Access DeKalb County Property Tax Records

DeKalb County property tax records are kept by the Revenue Commissioner in Fort Payne. This scenic northeast Alabama county sits atop Lookout Mountain and includes Little River Canyon, one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi.

DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner

The Revenue Commissioner office in DeKalb County 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 DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne. This mountain county has unique property from canyon overlooks to farmland to small towns. Staff understand how terrain affects property values. The county provides online access to property records through their revenue services portal.

How to Search DeKalb County Property Tax Records

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

The county portal at services.revenue-dekalbco-al.us lets you search by owner name, address, or parcel number. Results show assessed values, tax amounts, and property details. Maps show parcel locations including mountain and valley terrain.

To search DeKalb County property records:

• Go to services.revenue-dekalbco-al.us
• 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 Fort Payne. Staff can look up any property and print records. They know the local terrain and can explain how mountain property values work in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in DeKalb County vary by location. The state charges 6.5 mills. DeKalb County adds its own rate. Cities like Fort Payne, Rainsville, and Mentone 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 mountain cabin worth $250,000 has an assessed value of $25,000. Taxes are based on that figure in DeKalb County.

Typical millage components:

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

DeKalb 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 even for scenic mountain property.

Property Assessment in DeKalb County

The Revenue Commissioner values all real property in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County parcels get reviewed. Appraisers check sales and may visit properties. Mountain and canyon-view properties may see higher 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 owners of scenic property avoid big jumps when values spike. The cap does not apply to new construction in DeKalb County.

Paying Property Taxes in DeKalb County

Property taxes in DeKalb 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.

DeKalb 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 services.revenue-dekalbco-al.us
• In person at the courthouse
• By mail with check
• Drop box at courthouse

Many mountain property owners live out of state. Online payment makes it easy. If you miss the deadline, interest adds up. Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help in DeKalb County.

Property Tax Exemptions in DeKalb County

DeKalb County offers exemptions to reduce tax bills. The homestead exemption is most common. It lowers county taxes on your primary residence. Vacation cabins 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 farmers and timber owners. Land is taxed on productive value, not sale potential. This saves money on farmland away from the tourist areas in DeKalb County.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in DeKalb 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. Mountain property can be hard to compare, so find sales of similar view lots.

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 DeKalb County.

Related Property Records in DeKalb 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.

DeKalb County has GIS mapping for parcels. The maps show boundaries, terrain, and canyon areas. This helps with understanding mountain property.

Other property offices:

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

Little River Canyon National Preserve is in DeKalb County. If buying near federal land, check boundaries and access. Mentone on Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist town with unique property considerations.

Cities in DeKalb County

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

Communities include Fort Payne (county seat), Rainsville, Collinsville, Crossville, Fyffe, Geraldine, Ider, Mentone, Sylvania, and Valley Head. Fort Payne has about 14,500 residents and is home to the band Alabama. Mentone is a small mountain arts community. None have populations over 100,000, so all property tax matters go through the DeKalb County office.

Nearby Counties

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