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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wrangell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wrangell 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 location within county due to special taxing districts beyond base county levy
1st Due
Oct 31
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wrangell County's property tax system serves as a crucial funding mechanism for local government services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and administrative operations. With a budgeted expenditure of $14 million for FY24 and economic output of $433.2 million in 2022, property taxes help bridge the gap alongside other revenue sources like the $985.3K PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) payment that covers 7% of the county's budget.

Property owners in Wrangell County can expect varying tax rates depending on their specific location within the county, as additional special taxing districts may apply beyond the base county levy. The county has experienced positive economic indicators recently, with a 7.2% GDP increase from 2020-2022 and home values rising 5.7% from October 2023 to October 2024, which may impact future assessed valuations and corresponding tax obligations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County RateTBD*General county operations and services
Special DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional assessments for specific geographic areas
School DistrictTBD*Educational services and facilities
Fire/EMS DistrictsVaries by locationEmergency services for specific areas

*The 2025 property tax rates for Wrangell County are not yet publicly available. Property owners should check the county assessor's website or contact the assessor's office directly for current levy year rates, as these typically vary by special taxing districts within the county boundaries.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wrangell County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Oct 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Alaska are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor recalculates the property tax based on the new assessed value and applies it proportionally for the remaining portion of the fiscal year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in December and the county's effective tax rate is 1.5%, they would owe supplemental taxes of approximately $750 ($50,000 × 1.5%) prorated for the remaining months of the fiscal year. These supplemental bills are issued separately from the annual property tax bill and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizen Exemption (if applicable): -$150,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at 1% rate): $1,500
  • Monthly Payment: $125

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Citizen Exemption (if applicable): -$150,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $450,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at 1% rate): $4,500
  • Monthly Payment: $375

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior Citizen Exemption (if applicable): -$150,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $850,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at 1% rate): $8,500
  • Monthly Payment: $708

*Note: The senior citizen exemption requires application and is available only to qualifying residents age 65 and older for their primary residence.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wrangell County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes, divide by 12, and collect this amount with your monthly mortgage payment. The servicer typically pays your property tax bill directly to the county by the October 31 deadline.

Lenders usually maintain a cushion in your escrow account (typically 2-3 months of taxes) and conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time and review annual escrow statements for accuracy, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using an escrow account.

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 Wrangell County? A: Property taxes are typically due October 31 each year for State Fiscal Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30).

Q: What tax credits are available to property owners? A: Alaska provides a mandatory senior citizen exemption for the first $150,000 of assessed value for primary residences of qualifying residents age 65 and older. This exemption requires application and is not automatic.

Q: How do I apply for the senior citizen exemption? A: Contact the Wrangell County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines. Applications must be submitted annually and require proof of age and primary residency.

Q: How often are properties assessed? A: Assessment schedules vary by county in Alaska. Contact the county assessor's office for specific revaluation cycles and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates vary by jurisdiction. Contact the county tax collector for specific penalty schedules and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by county. Check the Wrangell County website or contact the tax collector's office for available electronic payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection or road maintenance to defined geographic areas. These taxes appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by location within the county.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners have the right to appeal their assessments. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 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
Agency Rule List - Spring 2025reginfo.gov
03
The cost of living in Alaskalive.laborstats.alaska.gov
04
State
STATE OF ALASKA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSaws.state.ak.us
05
State
State of Alaskaalaska.gov
06
1 9 / 8 6 4 0 Oakleg.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions in Alaska, Local Government ...commerce.alaska.gov
08
PETERSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ...cityofhomer-ak.gov
09
8 8 8 6 7 2 4473 HCRA HB 314 - HB 318akleg.gov
10
PETITION FOR INCORPORATION OF A CITY AND ...commerce.alaska.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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