REAL ESTATE PROPERTY FACTS
Property taxes are due October 1 of each year
1. Taxes are collected one year in "Arrears" - or, as the title of property stood as of October 1 of previous year.
2. Courtesy tax notices are usually mailed before October 1 due date. Notices are mailed to the property owner so that all information can be verified. Owner needs to mail copy of notice to Mortgage Company if they have escrow.
3. If you received a tax notice "In Care" of you, the previous owner held title as of October 1 of previous year. Your name will be listed first on next year's notice. If you purchased property in the middle of tax year, contact closing attorney as to how your closing was handled and who is responsible for taxes. Taxes are not pro-rated. Total amount of taxes must be received before account can be posted.
4. Real Estate taxes become delinquent January 1. Interest accrues at 1% per month. Additional delinquent charges are added after January 1. If your mortgage company has paid taxes and you receive a delinquent notice. Contact mortgage company, verify parcel ID number and amounts they show as paid. Verify with collection office payment being received and posted.
5. Refunds - If an overpayment was made the refund is to the original payer of taxes.
WHEN YOU BUY PROPERTY
Step 1. Record your deed in the Probate Office. Many new property owners often rely on the title company, real estate agent, or other representative to properly record their deed and assess their property. However, the final responsibility is still yours, as the owner, to see that all the necessary steps have been taken.
Step 2. File an assessment return with the Property Assessment Division. Present your recorded deed for assistance in completing your assessment return. This can be done in Opelika or Smiths Station.
- Do this promptly after recording your deed to avoid the crowds. Due to increased customer traffic, do not wait until Oct. 1 - Dec. 31 to file your Property Assessment.
- Failure to file an Assessment Return with the Property Assessment Division can generate a statutory penalty.
- Claim any exemption(s) due you at the same time you file your Assessment Return. If you are permanently and totally disabled, or if you are 65 or older and your primary residence is in Lee County, please contact this office for information regarding additional homestead exemption entitlement. You may review the various homestead exemptions available by clicking on the link below.
Available Homestead Exemptions
Step 3. Contact The Tax Collection Division to make sure taxes are current.
- On real property (land & improvements), the buyer can be held liable for any unpaid taxes.
- The buyer is liable for the entire year's taxes, even if that person bought the property during the year and taxes were prorated with the seller at the time of closing.
- You are responsible for taxes on all property owned, regardless of how the tax bill is listed.
Step 4. Mail a copy of the Assessment Return to your mortgage company if it has agreed to pay your taxes. The Property Assessment Division also has a form letter stating estimated taxes. Ask for it if necessary for your mortgage company.
Step 5. Report any change of address to P.O. Box 999, Opelika, AL 36803.
Step 6. Property Taxes are due Oct. 1 of each year and become delinquent Jan. 1. Make payment of tax bill to Oline W. Price, Revenue Commissioner.
Brief History of Parcel Mapping in Alabama
