As a homeowner, one thing you’ll have to deal with every year is property taxes. But it can be tricky trying to figure out your tax responsibilities when the rates vary from location to location and fluctuate with the market.

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Alabama

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Property tax 101

Here is what you’ll need to know if this is your first time paying property taxes:

Property taxes are assigned by your local government in order to receive funding for public works and community services, such as libraries, fire safety, and more

Local tax assessors determine your property taxes by assigning tax rates based on a local tax rate and market values

Property taxes will apply to what is considered to be real property—homes, land, and buildings

Local budgets and market conditions can cause property taxes to change frequently

Essentially, property taxes are how local governments choose to collect revenue from residents who have put down roots within the community.

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What is the property tax rate in Jefferson County?

The average tax rate in Jefferson County, Alabama is 0.58% of assessed home values—rising above the state average of 0.33%. Based on this rate, Jefferson County residents can expect to pay an average of $802 in property taxes per year.

The

Jefferson County website

has a more in-depth breakdown of the proposed tax rates for 2022.

How Jefferson County property taxes are determined

Property in Jefferson County is situated in multiple taxing districts spanning city, county, and school district levels.

Each of the local governments located within the county set an annual budget for themselves and updates their taxes to match, and a county auditor determines each district’s new tax rate.

Unlike property taxes, the value of your property itself is decided by

your local tax assessor

based on the fair market value of the property. If you believe the value of your property was incorrectly calculated, you have the option to

appeal the assessment

at your local office.

Be sure you check to see if you qualify for any exemptions or tax reductions under Alabama law!

What do Jefferson County property taxes pay for?

The revenue generated from property tax collection is used to fund a variety of public works, such as:

Public libraries

Public health

Public housing

K-12 and community education

Building safety

Roads and highways

Transportation

Regional sewer system

Mosquito control

Watershed management

Museums

Law enforcement

If you’re not happy with how your tax dollars are being used, keep an eye out for the next budget meeting so you can make your voice heard and have your chance to influence local budget decisions.

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How to pay property taxes in Jefferson County

Jefferson County property taxes are due every year on October 1 and are considered to be delinquent if payment is not received by December 31.

There are a few convenient options available for Jefferson County residents to pay their property taxes. You can decide between paying online, by mail, or in person.

Online: Visit the citizen portal on the Jefferson County website to pay your property taxes online.

By mail: You can choose to mail your property tax payment to one of two offices: the office of the tax collector in Birmingham, or the office of the assistant tax collector in Bessemer.

In person: If you decide to pay in person, visit the tax collector's office at Room 160 Courthouse, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203.

MORE:

Alabama car insurance laws

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