Search Cullman County Property Tax Records

Cullman County property tax records are managed by the Revenue Commissioner in the city of Cullman. This north-central Alabama county is known for its German heritage and includes Smith Lake, one of the state's clearest lakes.

Cullman County Revenue Commissioner

Barry Willingham serves as Revenue Commissioner for Cullman 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 Cullman County Courthouse. Cullman is one of the larger counties in north Alabama with a mix of suburban growth, farming, and lake property. Staff understand diverse property types from Smith Lake homes to poultry farms. The county uses a system through countygovservices.com for online property searches.

How to Search Cullman County Property Tax Records

You can search property tax records in Cullman County online or in person. The online portal is free and easy to use. Most people start there. For certified copies or complex questions, visit the office.

The county portal at cullmanproperty.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 including lake frontage. You can also pay taxes online.

To search Cullman County property records:

• Go to cullmanproperty.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. Staff can look up any property and print records. They know Smith Lake property well and can explain how waterfront assessments work in Cullman County.

Cullman County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Cullman County vary by location. The state charges 6.5 mills. Cullman County adds its own rate. The city of Cullman and other municipalities add 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 Smith Lake home worth $400,000 has an assessed value of $40,000. Taxes are based on that figure in Cullman County.

Typical millage components:

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

Cullman County property taxes are low by national standards. The median bill is several hundred dollars per year. Lake property pays more due to higher values. Under Code of Alabama Section 40-8-1, property is valued at market rate, but the class system keeps taxes manageable.

Property Assessment in Cullman County

The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in Cullman 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 Cullman County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. Smith Lake property gets extra attention due to waterfront 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 helps lake property owners avoid big jumps. Smith Lake values have climbed, so the cap provides stability in Cullman County.

Paying Property Taxes in Cullman County

Property taxes in Cullman 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.

Cullman 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 cullmanproperty.countygovservices.com
• In person at the courthouse
• By mail with check
• Drop box at courthouse

Many Smith Lake owners live out of the area. Online payment makes it easy. If you miss the deadline, interest adds up. Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help in Cullman County.

Property Tax Exemptions in Cullman County

Cullman County offers exemptions to reduce tax bills. The homestead exemption is most common. It lowers county taxes on your primary residence. Lake cabins used as vacation homes do not qualify. 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 primary 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 Cullman County farmers and poultry operators. Land is taxed on productive value. This saves money on agricultural property away from the lake.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Cullman 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. Lake property appeals should compare similar waterfront lots.

Appeal steps:

• Review your assessment notice
• Research comparable sales
• 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 Cullman County.

Related Property Records in Cullman 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.

Cullman County has GIS mapping for parcels. The maps show boundaries, lake frontage, and flood zones.

Other property offices:

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

Smith Lake is managed by Alabama Power. If buying lake property, check dock permits, shoreline rules, and flood zones in addition to tax records.

Cities in Cullman County

Cullman County has several cities and towns. All property taxes go through the county Revenue Commissioner.

Communities include Cullman (county seat), Good Hope, Hanceville, Holly Pond, and Fairview. Cullman has about 17,000 residents and is the commercial center of the area. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Cullman County office.

Nearby Counties

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