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.

Appraised values are based on sales of properties in your neighborhood. The valuation date is October 1, 2019 so only sales or listing information prior to that date can be considered.

Appeal forms are available on our website during the 30 day appeal period and may be filed online, or downloaded.  Appeals must include:  PPIN and Parcel Number, contact phone number, email address if available, and must be filed within 30 days of the Notice Date.
NOTICE DATE:   April 29, 2020
FINAL APPEAL DATE:  May 29, 2020

Supporting information should be submitted at the time the appeal is filed.                                                                                      You may submit your appeal online, or by email, fax, or mail. 

Link to email address:  Property Appeal                                                                                                                                                   Fax 251-580-1680                                                                                                                                                                                         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.

There will be no in-person meetings with appraisers as in years past.  Property owners should submit supporting information at the time of filing the appeal.  A County appraiser will review the information and will contact you by phone or email for an Informal Interview.  If the appeal is still unresolved, an appointment will be scheduled with the Board of Equalization at the Revenue Commission office in Bay Minette.  Appointments with the Board of Equalization cannot be rescheduled; however, there will be a make-up day at the end of the scheduled appointments.

Yes, the website will be updated with 2020 Values and Estimated Taxes and available for public inspection beginning April 29, 2020.

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.

Although there will be no in-person scheduled meetings with County appraisers, several attempts will be made by phone and/or email to contact the property owner prior to scheduling the appeal for an appointment with the Board of Equalization.  We will NOT be rescheduling Board of Equalization hearings. However, there will be a makeup day, at the end of the scheduled appointments, with the Board of Equalization.

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 in October.