Search Jefferson County Property Tax Records

Jefferson County property tax records are managed by separate Tax Assessor and Tax Collector offices in Birmingham. Search assessed values, tax bills, and payment history online or at the courthouse.

Jefferson County Tax Assessor

Jefferson County is the most populous county in Alabama with separate Tax Assessor and Tax Collector offices. The Tax Assessor handles property valuations and maintains assessment records. Gaynell Hendricks serves as the current Tax Assessor. She is the first African American and first woman to hold this position. The office recently completed a major property resurvey, the first in 75 years, which has become a model for counties across the United States.

The Tax Assessor office determines the fair market value of all property in Jefferson County. Staff apply the correct classification rate and process exemption applications. If you have questions about your property value or want to file an appeal, start at this office.

Jefferson County Tax Collector

The Tax Collector handles property tax billing and payments in Jefferson County. J.T. Smallwood serves as the current Tax Collector. This office sends out tax bills, collects payments, processes delinquent accounts, and handles tax lien sales. Contact this office for payment questions or to make a payment.

The Tax Collector can provide payment receipts and tax clearance letters. They accept payments by mail, in person, and online. If you need proof that your property taxes are paid, this is the office to contact in Jefferson County.

How to Search Jefferson County Property Tax Records Online

Jefferson County uses the eRingCapture system for online property searches. The system is free and available around the clock. Go to eringcapture.jccal.org to search property records. This is a modern system that replaced older tools after the countywide resurvey.

The online system lets you search by owner name, property address, or parcel number. Results show the assessed value, property details, and current tax status. The site displays building characteristics, lot information, and aerial photos. You can view sales history and print property cards from the system.

To search Jefferson County property records online, use one of these:

• Owner's last name or business name
• Property street address
• Parcel identification number
• Real estate number

Basic searches are free. You can view and print property data at no cost. For certified documents, contact the Tax Assessor office in Birmingham. Jefferson County also has a GIS mapping system that shows parcel boundaries and connects to tax data.

Property Assessment in Jefferson County

Jefferson County follows Alabama state law for property assessment. The county uses the standard three-class system. Residential property is assessed at 10% of fair market value. Commercial property is assessed at 20%. Public utilities are assessed at 30%. The Tax Assessor determines market value and applies the correct rate.

Jefferson County completed a major property resurvey in recent years. This was the first comprehensive resurvey in 75 years. The project updated maps, corrected property boundaries, and ensured accurate assessments across the county. The effort has been recognized as a model for other counties in Alabama and across the nation.

Property is reappraised on a four-year cycle. Each year, about 25% of the county is reviewed. This ensures all property is reappraised at least every four years. Values may change based on sales data, improvements, or market conditions in Jefferson County.

Act 2024-344 took effect in 2025 and limits assessment increases for homeowners. The law caps rises at 7% per year. If your home's market value jumps more than 7%, your taxable value only goes up 7% until it catches up. This cap resets when property sells or undergoes major changes.

How to Pay Jefferson County Property Taxes

Tax bills go out in the fall. Taxes are due October 1 and become delinquent after December 31. Interest and penalties begin January 1 on unpaid balances. Jefferson County offers several payment options.

Pay in person at the Tax Collector office in the Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham. The office accepts cash, check, and money order. Credit and debit cards are accepted with a convenience fee. Staff will give you a receipt when you pay.

Online payments are available through the county website. Go to jccal.org and follow the payment links. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. A service fee applies to card payments.

Mail payments to Jefferson County Tax Collector, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Make checks payable to Jefferson County Tax Collector. Include your parcel number or real estate number on the check. Mail early so payment arrives before the deadline.

Property Tax Exemptions in Jefferson County

Jefferson County offers exemptions that can reduce property taxes. You must apply for these benefits. They do not happen automatically. Contact the Tax Assessor to apply or check if you qualify.

The Homestead Exemption is for homeowners who use their property as a primary residence. Under Alabama Code 40-9-19, this reduces your taxable value. You must own and occupy the home as of October 1 to qualify in Jefferson County.

Seniors 65 and older may get additional exemptions. These can eliminate the state portion of property taxes. Disabled homeowners may also qualify. Income limits apply for some exemptions. Bring proof of age and income when you apply in Jefferson County.

The Current Use program helps agricultural and timber landowners. Land used for farming, timber, or wildlife habitat is assessed at its use value rather than market value. While Jefferson County is mostly urban, some rural areas may qualify for this program.

Appealing Your Property Assessment in Jefferson County

You have the right to appeal if you think your property value is wrong. Under Alabama Code 40-3-24, you file with the local Board of Equalization. The deadline is usually in spring. Contact the Tax Assessor for exact dates in Jefferson County.

Start by talking with Tax Assessor staff. Many issues resolve informally. Staff may find an error in your property data or explain why your value is correct. Bring evidence such as comparable sales, a recent appraisal, or photos showing the condition of your property.

If informal review does not solve the problem, file a written appeal. The Board of Equalization schedules a hearing where you present your case. Their decision can be appealed to circuit court if you still disagree in Jefferson County.

Related Records in Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Probate Court records deeds, mortgages, and property transfers. When property sells, the deed is recorded there. This triggers a review of the assessed value. Online records go back to 1987 for Birmingham and 1965 for Bessemer. Visit jeffcoprobatecourt.com for more information.

Jefferson County has a comprehensive GIS mapping system. The maps show parcel boundaries and link to property tax data. This tool is useful for researching property boundaries, checking zoning, and understanding the area around a parcel.

For bulk data requests or complex property research, Jefferson County uses the NextRequest portal. Visit jeffersoncounty.nextrequest.com to submit public records requests in Jefferson County.

Cities in Jefferson County

Jefferson County has over 35 cities and towns. All property taxes are assessed by the county Tax Assessor and collected by the county Tax Collector. Cities may add their own millage on top of county rates. Birmingham is the largest city and county seat.

Other cities in Jefferson County include Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Bessemer, Trussville, Gardendale, Center Point, Hueytown, and Irondale. Hoover straddles the county line with Shelby County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jefferson County. Make sure you know which county your property is in before paying taxes. Each county has its own tax offices.