Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Lake And Peninsula Borough County

Lake And Peninsula Borough (LAPB) assesses property values each year to determine the tax base for every parcel located within the borough’s 33,000‑square‑mile jurisdiction. The assessment is performed by the Lake And Peninsula Borough Assessor’s Office, which uses a combination of market data, comparable sales, and, when necessary, income‑approach valuations for unique properties such as fishing cabins or seasonal homes.

Once the market value is determined, the Assessor applies the borough’s assessment ratio—generally 100% for real property—to arrive at the taxable value. This taxable value is then multiplied by the applicable millage rate (mills per $1,000 of assessed value). In LAPB, the most recent millage rates are:

• General Fund: 6.5 mills
• Education Fund: 3.2 mills
• Public Safety Fund: 1.8 mills
• Special Districts (e.g., water, sewer): Varies by district

The combined countywide rate typically falls between 11 and 13 mills, but individual property owners may see higher or lower totals depending on the special district levies that apply to their parcel.

Available Exemptions

LAPB follows statewide Alaska exemption statutes, which can significantly reduce the taxable value of qualifying properties. The most common exemptions include:

• Homestead Exemption – Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by up to $50,000. The owner must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for at least six months per year.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Residents aged 65 or older may receive an additional $10,000 reduction, provided they meet income thresholds established by the Alaska Department of Revenue.
• Disability Exemption – Persons with a qualifying disability may claim a $10,000 reduction. Documentation from a licensed medical professional is required.
• Veteran Exemption – Honorable veterans, or surviving spouses of deceased veterans, can receive a $15,000 reduction. Proof of service and discharge papers must be filed with the borough assessor.

All exemption applications are due by **March 1** of the tax year and must be submitted to the Lake And Peninsula Borough Assessor’s Office. Failure to file on time forfeits the exemption for that year.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in LAPB are billed in two instalments. The first instalment, covering 50% of the total tax liability, is due **July 15**. The second instalment is due **December 15**. Property owners may also opt for a single‑payment plan by the July deadline, receiving a 2% discount on the total amount due.

Payments can be made online via the borough’s e‑Tax portal, by mail using the accompanying voucher, or in person at the borough’s Finance Division office. Accepted forms of payment include ACH, credit/debit cards, and certified checks.

Late payment consequences:

• Interest of **5% per annum** accrues on unpaid balances after December 31.
• A $25 delinquency penalty is assessed for each missed instalment.
• Continued non‑payment may result in a tax lien, foreclosure, or tax deed sale under Alaska law.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process in Lake And Peninsula Borough follows these steps:

• File a Notice of Appeal with the Lake And Peninsula Borough Board of Assessment Appeals within **30 days** of the assessment notice date.
• Gather Supporting Evidence – Recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, or photographs that demonstrate discrepancies.
• Schedule a Hearing – The board will set a public hearing, typically within 60 days of filing.
• Present Your Case – Both the property owner and the assessor may present evidence. The board will render a decision, which is final unless appealed to the Alaska State Court within 15 days of the board’s written ruling.

All appeals are free of charge, but the burden of proof rests with the property owner. For detailed forms and procedural guidelines, visit the Lake And Peninsula Borough Assessment Appeals page or contact the assessor’s office directly.