Access Covington County Property Tax Records

Covington County property tax records are managed by the Revenue Commissioner in Andalusia. This south Alabama county borders Florida and features the Conecuh River and extensive pine forests.

Covington County Revenue Commissioner

George L. Patterson Jr. serves as Revenue Commissioner for Covington 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 Covington County Courthouse in Andalusia. The county uses ALTAGS software for property records, which provides online access. Staff understand timber and agricultural assessments since much of the county is rural. Andalusia has a nice downtown and the famous Three Notch Museum.

How to Search Covington County Property Tax Records

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

The ALTAGS portal lets you search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Results show assessed values, tax amounts, and property details. You can view your bill and pay online. The system covers all parcels in Covington County.

To search Covington County property records:

• Go to altags.com/covington_revenue
• 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 Andalusia. Staff can look up any property and print records. They know timber assessments and can explain current use valuation in Covington County.

Covington County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Covington County are low. The state charges 6.5 mills. Covington County adds its own rate. Cities like Andalusia, Opp, and Red Level add municipal millage. School taxes vary by district.

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 $150,000 has an assessed value of $15,000. Taxes are based on that figure in Covington County.

Typical millage components:

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

Covington 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 taxes low.

Property Assessment in Covington County

The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in Covington 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 Covington County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. Timber land is assessed 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. The cap does not apply to new construction in Covington County.

Paying Property Taxes in Covington County

Property taxes in Covington 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.

Covington County offers several payment methods. Online payment through ALTAGS 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 altags.com/covington_revenue
• 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 Covington County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Covington County

Covington 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.

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 Covington County. Timber and farm land get taxed based on productive value, not sale potential. This saves money on large rural tracts. Apply with proof of agricultural use.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Covington 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 Covington County.

Related Property Records in Covington 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.

Covington County has GIS mapping for parcels. The maps show boundaries across the county.

Other property offices:

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

Covington County borders Florida. If buying property near the state line, verify you know which state and county the land is in.

Cities in Covington County

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

Communities include Andalusia (county seat), Opp, Red Level, Florala, and Lockhart. Andalusia has about 8,500 residents. Florala sits right on the Florida border. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Covington County office.

Nearby Counties

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