Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Mobile County

In Mobile County, property taxes are based on the assessed value of real and personal property located within the county’s jurisdiction. Each year, the Mobile County Property Appraiser’s Office determines the “fair cash value” of a property, which reflects its market value as of January 1st of the assessment year. This value is then multiplied by the statutory assessment ratio (typically 10 % for residential property) to derive the taxable assessed value.

Once the assessed value is established, the tax bill is calculated by applying the combined millage rate for all taxing entities that serve the property. A millage rate is expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. In Mobile County, the primary components include:

• Mobile County General Fund (school district, sheriff, etc.)
• Municipal or city millage (if the property lies within a city limits)
• Special district rates (e.g., water, sewer, fire protection)
• State levies such as the Alabama Education Property Tax

For example, if a home’s assessed value is $200,000 and the total combined millage rate is 15 mills (0.015), the annual tax liability would be $200,000 × 0.015 ÷ 1,000 = $3,000. Millage rates are reviewed annually by each taxing authority, so they can fluctuate from year to year.

Available Exemptions

Alabama offers several property‑tax exemptions that can reduce the taxable portion of your assessment. Eligibility is determined at the state level, but the Mobile County Property Appraiser processes the applications.

• Homestead Exemption: Homeowners who occupy the property as their primary residence may qualify for a $3,000 reduction in assessed value.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 or older can receive an additional $2,500 reduction if they meet income requirements (generally $30,000 or less in annual adjusted gross income).
• Disability Exemption: Persons with a qualifying permanent disability may obtain a $3,000 reduction, provided they meet state‑defined criteria.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorable‑discharged veterans (or surviving spouses) who served at least 90 days of active duty are eligible for a $3,000 exemption; disabled veterans can qualify for a larger exemption based on the degree of disability.

Applications for these exemptions must be filed with the Mobile County Property Appraiser by March 31 of the tax year. Supporting documentation—such as proof of age, disability certification, or military discharge papers—is required.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Mobile County property taxes are payable in two installments:

• First Installment: Due November 1 of the tax year; a 15 % discount is offered for payments made on or before this date.
• Second Installment: Due March 1 of the following calendar year; the full amount is due at this time, with a 5 % penalty applied after the due date.

If either installment is not paid by the respective deadline, a 12 % annual interest charge accrues on the delinquent balance, compounded monthly. Continued non‑payment can lead to a tax lien, foreclosure proceedings, and possible loss of the property.

Taxpayers may also elect to pay the full annual amount at any time before the second deadline, thereby avoiding the second‑installment penalty.

Appealing Your Assessment

Property owners who believe their assessed value is inaccurate have the right to appeal. The process in Mobile County follows these steps:

• Notice of Appeal: File a written appeal with the Mobile County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice.
• Documentation: Gather evidence such as recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, or photographs that support a lower market value.
• Hearing: Attend a public hearing before the Board, where you may present your evidence and answer questions.
• Decision: The Board issues a written determination within 30 days of the hearing. If unsatisfied, you may further appeal to the Alabama Board of Tax Review.

Timeliness and thorough documentation are critical; late or incomplete appeals are usually denied. For detailed guidance, consult the Mobile County Property Appraiser’s website or contact the Board of Equalization directly.