Search Choctaw County Property Tax Records

Choctaw County property tax records are managed by the Revenue Commissioner in Butler. This rural southwest Alabama county along the Mississippi border has some of the lowest property taxes in the state.

Choctaw County Revenue Commissioner

David Sparrow serves as Revenue Commissioner for Choctaw County. His office handles property tax assessments, collections, and exemptions. Staff help with property searches, payments, and questions. The office also manages vehicle tags and business personal property filings.

The Revenue Commissioner office is in the Choctaw County Courthouse in Butler. This small office serves a rural county with lots of timberland. Staff know the area well and can help with current use questions and forest land assessments. One unique feature of Choctaw County is that they allow installment payment plans for property taxes, which is not common elsewhere in Alabama.

How to Search Choctaw County Property Tax Records

You can search property tax records in Choctaw County online or in person. The online system provides basic information. In-person visits work better for detailed questions or certified copies.

The county portal at alproptax.com lets you search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Results show assessed values and tax amounts. For full property details, you may need to call or visit. The office keeps records for all parcels in Choctaw County including timberland and rural tracts.

To search Choctaw County property records:

• Go to alproptax.com
• Select Choctaw County
• Enter owner name, address, or parcel ID
• View results

For in-person searches, visit the Revenue Commissioner at the courthouse. The office is small but the staff are helpful. Bring whatever property info you have. They can explain timber assessments, current use, and other matters specific to rural land in Choctaw County.

Choctaw County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Choctaw County are very low. The state charges 6.5 mills. Choctaw County adds a modest amount. Cities like Butler add millage if you are inside city limits. The total is among the lowest in Alabama.

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 rural home worth $80,000 has an assessed value of $8,000. Taxes are based on that small figure in Choctaw County.

Typical millage components:

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

Choctaw County has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. The median bill is just a couple hundred dollars a year. Under Code of Alabama Section 40-8-1, property is valued at market rate, but values are low and the class system reduces the taxable amount further.

Property Assessment in Choctaw County

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

Alabama requires a four-year reappraisal cycle. Each year, about 25% of Choctaw County parcels get reviewed. Much of the county is timberland, which gets valued based on forest productivity if enrolled in current use. The county sends notices when assessments change.

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 provides stability though values in rural Choctaw County rarely see big jumps anyway. The cap does not apply to new construction.

Paying Property Taxes in Choctaw County

Property taxes in Choctaw County are due October 1 and become delinquent after December 31. Interest starts at 1% per month after that. The county mails bills in fall. Check online or call if yours does not arrive.

Choctaw County offers a unique installment payment option that many other Alabama counties do not. You can pay in portions over time instead of all at once. Contact the Revenue Commissioner for details on this plan.

Payment options:

• Online at alproptax.com
• In person at the courthouse
• By mail with check
• Installment plan (contact office)

The installment option helps landowners with large tracts spread out payments. If you own hundreds of acres of timber, breaking up the payment can be easier on cash flow. Ask about this when you pay in Choctaw County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Choctaw County

Choctaw County offers exemptions to reduce taxes. The homestead exemption is most common. It lowers county taxes on your primary residence. 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. 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 is very important in Choctaw County. Most of the land is timber. Under current use, forest land gets taxed on timber production value, not what it could sell for. This is a big savings on large tracts. Apply with proof of timber management.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Choctaw County

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

Under Code of Alabama Section 40-3-24, you have appeal rights. Gather evidence: sales of similar land, timber appraisals, 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. Appeals are not common in Choctaw County since values are already low, but you have the right if needed.

Related Property Records in Choctaw County

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

Choctaw County has basic GIS mapping. The county is rural with large parcels. Maps show boundaries but may be less detailed than in more developed counties.

Other property offices:

• Probate Court: deeds, mortgages, ownership
• GIS: parcel maps
• Forestry: timber management
• Planning: zoning

If buying timber land, check for existing cutting contracts, current use enrollment, and access easements. The Tombigbee River runs through the county and affects some parcels.

Cities in Choctaw County

Choctaw County has a few small towns. All property taxes go through the county Revenue Commissioner.

Communities include Butler (county seat), Gilbertown, Lisman, Needham, Pennington, Silas, and Toxey. Butler is the largest with about 1,800 residents. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Choctaw County office.

Nearby Counties

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