Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Winston County

In Winston County, property taxes are based on the “assessed value” of each real‑estate parcel, not the market sale price. The County’s Board of Assessors determines this value each year by applying a uniform assessment ratio (currently 10 %) to the property’s fair market value as established by recent sales, appraisals, and comparable data. For example, a home with an estimated market value of $150,000 would be assessed at $15,000.

The assessed value is then multiplied by the applicable “millage rate.” One mill represents one‑tenth of a cent per dollar of assessed value (or $1 per $1,000). Winston County’s total millage rate typically ranges from 15 to 18 mills, depending on the mix of county, city, school‑district, and special‑district levies. As of the 2024‑2025 tax year, the combined rate is 16.75 mills (0.01675), which means a property assessed at $15,000 would owe $251.25 in tax ($15,000 × 0.01675).

Available Exemptions

Alabama law provides several exemptions that can lower your taxable assessed value. In Winston County you may qualify for one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $3,000. You must occupy the property as your principal dwelling and file a homestead exemption claim with the county assessor.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners age 65 or older may receive an additional $3,000 reduction if their annual household income does not exceed $30,000 (adjusted periodically).
• Disability Exemption: Qualifying persons with a permanent physical or mental disability can claim a $3,000 exemption, provided they meet the state’s definition and submit required medical documentation.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorable‑discharged veterans (or their surviving spouses) who served at least 90 days of active duty are eligible for a $6,000 exemption. Disabled veterans receive an extra $3,000 on top of the standard veteran credit.

Exemptions are applied before the millage rate is calculated, so they directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. All exemption applications must be filed by March 1 of the tax year and renewed annually.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Winston County collects property tax in two installments:

• First Installment: Due November 15. This payment covers the majority of the fiscal year and is the larger of the two payments (generally 60 % of the total tax).
• Second Installment: Due February 1 of the following year. This is the remaining 40 % balance.

If you prefer a single payment, you may pay the full amount by the November 15 deadline and avoid the second installment. Late payments incur a 10 % penalty plus 0.5 % interest per month on the overdue balance. Persistent delinquency can lead to a tax lien, foreclosure proceedings, or the loss of the property’s certificate of title.

Appealing Your Assessment

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

• File a Petition: Submit a written petition to the Winston County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.
• Documentation: Include recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or evidence of physical defects that affect value.
• Hearing: The Board will schedule a public hearing, usually within 60 days of the petition. You may present your case in person or via a qualified representative.
• Decision: The Board issues a written decision within 15 days of the hearing. If the decision is unfavorable, you may further appeal to the Alabama Appellate Tax Board.

Timely action and thorough documentation are essential to a successful appeal, so gather evidence promptly and consider consulting a local property tax professional.