In Alabama, the tax year is Oct. 1 - Sept. 30 and we pay property taxes a year in ARREARS. Alabama law provides that the tax bill due on Oct. 1 of any given year must be in the name of the owner whose name was on record for the property on October 1st the year before. (For example if you purchased property in January of this year, the tax bill you receive will still list the previous property owners name.)

All property appraisals are made in accordance with the requirements and standards of the State Department of Revenue and under its Supervision using the guidelines and procedures of the Alabama Appraisal Manual. Baldwin County has approximately 140,000 separate parcels that must be individually appraised for property tax purposes. Under "mass appraisal," methods and techniques differ from those of fee appraisers. Regardless of the method used, however, fair and reasonable market value is the objective.

Alabama law requires that all real estate in Baldwin County be reviewed, and updated if necessary at least once every four years. However, if certain indicators show that property values are not "equal," the State Department of Revenue and/or Federal Court can order another county-wide revaluation. The purpose of a county-wide revaluation program is to equalize the value base by valuing all properties as of the same date.

By the following Dec. 31. By doing so, you will avoid a 10% penalty imposed by law.

This office does not establish the property tax rate that actually determines how much you pay in taxes. The property taxes that we pay for schools, city and county services, etc., are based upon a tax levy (millage rates) set annually by the County Commission and the fourteen municipalities in the county. If the market value of your home remains constant -- and if tax levies remain constant -- so will your property taxes. If, however, there is a change (increase or decrease) in either the market value of your home or in the tax levy, your property taxes will change accordingly.

Of course. You can file a written appeal with the Baldwin County Board of Equalization. This is a relatively simple procedure. It costs you absolutely nothing to file. Just send your letter of appeal to my office and we will be happy to forward a Board of Equalization form to you at the appropriate time. The deadline for filing a written appeal is subject to change so please contact office for more info.

The Revenue Commissioner and members of his staff are available to meet with you personally to consider your concerns and to answer your questions. If it is inconvenient for you to meet with them, please Contact Us.

The appraised values are based on sales of properties in your neighborhood. The valuation date is October 1, 2018, so only sales or listing information prior to that date can be considered.

Your appeal must be in written form, must have a PPIN and Parcel Number, a contact phone number, email address if available, and must be filed within 30 days of the Notice Date.
NOTICE DATE:   April 24, 2019
FINAL APPEAL DATE:  May 24, 2019

Appeal forms are available at all Revenue Commission Offices (Bay Minette, Fairhope, Foley or Robertsdale). You may email, mail, or hand deliver your appeal to a Revenue Commission office. 

Link to Email Address: Property Appeal                                                                                                                                                 Mailing Address:
BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
PO BOX 1389
BAY MINETTE, AL 36507

We do NOT take appeals over the phone. The appeal must be in writing and signed by the property owner or their representative.

SEE “How do I appeal the appraised value?” ABOVE.

A property owner can send in relevant information supporting their appeal and request a review of that information by the appraiser, or request a phone conference with the appraiser.

Yes, the website will be updated with 2019 Values and Estimated Taxes for public inspection beginning April 24, 2019.

All property owners (other than those that have the HB-783 exemption) should receive a Valuation Notice by mail. If you did not receive a notice, you may call the Revenue Commission office to confirm your mailing address: 251-937-0245.

A Public Notice was published in the local papers in April, giving notice that the valuations were completed and information on how to appeal.

NOTE: We will NOT be rescheduling Informal Hearings or Board of Equalization hearings. However, there will be a makeup day, at the end of the scheduled appointments, with the Board of Equalization.

NOTE: Property owners should be aware that the Valuation Notice is NOT a tax bill and should not attempt to make payment. Property Tax Bills will be mailed October 1, 2019.