skagway County? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments: April 1st and September 1st. Contact the Municipality of Skagway Borough at (907) 983-2297 to confirm specific due dates for the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Tax credit availability varies and most require separate application - they are not automatically applied. Contact the Borough Assessor's office for information about current credit programs, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines specific to your situation.

Q: Is there a homestead credit available in Skagway County? A: Alaska municipalities may offer various property tax relief programs. Contact the Borough office directly to inquire about homestead or other residential tax credits, application requirements, and filing deadlines. These programs typically require annual application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Contact the Borough Assessor's office at (907) 983-2297 for information about the assessment schedule and methodology used in Skagway County. Assessment practices vary among Alaska municipalities.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal. Contact the Municipality of Skagway Borough for specific appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation. Appeal rights and procedures are governed by Alaska state law.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to delinquent property taxes. Contact the Borough office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures applicable to overdue accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Municipality of Skagway Borough at (907) 983-2297 or visit their website to inquire about available payment methods, including online payment options and accepted forms of payment.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: While Alaska law requires uniform tax rates within municipalities, special assessments may apply for specific services or improvements in certain areas. Contact the Borough office to determine if your property is subject to any special district assessments or improvement district charges.

Q: Where can I get current tax rate information? A: For the most current tax rates, mill levies, and fiscal year information, contact the Municipality of Skagway Borough directly at (907) 983-2297 or visit their municipal offices at 700 Spring Street, Skagway, AK 99840.

Q: What happens if I make improvements to my property? A: Property improvements may trigger reassessment and potentially supplemental taxes. Contact the Borough Assessor's office before beginning major improvements to understand the potential tax implications and reporting requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
The cost of living in Alaskalive.laborstats.alaska.gov
02
State
STATE OF ALASKA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSaws.state.ak.us
03
FEDERAL REGISTER INDEX January–November 2024federalregister.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax, Local Government Online, Division ...commerce.alaska.gov
05
State
State of Alaskaalaska.gov
06
678akleg.gov
07
1 9 / 8 6 4 0 Oakleg.gov
08
State
Alaska LNG Environmental Impact Statementferc.gov
09
supplemental Report.indb - Alaska Department of Commerce ...commerce.alaska.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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