Chambers County Property Tax Search

Chambers County property tax records are kept by the Revenue Commissioner in Lafayette. Located on the Georgia border, this county is seeing growth from the Kia automotive plant in nearby West Point.

Chambers County Revenue Commissioner

Elizabeth T. Abney serves as Revenue Commissioner for Chambers County. Her office handles property tax assessments, collections, and exemptions. Staff can help with property searches, tax payments, and questions about values. They also manage vehicle tags and business personal property.

The Revenue Commissioner office is in the Chambers County Courthouse in Lafayette. You can visit in person or use the online portal for most tasks. The county uses Ingenuity software for property records, which lets you search and pay from home. Staff are helpful and can explain the process if you have questions about property taxes in Chambers County.

How to Search Chambers County Property Tax Records

You can search property tax records in Chambers County online or in person. The online portal is free and works anytime. Most people use it for quick lookups. Visit in person for certified copies or complex questions.

The Ingenuity portal lets you search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Results show assessed values, tax amounts, and property details like building info and lot size. Maps show parcel boundaries. This covers all real property in Chambers County.

To search Chambers County property records:

• Go to ingproperty.com/Chambers_Revenue
• Enter owner name, address, or parcel ID
• Click Search
• Select a property for full details

For in-person searches, visit the Revenue Commissioner at the courthouse. Staff can look up any property and print records. Bring whatever info you have. They can help with exemptions, appeals, and payments too in Chambers County.

Chambers County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Chambers County depend on location. The state charges 6.5 mills. Chambers County adds its own rate. Cities like Lafayette, Valley, and Lanett add municipal millage. School districts vary across the county.

Alabama uses three classes for assessment. Homes are Class III at 10% of market value. Commercial is Class II at 20%. Utilities are Class I at 30%. A $180,000 home has an assessed value of $18,000. Taxes are based on that lower figure in Chambers County.

Typical millage components:

• State: 6.5 mills
• County general: varies
• County schools: varies
• City: if inside city limits

Chambers County property taxes are affordable. The median bill for a home is a few hundred dollars a year. Under Code of Alabama Section 40-8-1, property is valued at market rate, but the class system keeps taxes low.

Property Assessment in Chambers County

The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in Chambers County. The lien date is October 1. Your property value on that date sets the tax for the next year. Changes affect the following year's bill.

Alabama law requires a four-year reappraisal cycle. Each year, about 25% of Chambers County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. When your area comes up, values might change. The county sends notices when assessments rise.

How assessment works:

• Appraisers determine fair market value
• Multiply by class rate (10%, 20%, or 30%)
• Result is assessed value
• Apply millage for tax amount

Starting in 2025, Alabama caps annual increases at 7% for existing property. This helps owners avoid big jumps. Chambers County has seen growth from the Kia plant, so the cap provides stability. New construction is not covered.

Paying Property Taxes in Chambers County

Property taxes in Chambers County are due October 1. You have until December 31 to pay without penalty. After that, interest starts at 1% per month. The county mails bills in fall. Check online if yours does not arrive.

Chambers County offers several payment options. Online payment through the Ingenuity portal accepts cards and e-checks. In-person payments work at the courthouse. Mail a check with your tax stub if you prefer.

Payment options:

• Online at ingproperty.com/Chambers_Revenue
• In person at the courthouse
• By mail with check
• Drop box at the courthouse

Miss the deadline and interest accrues. After years of non-payment, the county can sell your property at tax sale. Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help with a payment plan in Chambers County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Chambers County

Chambers County residents can apply for exemptions to lower taxes. The homestead exemption is most common. It reduces county taxes on your primary home. Apply at the Revenue Commissioner office before December 31.

Seniors 65 and over get extra relief under Code of Alabama Section 40-9-19. Disabled persons and veterans with 100% disability also qualify. Bring documentation.

Available exemptions:

• Homestead: for owner-occupied residence
• Senior (65+): additional relief
• Disability: for total disability
• Veteran: for 100% service-connected disability
• Current use: for farm and timber land

Current use valuation helps farmers and timber owners. Land is taxed on productive value, not development potential. This saves money on large rural tracts in Chambers County.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Chambers County

If your property value seems wrong, you can appeal. Start with the Revenue Commissioner. Many issues get resolved quickly. If not, file a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization.

Under Code of Alabama Section 40-3-24, you have the right to appeal. Gather evidence: comparable sales, an appraisal, or photos. Present your case at the hearing.

Appeal steps:

• Review your assessment notice
• Gather evidence
• Contact Revenue Commissioner first
• File written appeal if needed
• Attend Board of Equalization hearing

The board meets in spring. They can adjust values up or down. Most appeals with good evidence succeed. You can appeal to circuit court if you disagree, but that is rare in Chambers County.

Related Property Records in Chambers County

The Revenue Commissioner handles tax records. The Probate Court has deeds, mortgages, and liens. For title research, go there. Both offices are in the courthouse.

Chambers County has GIS mapping for parcel boundaries and aerials. The maps connect to tax data. This helps when you want to see a property and its boundaries.

Other property offices:

• Probate Court: deeds, mortgages, ownership
• GIS: parcel maps, aerials
• Building Department: permits
• Planning: zoning

Chambers County sits on West Point Lake, which straddles the Georgia border. Waterfront property has unique considerations. Check flood zones and lake regulations when buying.

Cities in Chambers County

Chambers County has several cities. All property taxes go through the county Revenue Commissioner. Cities add millage but do not handle assessment or collection.

Communities include Lafayette (county seat), Valley, Lanett, and Five Points. Valley is the largest with about 10,000 residents. Lanett sits right on the Georgia line. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Chambers County office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Chambers County. Each has its own tax office.