Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Crenshaw County

In Crensilver County, property taxes are levied on the market value of real‑estate, personal property attached to the land, and certain improvements. The process begins each year with a **census** conducted by the Crenshaw County Property Appraiser’s Office. The appraiser determines the “**assessed value**,” which is generally 100 % of the fair market value for residential properties and 40 % for commercial/industrial parcels. Once the assessed value is finalized, the county applies the applicable **millage rates** to calculate the tax bill.

A “mill” is one‑tenth of a cent, or $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. Crenshaw County’s total millage rate is the sum of the following components:

• Crenshaw County School District – approximately 150 mills
• County Government (roads, law enforcement, etc.) – about 25 mills
• City or town of residence – varies, typically 10‑30 mills
• Special districts (e.g., fire, water, sewer) – as applicable

The final tax bill is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the combined millage rate and then dividing by 1,000. For example, a home assessed at $120,000 with a total millage rate of 200 mills would owe ($120,000 × 200) ÷ 1,000 = $24,000 × 0.20 = $2,400 in property taxes for that year.

Available Exemptions

Alabama law provides several exemptions that directly reduce the assessed value before millage rates are applied. In Crenshaw County, eligible owners can claim one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption – Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $3,000. Additional $1,000 reductions are available for owners aged 65 or older, or for persons with a permanent disability.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – An extra $1,000 reduction for owners 65 or older who meet income thresholds (typically $25,000 or less household income).
• Disability Exemption – Qualifying individuals with a medically documented permanent disability receive a $1,000 reduction, stackable with the senior exemption.
• Veteran Exemption – Honorably discharged veterans (or surviving spouses) receive a $3,000 reduction; veterans with a service‑connected disability receive an additional $1,000.

All exemptions must be filed with the Crenshaw County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the tax year. Supporting documentation (e.g., age proof, disability certification, DD‑214) is required for verification.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Crenshaw County follows the state‑wide fiscal calendar. Property taxes are due in two installments:

• First installment – Due November 1; a 10 % discount is offered if payment is made by October 15.
• Second installment – Due March 1 of the following year; a 5 % discount applies if paid by February 15.

Taxpayers may also enroll in a quarterly payment plan through the County Treasurer’s Office, which spreads the liability over four equal payments (January, April, July, October). Late payment after the March 1 deadline incurs a 1 % monthly interest charge plus a $25 administrative penalty. Persistent delinquency can result in a tax lien, tax sale, or foreclosure.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal:

• Step 1 – Notice of Protest – File a written protest with the Crenshaw County Board of Revision before the deadline shown on your assessment notice (usually May 1).
• Step 2 – Supporting Evidence – Submit comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or photographs that demonstrate a lower market value.
• Step 3 – Hearing – The Board of Revision will hold a public hearing within 30 days of receiving your protest. You may present your case in person or via a qualified representative.
• Step 4 – Decision – The Board issues a written decision, typically within 15 days of the hearing. If the decision is unfavorable, you may appeal further to the Alabama State Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days.

Promptly filing a protest and providing thorough documentation greatly increases the likelihood of a favorable adjustment. For detailed forms and deadlines, visit the Crenshaw County Property Appraiser’s website or contact the office directly.