Search Colbert County Property Tax Records

Colbert County property tax records are kept by the Revenue Commissioner in Tuscumbia. Located in northwest Alabama along the Tennessee River, this county includes the Shoals area known for music history and industry.

Colbert County Revenue Commissioner

Tommy L. Oswalt serves as Revenue Commissioner for Colbert 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 tags and business personal property.

The Revenue Commissioner office is in the Colbert County Courthouse in Tuscumbia. The county uses Assurance Gov software for property records, which provides online access. Staff know the local market including riverfront property along the Tennessee River. Colbert County is part of the Shoals area, which includes Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia.

How to Search Colbert County Property Tax Records

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

The Assurance Gov portal 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 view building info and tax history for properties across Colbert County.

To search Colbert County property records:

• Go to colbertproperty.assurancegov.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 Tuscumbia. Staff can look up any property and print records. They are familiar with riverfront and Shoals area property values in Colbert County.

Colbert County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Colbert County vary by location. The state charges 6.5 mills. Colbert County adds its own rate. Cities like Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, and Sheffield add municipal millage. School taxes vary too.

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 $200,000 has an assessed value of $20,000. Taxes are based on that figure in Colbert County.

Typical millage components:

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

Colbert County property taxes are low compared to national averages. 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 taxes affordable.

Property Assessment in Colbert County

The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in Colbert 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 Colbert County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. River property and Shoals area homes get extra attention due to their unique values. 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 protects owners from big jumps. The Shoals area has seen growth, so the cap helps longtime residents in Colbert County.

Paying Property Taxes in Colbert County

Property taxes in Colbert 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.

Colbert County offers several payment methods. Online payment through Assurance Gov 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 colbertproperty.assurancegov.com
• 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. Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help in Colbert County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Colbert County

Colbert County offers exemptions to reduce tax bills. 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 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 helps farmers and timber owners. Land is taxed on productive value, not sale potential. This saves money on agricultural property in Colbert County.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Colbert 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

The board meets in spring. They can adjust values. Most appeals with good evidence succeed in Colbert County.

Related Property Records in Colbert 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.

Colbert County has GIS mapping for parcels. The maps show boundaries, river frontage, and flood zones. This helps with understanding riverfront property.

Other property offices:

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

The Tennessee River runs through Colbert County. Wilson Dam and Pickwick Lake are nearby. If buying riverfront property, check TVA rules, flood zones, and dock permits.

Cities in Colbert County

Colbert County has several cities that make up the Shoals area. All property taxes go through the county Revenue Commissioner.

Communities include Tuscumbia (county seat), Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Cherokee, and Leighton. Muscle Shoals has about 15,000 residents and is famous for its music recording studios. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Colbert County office.

Nearby Counties

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