Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Skagway County

In Skagway County, property taxes are based on the assessed “fair market value” of each parcel of real and personal property. The Skagway County Assessor Office conducts an annual assessment, typically in the spring, using comparable sales, replacement cost, and income‑approach methods where appropriate. Once the assessed value is determined, the county applies its millage rate—a figure expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value—to calculate the tax bill.

For the 2024 tax year, Skagway County’s combined millage rate (including city, school, and special district levies) is 12.4 mills, or $12.40 per $1,000 of assessed value. Residential properties are taxed at the full rate, while certain commercial and industrial properties may be subject to additional or reduced millage depending on local ordinances.

Available Exemptions

Alaska offers several statutory exemptions that can lower your taxable value. Eligibility is determined by the Alaska Department of Revenue and the Skagway County Assessor.

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by up to $50,000. To qualify, the owner must occupy the property as their principal dwelling and file a homestead claim with the county.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents aged 65 or older may receive an additional reduction of $30,000 in assessed value, provided their income does not exceed the state‑defined threshold.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified individuals with a permanent disability can claim a $25,000 reduction. Documentation from a licensed medical professional is required.
• Veteran Exemption: Certified veterans (and, in some cases, surviving spouses) may subtract $20,000 from the assessed value of their primary residence. Service‑connected disability may qualify for a larger exemption.

All exemptions must be applied for in writing by the filing deadline, usually October 1 of the assessment year, and are subject to annual recertification.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Skagway County issues two standard payment installments each fiscal year:

• First Installment: Due October 1. Covers 50 % of the total tax bill.
• Second Installment: Due March 1 of the following year. Covers the remaining 50 %.

Taxpayers may also elect a four‑quarter plan, paying 25 % of the bill on October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1. All payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at the County Treasurer’s Office.

Late payments incur a penalty of 1 % of the overdue amount per month, plus interest at the state‑mandated rate of 5 % per annum. Failure to pay by the final deadline (July 1) may result in a tax lien, wage garnishment, or property foreclosure.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to appeal.

• Step 1 – Review: Obtain a copy of the assessment notice and compare it with recent sales of similar properties.
• Step 2 – File an Appeal: Submit a written appeal to the Skagway County Assessment Review Board within 30 days of the notice date. Include supporting documentation such as appraisal reports, photographs, or sales data.
• Step 3 – Hearing: The board will schedule a hearing, typically within 60 days of filing. You may present evidence in person or via certified mail.
• Step 4 – Decision: The board issues a written decision. If you disagree with the outcome, you may further appeal to the Alaska State Tax Court within 30 days of the board’s ruling.

Timely, well‑documented appeals often result in a reduction of assessed value, which directly lowers your tax liability.