Shelby County, Alabama, property tax rates are relatively low compared to the rest of the country with the median tax rate being 0.47%. At this rate a home worth the median value of $193,000 would be charged $905 in property taxes.

Property taxes are just one of the many expenses that come with owning a home. Whether you are a new homeowner, have recently moved, or just want to learn more about your property taxes, you have come to the right place.

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Property tax 101

Property taxes are taxes charged on real estate as a way of collecting funding from the people who put down roots in a community. Property taxes are used by that community to fund public works and community services within the county and municipality.

Some key things to note about property taxes:

They are applied to real property rather than income. Meaning they are charged based on the value of the land, house, business, etc.

Some states also charge personal property taxes, which are taxes on high-value possessions like vehicles, boats, livestock, and farm equipment

Property taxes are based on the fair market value which is determined by the local tax assessor

Since they are based on market value, property taxes change frequently depending on the market and on local tax rates

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What is the property tax rate in Shelby County?

The median tax rate in Shelby County is 0.47% of a home’s assessed value which would amount to $905 paid if you had a home worth the median value of $193,000.

Shelby County tax rates fall far below the national average of 1.1%, but are a little bit higher than the state average for Alabama which is 0.33%

How Shelby County property taxes are determined

Calculating property tax starts at the local assessor's office. Every few years the assessor will assign an assessed value to your property based on the current market trends.

Assessed values are determined based on what your property would sell for if it were on the market and neither party had pressure to buy/sell.

The assessed value is then multiplied by the assessment ratio for the property. The assessment ratio for residential properties in Alabama is 10%, This gives you the taxable value of your property.

Tax rates from here depend on where your property is located. Tax rates are based on millage, which is a way for different government bodies and organizations to collect money from the tax pool. These bodies will propose a millage, where 1 represents $1 per $1000 depending on their needs, and voted upon limitations. Your property tax rate will then be the sum of all applicable tax levies in your area multiplied by your adjusted assessed value.

There are a couple of exemptions available in Shelby County to help reduce property tax rates. You can apply for a homestead exemption if you own a single-family home and use it as a primary residence. Homestead exemptions reduce the taxable value of your property by up to $4000 for state levies, and $2000 for county levies.

Senior citizens (defined as people aged 65 or older) can apply for a senior citizens exemption if they meet certain income requirements. This exemption can further reduce the assessed value of your home.

What do Shelby County property taxes pay for?

Shelby County property taxes are mostly used for local-level initiatives. A portion of the taxes goes to a state-level tax pool, but the majority stays within the county or municipality.

Taxes are used to fund community works and services such as:

Public schools

Law enforcement

Fire safety

Garbage collection

Public health

Public spaces like libraries, parks, and museums

Transportation

Watershed and sewage system management

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How to pay taxes in Shelby County

The tax year in Shelby County runs from October 1 to September 30, meaning taxes are due by October 1 each year for the prior tax year. After October 1 taxes are considered delinquent and the remaining money is added to your property as a lien.

There are three ways to submit your property taxes in Shelby County:

Online: You can pay your taxes online through the

Shelby County website

By mail: Tax payments can be mailed through the US postal service addressed to: Don Armstrong, Property Tax Commissioner PO Box 1298, Columbiana, AL 35051

In-person: Property taxes can also be paid in person by visiting the Shelby County tax collector’s office at 102 Depot Street Columbiana, Alabama, 35051

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FAQs

When are property taxes due in Shelby County?

Shelby County property taxes are due by October 1st.

Are property taxes high in Shelby County?

With a median tax rate of 0.47% Shelby County property tax rates are quite low compared to the national average of 1.1%. However, Alabama is a low tax state, so Shelby County tax rates are actually a bit higher than the state average of 0.33%.

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