Find Property Tax Records in Clarke County

Clarke County property tax records are kept by the Revenue Commissioner in Grove Hill. This southwest Alabama county features extensive timberland and the Tombigbee River.

Clarke County Revenue Commissioner

Tyler Prescott, J.D. serves as Revenue Commissioner for Clarke County. His office handles all property tax assessments, collections, and exemptions. Staff help with searches, payments, and questions about values. The office also manages vehicle tags and business personal property.

The Revenue Commissioner office is in the Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill. This rural county has a lot of timberland, and staff are familiar with forest assessments and current use valuations. The county uses a system through countygovservices.com for online property searches and payments.

How to Search Clarke County Property Tax Records

You can search property tax records in Clarke County online or in person. The online portal is free and available anytime. For certified copies or detailed questions, visit the office.

The county portal at clarkeproperty.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. You can also pay taxes online through the system.

To search Clarke County property records:

• Go to clarkeproperty.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 in Grove Hill. Staff can look up any property and print records. They are knowledgeable about timber assessments and can explain current use valuation in Clarke County.

Clarke County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Clarke County are low. The state charges 6.5 mills. Clarke County adds its own rate. Cities like Grove Hill, Thomasville, and Jackson add millage within their limits. School taxes also apply.

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 $120,000 has an assessed value of $12,000. Taxes are based on that figure in Clarke County.

Typical millage components:

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

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

Property Assessment in Clarke County

The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in Clarke 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 Clarke County parcels get reviewed. Much of the county is timberland, which is valued based on forestry 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 for landowners. Clarke County values are generally stable, but the cap adds protection in Clarke County.

Paying Property Taxes in Clarke County

Property taxes in Clarke 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 if yours does not arrive.

Clarke 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 clarkeproperty.countygovservices.com
• In person at the courthouse
• By mail with check
• Drop box at the courthouse

If you miss the deadline, interest adds up. After years of non-payment, the county can sell your property at tax sale. Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help in Clarke County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Clarke County

Clarke County offers exemptions to reduce tax bills. The homestead exemption is most common. It lowers county taxes on your primary home. 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 when you apply.

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 is important in Clarke County. Timber land gets taxed based on forestry production, not sale potential. This saves money on large tracts. Apply with proof of timber management.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Clarke 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: comparable sales, timber cruises, 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. Most appeals with good evidence succeed in Clarke County.

Related Property Records in Clarke 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.

Clarke County has GIS mapping for parcels. The maps show boundaries and can help with understanding large timber tracts.

Other property offices:

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

The Tombigbee River forms part of Clarke County's border. If buying riverside property, check for flood zones and navigation rights in addition to tax records.

Cities in Clarke County

Clarke County has several small cities. All property taxes go through the county Revenue Commissioner.

Communities include Grove Hill (county seat), Thomasville, Jackson, Coffeeville, and Fulton. Thomasville is the largest with about 3,800 residents. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Clarke County office.

Nearby Counties

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