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, 2021 to September 30, 2022.  Only sales or listing information during this timeframe can be considered.

NOTE: If the assessment has doubled, this may be an assessment issue and the owner may contact the assessment department. If there appear to be factual errors, such as land or building size, building removed, etc owner may contact the appraisal department. 

Protest forms are available on our website during the 30 day protest period and may be filed online, or downloaded.  Protests 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 18, 2023
FINAL APPEAL DATE:  May 18, 2023

Supporting information should be submitted at the time the protest is filed.                                                                           

You may submit your appeal online, or by email, or by mail.

Phone: (251) 937-0245                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Mailing Address:
BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
PO BOX 1389
BAY MINETTE, AL 36507

Decisions by the Board of Equalization must be based upon evidence presented to it at a hearing.  Therefore, you need to provide supporting documents such as pictures showing the condition of the property, appraisals, other recent sales of property or other similar documentation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• You are always welcome to call the Baldwin Revenue office to have answered any questions you have about your valuation notice, however, if you wish to protest the valuation of your property you must file the protest by the final appeal date.  If your assessment has doubled from the previous year this may be an assessment issue and you may contact the Assessment Dept., or if there appears to be factual errors in the description of the property assessed (land or building size, building removed, etc.) you may contact the Appraisal Dept.
• Helpful information may be recent purchase of property, appraisal or comparable sales, photographs, surveys, etc. that document specific issues of your property.
• Three years of income and expense data for commercial properties.
• For personal property include asset list and depreciation schedule.

We do NOT take protests over the phone. The protest must be in writing and signed by the property owner or their representative.  However, our staff is available to help with questions. 

 

Property owners should submit supporting information at the time of filing the protest. A County appraiser will review the information and will contact you by phone or email for an Informal Interview. If the protest 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 2023 Values and Estimated Taxes and available for public inspection beginning April 18, 2023.

Notices were mailed to all property owners except those that have the "senior freeze" exemption. Property owners should confirm that we have their correct mailing address. Address changes can be made online or by contacting the Assessment Department. Valuations can be found on our website and are searchable by PPIN and Owners Name. 

NOTE: A public notice was published in the local papers in April giving notice that the valuations were completed and information on how to protest.

Although there will be no scheduled meetings with County appraisers, several attempts will be made by phone and/or email to contact the property owner prior to scheduling the protest 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.