Access Russell County Property Tax Records
Russell County property tax records are kept by the Revenue Commissioner in Phenix City. The county sits on the Georgia border along the Chattahoochee River, just across from Columbus.
Russell County Quick Facts
Russell County Revenue Commissioner
The Russell County Revenue Commissioner handles all property tax functions. Natalie Kirkland serves as Revenue Commissioner. Her office assesses property values, calculates taxes, and collects payments. The office is located in Phenix City, which also serves as the county seat.
Russell County benefits from its location near Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). The military presence affects the local housing market. The Revenue Commissioner manages assessments for residential, commercial, and rural properties throughout the county. Staff can help with property searches, exemptions, and payments.
| Office | Russell County Revenue Commissioner |
|---|---|
| Commissioner | Natalie Kirkland |
| Address |
Russell County Courthouse 501 14th Street Phenix City, AL 36867 |
| Phone | (334) 298-7011 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | russell.capturecama.com |
Search Russell County Property Records Online
Russell County provides free online access to property records through the Capture CAMA system. Visit russell.capturecama.com to search for any parcel. You can look up properties by owner name, street address, or parcel number. No account is needed for basic searches.
The online portal shows detailed property information. When you find a property, click to see the full record. You can view land and building details, values, and tax amounts. The site also has GIS mapping that displays property boundaries on aerial photos.
What you can find online for Russell County:
- Property owner name and mailing address
- Property location and legal description
- Land acreage and lot size
- Building square footage and features
- Year built and construction type
- Market value and assessed value
- Tax district and millage rates
- Current taxes owed
- Exemptions applied
- Property photos when available
The GIS mapping tools let you explore properties visually. Click on any parcel to see basic info. Russell County updates the online data regularly to keep it current with new sales and assessments.
Russell County Property Tax Rates
Property tax rates in Russell County include state, county, and local taxes. Alabama charges 6.5 mills on all property. Russell County adds millage for schools and county services. Phenix City adds city taxes for properties inside city limits.
Assessment rates follow Alabama law. Homes are assessed at 10% of market value. Commercial and industrial property is 20%. Farm and timber land is 10% and may qualify for current use valuation. The Revenue Commissioner determines each property's class and applies the correct rate.
Factors affecting your Russell County property tax:
- Property location (city or county)
- Property class (home, business, farm)
- School district
- Exemptions you qualify for
The area's proximity to Fort Moore creates demand for housing. Property values reflect this military market. Contact the Revenue Commissioner for the exact rate on any specific parcel in Russell County.
Pay Property Taxes in Russell County
Property taxes in Russell County are due October 1 each year. The deadline to pay without penalty is December 31. After that, interest and fees begin. The Revenue Commissioner mails bills in the fall. Pay on time even if you do not receive a bill.
Russell County accepts several payment methods:
- Online through the county portal
- In person at the courthouse in Phenix City
- By mail with check or money order
Online payments may have a convenience fee for credit cards. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders in person. When mailing, include your parcel number and allow time for delivery. The postmark date counts for the deadline.
If you pay late in Russell County:
- Interest starts at 1% per month
- Additional fees accrue over time
- After several years: Tax sale possible
Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help paying. Options may exist to prevent tax sale.
Property Tax Exemptions in Russell County
Russell County residents can apply for exemptions to lower property taxes. The homestead exemption removes up to $4,000 from the assessed value on your primary home. Apply once at the Revenue Commissioner office with your deed and ID. The exemption stays active as long as you live there.
Seniors 65 and older get significant relief in Russell County. The senior exemption eliminates state property tax and may lower county taxes. Disabled homeowners qualify for similar benefits. Veterans with VA disability ratings have their own exemption program.
Exemptions in Russell County:
- Homestead: Up to $4,000 off assessed value
- Senior (65+): No state tax, may reduce county
- Disability: Similar to senior exemption
- Veteran: Based on VA disability rating
- Current use: Farm, timber, wildlife land
Apply by December 31 for the next year. New homeowners should apply soon after buying. The Revenue Commissioner can help you apply for all exemptions you qualify for.
Appeal Property Values in Russell County
If you think your property value is too high, you can appeal. Start by contacting the Revenue Commissioner office. Staff can review your property data and fix errors. Wrong measurements or incorrect information are common problems that can be corrected quickly.
If you disagree after the informal review, file a formal appeal. The Board of Equalization hears these cases in Russell County. Present your evidence showing why the value should be lower. Good evidence includes sales of similar properties, an appraisal, or photos of condition issues.
Appeal steps in Russell County:
- Review your assessment notice
- Contact Revenue Commissioner with questions
- Request informal data review
- File formal appeal if needed
- Attend Board of Equalization hearing
- Present your evidence
- Receive the decision
Act fast when you get your notice. The appeal deadline is limited each year.
Related Records in Russell County
Other Russell County offices keep property records. The Probate Court handles deeds, mortgages, and plats. When property sells, the deed is filed there. Deed records show ownership history over time. The Probate Court also handles estates that include property.
The Circuit Clerk has court files involving real estate. Foreclosures, quiet title suits, and liens go through the court. For building permits and zoning, contact the city or county planning office depending on location.
Fort Moore property is federal land and does not pay property tax. Private homes and businesses outside the base pay normal county taxes. The Revenue Commissioner can tell you if a specific property is taxable.
Cities in Russell County
Russell County contains Phenix City, the county seat and largest city. Other communities include Hurtsboro, Seale, and Fort Mitchell. All property taxes are assessed and collected by the county Revenue Commissioner. City residents pay additional city taxes.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Russell County. Verify which county your property is in for tax purposes.