Access Cherokee County Property Tax Records

Cherokee County property tax records are managed by the Revenue Commissioner in Centre. This scenic northeast Alabama county includes Weiss Lake, known as the "Crappie Capital of the World."

Cherokee County Revenue Commissioner

Dustin St. Clair serves as Revenue Commissioner for Cherokee County. His office handles all property tax assessments, collections, and exemptions. Staff help with searches, payments, and questions. They also process vehicle tags and business personal property.

The Revenue Commissioner office is in the Cherokee County Courthouse in Centre. You can visit in person or use the online portal. The county uses a system through countygovservices.com for property searches and payments. Staff are familiar with lake property questions since Weiss Lake draws many buyers to Cherokee County.

How to Search Cherokee County Property Tax Records

You can search property tax records in Cherokee County online or in person. The online portal is free and easy to use. Most people start there for basic lookups. In-person visits work better for certified copies or detailed questions.

The county portal at cherokeeproperty.countygovservices.com lets you search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Results show assessed values, tax amounts, and property details. Maps show parcel locations and boundaries. You can also pay taxes online through the same system.

To search Cherokee County property records:

• Go to cherokeeproperty.countygovservices.com
• Enter owner name, address, or parcel ID
• Click Search
• Select a property for details

For in-person help, visit the Revenue Commissioner at the courthouse. Staff can look up any property and print records. If you are researching lake property, they can explain how waterfront assessments work in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Cherokee County vary by location. The state sets 6.5 mills. Cherokee County adds its own rate. Cities like Centre add municipal millage. School district rates vary too. Your total depends on your property location.

Alabama uses three assessment classes. Homes are Class III at 10% of market value. Commercial is Class II at 20%. Utilities are Class I at 30%. A lake home worth $250,000 has an assessed value of $25,000. Taxes are based on that figure in Cherokee County.

Typical millage components:

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

Cherokee County has low property taxes. The median bill is a few hundred dollars for a typical home. Lake property may be higher due to waterfront values. Under Code of Alabama Section 40-8-1, property is valued at market rate, but the class system keeps taxes affordable.

Property Assessment in Cherokee County

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

Alabama requires a four-year reappraisal cycle. Each year, about 25% of Cherokee County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. Lake homes may get more attention due to their higher values. The county mails notices when assessments rise.

How assessment works:

• Appraisers set 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 lake property owners avoid big jumps when values spike. Weiss Lake property has been in demand, so the cap provides stability in Cherokee County.

Paying Property Taxes in Cherokee County

Property taxes in Cherokee County are due October 1 and become delinquent January 1. Interest starts at 1% per month after that. The county mails bills in fall. Check online if yours does not arrive.

Cherokee County offers several payment methods. Online payment through the county 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 cherokeeproperty.countygovservices.com
• In person at the courthouse
• By mail with check
• Drop box at the courthouse

Many lake property owners live out of state. Online payment makes it easy to pay from anywhere. If you miss the deadline, interest adds up. Contact the Revenue Commissioner about payment plans if needed in Cherokee County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Cherokee County

Cherokee County offers exemptions that can lower your tax bill. The homestead exemption is most common. It reduces county taxes on your primary residence. You must own and live there. Apply 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. The exemption must be for your primary home, not a vacation property.

Available exemptions:

• Homestead: for owner-occupied primary 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 what it could sell for. This is important for rural land away from the lake in Cherokee County.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Cherokee County

If you think your property value is 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: sales of similar properties, an appraisal, or photos. Lake property appeals should compare similar waterfront lots.

Appeal steps:

• Review your assessment notice
• Research comparable sales
• Contact Revenue Commissioner first
• File written appeal if needed
• Attend Board of Equalization hearing

The board meets in spring. They can adjust values. Most appeals with good evidence succeed. If you disagree, you can appeal to circuit court, but that is rare in Cherokee County.

Related Property Records in Cherokee County

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

Cherokee County has GIS mapping for parcels. The maps show boundaries, aerials, and flood zones. This is helpful for lake property where water levels and shorelines matter.

Other property offices:

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

If you are buying on Weiss Lake, check dock permits, shoreline restrictions, and flood insurance requirements. The TVA manages the lake and has rules about structures. These records are separate from tax records but important for lake property in Cherokee County.

Cities in Cherokee County

Cherokee County has several small cities. All property taxes go through the county Revenue Commissioner. Cities may add millage but do not handle assessment.

Communities include Centre (county seat), Cedar Bluff, Leesburg, Sand Rock, and Gaylesville. Centre is the largest with about 3,500 residents. Much of the lakefront is unincorporated. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Cherokee County office.

Nearby Counties

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