Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Calhoun County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Calhoun County

In Calhoun County, Alabama, property tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of your real‑estate by the applicable millage rate. The county assessor first determines the market value of a property—what it would sell for on the open market. This market value is then reduced by a statewide uniform assessment ratio of 10 %, producing the taxable value. For example, a home with a market value of $200,000 would have a taxable value of $20,000 (200,000 × 0.10).

The taxable value is multiplied by the combined millage rate—expressed in mills, where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value. Calhoun County’s general‑purpose millage rate for 2024 is 12.5 mills, while the city of Anniston adds 6.3 mills, and the school district contributes another 15.2 mills. The total combined rate can therefore range from about 27 to 34 mills, depending on the specific municipal and special‑district boundaries that apply to a property.

To calculate your annual tax bill, use the formula:

• Tax Bill = Taxable Value × (Combined Millage Rate ÷ 1,000)

Applying the example above with a combined rate of 30 mills: $20,000 × (30 ÷ 1,000) = $600 yearly tax liability.

Available Exemptions

Alabama offers several exemptions that can reduce your taxable value before the millage rate is applied. Calhoun County residents may qualify for the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces taxable value by $2,500 for owner‑occupied primary residences.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 + may receive an additional $1,000 reduction, plus a $500 disability credit if they have a qualifying impairment.
• Disability Exemption: A $500 credit is available to any qualified disabled person, regardless of age.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorable veterans who served on active duty receive a $500 credit; disabled veterans may qualify for the full $2,500 homestead reduction in addition to the disability credit.

To claim an exemption, file an Application for Property Tax Exemption with the Calhoun County Assessor’s Office before the March 31 filing deadline. Supporting documentation—such as proof of age, disability, or veteran status—must accompany the application.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Calhoun County are due in two installments:

• First Installment: Due October 1. The amount is half of the total tax bill, rounded up to the nearest dollar.
• Second Installment: Due March 1 of the following year. This is the remaining balance.

Both installments may be paid online through the Calhoun County Treasury website, by mail, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office. If you prefer a single annual payment, you can pay the full amount by September 15 without incurring any discount or surcharge.

Late payments are subject to a 10 % penalty plus $5 per month of delinquency. Continued non‑payment may result in a tax lien, property foreclosure, and additional court costs. To avoid these consequences, contact the Treasurer’s Office immediately if you anticipate difficulty meeting a deadline; a payment plan may be arranged on a case‑by‑case basis.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to appeal the valuation to the Calhoun County Board of Equalization. Follow these steps:

• Step 1 – Review the Notice: You will receive an Assessment Notice in April. Check the market value and any applied exemptions.
• Step 2 – File a Petition: Submit a written petition to the Board of Equalization within 30 days of the notice date. Include supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or photographs demonstrating condition issues.
• Step 3 – Attend a Hearing: The Board will schedule a hearing, typically within 60 days of receiving your petition. Bring all documentation and be prepared to answer questions.
• Step 4 – Receive a Decision: The Board will issue a written decision. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the Alabama Court of Appeals within 30 days of the Board’s decision.

Remember, the burden of proof rests with the property owner, so detailed, verifiable evidence is essential for a successful appeal.