Key Takeaways
- Alabama property taxes are due October 1 and must be paid by December 31 to avoid penalties.
- Late payment triggers a 12% annual interest rate (1% per month) — a $2,000 bill could cost $240+ in extra interest after one year.
- Most counties accept online, mail, and in-person payments — credit cards usually carry a 2-3% fee.
- If you have a mortgage with escrow, verify your lender actually pays on your behalf each year.
- New homeowners should confirm who is responsible for the October–December taxes after a mid-year closing.
When Are Alabama Property Taxes Due?
If you own property in Alabama, understanding payment deadlines is critical to avoiding costly penalties. Here is everything you need to know about property tax due dates across all 67 Alabama counties.
The Standard Alabama Property Tax Calendar
Alabama follows a consistent statewide calendar for property taxes:
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| December 31 | Last day to pay without penalty |
| January 1 | Taxes become delinquent |
| After January 1 | Interest and penalties begin accruing |
What Happens If You Pay Late?
Missing the December 31 deadline triggers significant penalties:
- 12% annual interest rate (1% per month)
- Additional collection fees may apply
- Tax lien on your property after extended delinquency
- Tax sale as the ultimate consequence
A $2,000 tax bill paid one year late could cost you an extra $240 or more in interest alone.
County Revenue Commission Hours
Most Alabama County Revenue Commissions are open Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, hours vary by county. During peak payment season (October through December), some offices extend hours or open on select Saturdays.
Pro tip: Call your county Revenue Commission in early December to confirm holiday closures and extended hours.
Payment Methods by County
Most Alabama counties offer multiple payment options:
In-Person: Cash, check, money order at the Revenue Commission office
By Mail: Check or money order (postmarked by December 31)
Online: Credit/debit card or e-check (convenience fees typically apply)
Note: Online payment fees typically range from 2-3% for credit cards or $1-3 flat fee for e-checks.
Escrow Accounts: The Easy Option
If you have a mortgage, your lender likely offers escrow services. With escrow:
- Property taxes are included in your monthly mortgage payment
- Your lender pays taxes on your behalf before the deadline
- You never have to worry about missing a due date
Check your mortgage statement or contact your lender to confirm your escrow arrangement.
Special Situations
New Homeowners: If you purchased your home mid-year, property taxes may have been prorated at closing. Verify with your title company who is responsible for the October-December taxes.
Seniors and Disabled: Some exemptions affect when and how much you pay, but due dates remain the same. Always pay on time, even while appealing or awaiting exemption approval.
Multiple Properties: Each property has its own tax bill. If you own land, rental properties, or a vacation home, ensure you are tracking all deadlines.
Set Your Reminders Now
We recommend setting these calendar reminders:
- September 15: Check your county website for tax bill availability
- October 1: Review your tax bill for accuracy
- December 15: Final reminder to pay before deadline
- December 31: Last day to pay without penalty
Calculate Your Expected Bill
Before the October bills arrive, use our free Alabama property tax calculator to estimate what you will owe. This helps you budget appropriately and catch any assessment errors early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all 67 Alabama counties have the same due dates?
Yes. The October 1 due date and December 31 penalty-free deadline are standard across all Alabama counties. However, some counties may have slight variations in when they mail bills or how they handle grace periods. Always verify with your specific county Revenue Commission.
Can I set up automatic payments for my property taxes?
Some Alabama counties offer online payment systems where you can pay electronically, but true automatic recurring payments are not universally available. If you have an escrow account through your mortgage, that functions as automatic payment. Check your county's website for available options.
What if I mail my payment and it arrives after December 31?
In most Alabama counties, payments must be received (not just postmarked) by December 31. To be safe, mail your payment well before the deadline. If timing is tight, consider paying online or in person to ensure it is processed before the cutoff.
Questions You Should Be Asking
A trusted advisor doesn't just answer your questions — they help you discover the ones you haven't thought to ask yet.
If I'm in a dispute with the county over my assessment, should I still pay the full amount by December 31?
Yes, absolutely. In Alabama, you should pay the tax amount shown on your bill by the deadline, even while your appeal is pending. If your appeal is successful, you will receive a refund or credit for the overpayment. Failing to pay while disputing will result in penalties and interest that are not forgiven even if you win the appeal.
I own multiple properties in different counties — is there a way to consolidate payments?
Unfortunately, no. Each county administers its own property tax independently. You must track and pay each county separately. Consider creating a simple spreadsheet with each property's county, parcel number, due dates, and payment method to stay organized.
Try Our Free Calculator
Get instant property tax and closing cost estimates for any Alabama county.
Calculate Now