Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Escambia County

Escambia County follows Alabama’s statewide methodology for determining property taxes. Each year the County Property Appraiser evaluates every taxable parcel and assigns a **market value** based on comparable sales, improvements, and the condition of the land. This market value is then reduced by any applicable exemptions (see the next section) to arrive at the **assessed value**.

The tax bill is calculated by applying the county’s **millage rate** to the assessed value. A millage rate represents the amount of tax payable per $1,000 of assessed value. In Escambia County the total millage is a combination of:

• Escambia County levy (road, law enforcement, schools, etc.)
• Municipal or city levies (if the property lies within a city boundary)
• Special district levies (e.g., fire, water, or library districts)

For example, if the combined millage rate is 35 mills (or $35 per $1,000) and your home’s assessed value after exemptions is $120,000, the tax due would be:

($120,000 ÷ 1,000) × 35 = $4,200.

All rates are set annually by the County Commission, city councils, and special district boards, and are published on the Escambia County website before the tax year begins.

Available Exemptions

Alabama offers several statutory exemptions that can lower your assessed value and, consequently, your tax bill. In Escambia County you may qualify for one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption – $5,000 reduction for a property that serves as the owner’s primary residence.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Residents age 65 or older receive a $5,000 exemption; those 70+ may obtain an additional $10,000 if income limits are met.
• Disability Exemption – A $5,000 reduction for owners who are permanently and totally disabled, with proof of eligibility.
• Veteran Exemption – Active‑duty and honorably discharged veterans may claim a $5,000 exemption; disabled veterans may qualify for up to $10,000.

Exemptions are applied automatically for certain groups (e.g., senior citizens) when the Property Appraiser receives proper documentation. Others require a completed application and supporting evidence to be filed by the deadline indicated on your annual assessment notice.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Escambia County property taxes are payable in two installments:

• First installment: Due on **November 1**. Payments made after this date incur a 10% penalty on the overdue amount.
• Second installment: Due on **December 31**. The same 10% penalty applies to late payments, and interest accrues at the state‑mandated rate.

Property owners may choose to pay the full amount at once, or split the balance between the two due dates. Payments can be made online through the Escambia County Tax Collector’s portal, by mail, or in person at the County Tax Collector’s Office. Be sure to reference your account number on all payments to avoid misapplication.

Failure to pay both installments by the December 31 deadline may result in a tax lien, potential foreclosure, and additional collection costs. The County also offers a limited **payment‑plan option** for qualified homeowners experiencing financial hardship; applications must be submitted before the second installment due date.

Appealing Your Assessment

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

• File a formal appeal with the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s Office within **30 days** of the assessment notice date.
• Submit a **written statement** outlining the reasons for the appeal, accompanied by supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or photographs showing property condition.
• The Appraiser will schedule a **hearing** before the Board of Equalization. You may attend in person or, in many cases, submit a written brief for the record.
• After review, the Board issues a decision in writing. If you remain dissatisfied, you may pursue further appeal to the **Alabama Tax Tribunal** within the timeframe indicated in the Board’s decision.

Promptly addressing concerns and providing clear documentation greatly increases the likelihood of a successful adjustment. For detailed forms and additional guidance, visit the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s website or contact the office directly.