Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Franklin County

Franklin County calculates property taxes by first determining the market value of each parcel of real estate. The County’s Assessing Office conducts a systematic appraisal every three years, using comparable sales, building costs, and land characteristics to arrive at a fair market value. This value is then multiplied by the county’s tax “ratio” (usually 100%) to produce the taxable assessed value.

Once the assessed value is set, the tax bill is computed by applying the cumulative millage rate. A mill represents one‑tenth of one percent (0.001). In 2024, the combined millage for Franklin County includes:

• Franklin County General Fund – 20 mills
• School District (Franklin County Schools) – 35 mills
• City or town levies (e.g., Smithson, Russellville) – varies, typically 5‑10 mills
• Special districts (water, fire, road) – 2‑4 mills

The total millage usually ranges from 60 to 75 mills, meaning you multiply the assessed value by 0.060 – 0.075 to determine the annual tax liability. Your property tax estimator uses these formulas to generate an accurate projection based on the latest assessment data.

Available Exemptions

Alabama offers several exemptions that can reduce the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. Eligibility must be confirmed each year through the County’s exemption application.

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $750 of the assessed value for owner‑occupied primary residences. Requires proof of ownership and occupancy.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents aged 65 or older may receive an additional $500 exemption, plus a possible “Senior Tax Deferral” on the balance due.
• Disability Exemption: Qualifies a homeowner with a permanent physical or mental disability for a $500 exemption.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorable discharge veterans (and some surviving spouses) receive $500 per qualifying veteran, with an extra $500 for those permanently disabled.

These exemptions are cumulative, but the total reduction cannot exceed the assessed value of the property. Submitting the proper documentation to the Franklin County Tax Assessor before March 1 ensures the exemptions are reflected on your tax bill.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Franklin County follows the statewide “two‑installment” schedule, though many taxpayers opt for a single payment to avoid interest.

• First installment – October 1: 50 % of the total tax due.
• Second installment – December 15: Remaining 50 %.
• One‑time payment – November 1: Pay the full amount and receive a 2 % discount (when offered by the County Treasurer).

Payments may be made online, by mail, or in person at the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office. Late payments incur a 10 % penalty on the overdue portion, plus interest at the statutory rate of 5 % per annum. Continued delinquency can lead to a tax lien, foreclosure proceedings, and loss of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to contest it. The appeal process in Franklin County involves several clear steps:

• Review the notice: You will receive an Assessment Notice in April. Examine the details carefully.
• File a written protest: Submit a formal protest to the Franklin County Board of Assessors by the deadline (usually June 30). Include supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, or error corrections.
• Attend a hearing: The Board will schedule a hearing where you can present your case. Bring all documentation and be prepared to answer questions.
• Decision: The Board issues a written decision within 30 days. If unsatisfied, you may appeal to the Alabama Board of Revenue or file a lawsuit in circuit court.

Timeliness and thorough documentation are critical; missing the protest deadline generally results in loss of the right to contest that year’s assessment. Use the county’s online portal to track the status of your appeal and access required forms.