Guide to Property Assessors Offices - Alabama

Look to Alabama property assessors offices to determine your property's value
By Tai G.

Property assessors in Alabama are responsible for estimating a property's value. That figure is then used to calculate the amount of property tax an owner must pay. Additionally, Alabama property assessors must maintain records of real estate sales and continually reappraise properties to reflect fair market value.

If you are an Alabama property owner interested in property values, you need to contact your county's assessor of property in Alabama. You may also find additional services and resources available at the county office, including assessors maps, property ownership information and taxation information. Alabama property assessments are open to the public. You might want to view property assessment records in order to:

1. Confirm the price brackets of properties in a certain area that you are interested in.

2. Find out your Alabama property values if you're interested in selling or refinancing.

3. Determine the amount of Alabama property tax you owe.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of property assessors offices in Alabama that maintain online databases Many counties in Alabama maintain an online presence, and a number of those also provide searchable property records for the public. This way, you can avoid constant trips to the assessor's office every time you need information on a property. If your county assessor's office does not provide public records online, try other websites. You may have to subscribe for this information; but if real estate is your business, it will be worth the small fee.

I recommend: The State of Alabama offers a state map with links to its counties so you can access assessors offices with websites. LoopNet offers property values based on past sales. US Search provides a comprehensive property report that includes property values in Alabama, ownership information and sales history.

Consider the Alabama property value appeals process if you have concerns If you receive an Alabama property tax assessment you disagree with, you can appeal. In Alabama, the appeals process varies from county to county. Appeals are made via the county assessor's office or the county's board of equalization. Contact your assessor's office for assistance.

I recommend: You can download the forms you need to start the appeals process from the Alabama Department of Revenue's website, including the Board of Equalization's market value form. You can also get a list of assessment procedures. Domania is an online real estate resource that has property tax estimators and a property valuation tool.

Get a second opinion on your Alabama property assessment Before you appeal the results of your assessment, you may consider getting a second opinion. This is where an independent appraiser comes into the picture. An appraiser will not only reevaluate your property, he'll also provide you with the necessary paperwork you'll need to submit to your assessor's office in the event you decide to pursue an appeal.

I recommend: Baker Valuation is committed to surveying and maintaining thorough, accurate market data using established appraisal methodologies: the cost, sales comparison and income capitalization approaches. American Business Appraisers has valued billions of dollars worth of businesses. For more Alabama appraisers, try the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

There are sometimes tax exemptions available for certain properties and businesses; for instance, non-profits are tax-exempt. Check with your Alabama property assessor to see whether your small business qualifies for a tax exemption.