Clay County Property Tax Search

Clay County property tax records are managed by the Revenue Commissioner in Ashland. This east-central Alabama county has some of the lowest property tax rates in the entire nation, with an effective rate around 0.28%.

Clay County Revenue Commissioner

Ronald Robertson serves as Revenue Commissioner for Clay County. His office handles all property tax assessments, collections, and exemptions. Staff help with property searches, payments, and questions about values. The office also manages vehicle registrations and business personal property.

The Revenue Commissioner office is in the Clay County Courthouse in downtown Ashland. Clay County is notable for having among the lowest property tax rates in the United States. The county uses Delta Computer Systems for property records, which provides online access to parcel data. Staff are helpful and can explain how the low-tax system works.

How to Search Clay County Property Tax Records

You can search property tax records in Clay County online or in person. The online portal provides basic property information. For detailed questions or certified copies, visit the Revenue Commissioner office.

The Delta Computer Systems portal lets you search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Results show assessed values, tax amounts, and property basics. The system is straightforward and covers all parcels in the county.

To search Clay County property records:

• Go to deltacomputersystems.com/AL/AL17
• Enter owner name, address, or parcel ID
• View results
• Click for more details

For in-person help, visit the courthouse in Ashland. Staff can look up any property and print records. They can also explain the county's low tax rates and how they affect your bill in Clay County.

Clay County Property Tax Rates

Clay County has some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. The effective rate is around 0.28%, far below the national average of about 1.1%. This makes Clay County very attractive for property owners looking to minimize tax burden.

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 home worth $100,000 has an assessed value of just $10,000. Then Clay County's low millage is applied to that small amount.

Typical millage components:

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

A home worth $150,000 might pay only $400 to $500 a year in total property taxes. Under Code of Alabama Section 40-8-1, property is valued at market rate, but Clay County's historically low millage rates keep bills tiny.

Property Assessment in Clay County

The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in Clay 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 Clay County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. 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 Clay County's low millage for tax amount

Starting in 2025, Alabama caps annual increases at 7% for existing property. This adds protection, though Clay County values have been historically stable. The cap does not apply to new construction.

Paying Property Taxes in Clay County

Property taxes in Clay 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.

Even though the bills are low, you still need to pay on time. Clay County accepts several payment methods. Online payment through Delta Computer Systems may be available. In-person payments work at the courthouse. Mail a check with your tax stub if you prefer.

Payment options:

• Online (check county portal)
• In person at the courthouse
• By mail with check
• Drop box at courthouse

If you miss the deadline, interest adds up. After years of non-payment, the county can sell your property at tax sale. Even with low bills, stay current on payments in Clay County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Clay County

Clay County offers exemptions that can lower your already-low tax bill further. The homestead exemption is most common. It reduces 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. With Clay County's low rates, qualified seniors may pay almost nothing. Disabled persons and veterans with 100% disability also qualify.

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 sale potential. This adds savings on top of already-low rates in Clay County.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Clay 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, 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

Appeals are not common in Clay County since taxes are already so low. But you have the right if your valuation seems incorrect.

Related Property Records in Clay 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.

Clay County has basic GIS mapping. The rural county has large parcels and fewer details than urban counties.

Other property offices:

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

Talladega National Forest covers part of Clay County. If buying near forest land, check for access easements and federal boundaries.

Cities in Clay County

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

Communities include Ashland (county seat), Lineville, and Delta. Ashland has about 1,800 residents. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Clay County office.

Nearby Counties

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