Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Covington County

In Covington County, Alabama, property taxes are levied by the County Probate Court based on the assessed value of real and personal property located within the county’s boundaries. The County Board of Revenue first determines the market value of each property, typically using recent sales data, replacement costs, and any applicable depreciation. This market value is then multiplied by a statewide assessment ratio—40 % for residential property and 15 % for commercial property—to produce the assessed value. The assessed value is finally multiplied by the local millage rate (mills per $1,000 of assessed value) to calculate the annual tax bill. For 2024, the combined millage rate for Covington County is approximately 30 mills, but individual municipalities, school districts, and special‑purpose districts may add additional mills, so the effective rate can vary from one parcel to another.

Available Exemptions

Alabama offers several exemptions that can reduce your taxable assessed value. If you qualify, these exemptions are applied before the millage rate is used, directly lowering your tax bill.

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $500 of the assessed value for owners who occupy the property as their primary residence.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 or older may receive an additional $200 exemption, provided they meet income limits set by the state.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified individuals with a permanent disability can claim a $500 exemption on the assessed value of their homestead.
• Veteran Exemption: Disabled veterans (or surviving spouses) are eligible for a $500 exemption; totally disabled veterans may receive a full exemption of the assessed value on the homestead.

All exemptions must be applied for through the Covington County Probate Court, and supporting documentation (e.g., age verification, disability certification, DD‑214 for veterans) is required.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Covington County follows the state‑mandated fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. Property tax bills are mailed in early August, and the county offers two primary payment options:

• Full Payment: Pay the entire amount by the first of December to avoid any interest.
• Installment Plan: Half of the bill is due by December 1; the remaining balance is due by March 1. Both installments must be paid on time to avoid penalties.

Late payments incur a penalty of 5 % of the unpaid balance, plus interest at the statutory rate of 2 % per annum. Properties with delinquent taxes may be subject to a tax lien and, ultimately, tax foreclosure after a series of notices and hearings.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, Covington County provides a formal appeals process through the County Board of Revenue. Follow these steps to file an appeal:

• File a written protest with the Board of Revenue within 30 days of the date the assessment notice was mailed.
• Include supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or evidence of physical defects.
• Attend the scheduled hearing, where you may present your case in person or through a qualified representative.
• If the Board’s decision is unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the Alabama Board of Revenue within 30 days of the Board’s final order.

Timely and well‑documented appeals can result in a reduced assessed value and significant savings on your property tax bill.