Find Property Tax Records in Dale County
Dale County property tax records are kept by the Revenue Commissioner in Ozark. This Wiregrass region county is home to Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), the Army's main aviation training center.
Dale County Quick Facts
Dale County Revenue Commissioner
Sheila Waller serves as Revenue Commissioner for Dale County. Her 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 Dale County Courthouse in Ozark. This county has a mix of military families near Fort Novosel and longtime rural residents. Staff understand both suburban and agricultural assessments. The county uses ALTAGS software for property records, which provides online access.
| Office | Dale County Revenue Commissioner |
|---|---|
| Official | Sheila Waller |
| Address | 100 Court Square, Suite 5 Ozark, AL 36360 |
| Phone | (334) 774-2226 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | altags.com/Dale_Revenue |
How to Search Dale County Property Tax Records
You can search property tax records in Dale County online or in person. The online portal is free and available anytime. For certified copies or complex 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 Dale County.
To search Dale County property records:
- Go to altags.com/Dale_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 Ozark. Staff can look up any property and print records. They know the area well including properties near the military base in Dale County.
Dale County Property Tax Rates
Property tax rates in Dale County vary by location. The state charges 6.5 mills. Dale County adds its own rate. Cities like Ozark, Daleville, and Midland City 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 $180,000 has an assessed value of $18,000. Taxes are based on that figure in Dale County.
Typical millage components:
- State: 6.5 mills
- County general: varies
- County schools: varies
- City: if inside city limits
Dale County property taxes are low. 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 Dale County
The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in Dale 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 Dale County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. Areas near Fort Novosel may see more activity due to military housing demand. 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 homeowners avoid big jumps. The cap does not apply to new construction in Dale County.
Paying Property Taxes in Dale County
Property taxes in Dale 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.
Dale 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/Dale_Revenue
- In person at the courthouse
- By mail with check
- Drop box at courthouse
Military families who PCS often need to pay remotely. Online payment makes this easy. If you miss the deadline, interest adds up. Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help in Dale County.
Property Tax Exemptions in Dale County
Dale 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. Military retirees and disabled veterans from Fort Novosel often use these exemptions.
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 in rural Dale County. Land is taxed on productive value, not sale potential. This saves money on agricultural property.
Appealing Your Property Assessment in Dale 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 Dale County.
Related Property Records in Dale 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.
Dale County has GIS mapping for parcels. The maps show boundaries across the county including areas near the base.
Other property offices:
- Probate Court: deeds, mortgages, ownership
- GIS: parcel maps
- Building Department: permits
- Planning: zoning
Fort Novosel affects Dale County property. If buying near the base, check noise zones and flight paths. Military families move often, so there is steady turnover in the housing market.
Cities in Dale County
Dale County has several cities. All property taxes go through the county Revenue Commissioner.
Communities include Ozark (county seat), Daleville, Midland City, Newton, and Pinckard. Ozark has about 14,500 residents. Daleville is right outside Fort Novosel's main gate. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the Dale County office.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Dale County. Each has its own tax office.