Shelby County Property Tax Records

Shelby County property tax records are managed by the Property Tax Commissioner in Columbiana. This fast-growing county south of Birmingham has some of the highest property values in Alabama.

Shelby County Property Tax Commissioner

Shelby County uses the title Property Tax Commissioner instead of Revenue Commissioner. Don A. Armstrong serves in this role. His office assesses property values, calculates taxes, and collects payments. The main office is in Columbiana at the county courthouse.

Shelby County has grown rapidly over the past few decades. The Property Tax Commissioner manages assessments for new subdivisions, established neighborhoods, and commercial developments. Parts of Hoover and Pelham extend into Shelby County. Staff can help you find property records, apply for exemptions, and pay taxes.

Search Shelby County Property Records Online

Shelby County has an excellent online property search system. Visit ptc.shelbyal.com to search any parcel for free. You can look up properties by owner name, street address, or parcel number. The system does not require an account for basic searches.

The online portal is comprehensive. Search results show all matching properties. Click on one to see the full property card. You can view land and building details, values, tax amounts, and exemptions. The county also has GIS mapping with aerial photos and property lines.

What Shelby County's online system shows:

• Owner name and mailing address
• Property address and legal description
• Parcel number and map location
• Land acreage and lot dimensions
• Building square footage and features
• Year built and construction quality
• Market value and assessed value
• Tax district and millage rates
• Current and prior year taxes
• Exemptions applied
• Sales history

You can pay taxes online through the website. The system accepts cards and bank payments. Print receipts for your records. Shelby County updates the online data regularly to reflect current information.

Shelby County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Shelby County include state, county, school, and city taxes. Alabama charges 6.5 mills on all property. Shelby County adds millage for schools and county services. Cities add their own taxes. Your total depends on where your property is located.

Assessment rates follow Alabama law. Homes are assessed at 10% of market value. Commercial property is 20%. Farm and timber land is 10% and may qualify for current use. The Property Tax Commissioner determines each property's class and value.

Shelby County tax calculation example:

• Home market value: $300,000
• Assessment rate: 10% = $30,000 assessed value
• Homestead exemption: -$4,000 = $26,000 taxable
• Example millage: 55 mills
• Annual tax: $26,000 x 0.055 = $1,430

Shelby County has some of the highest home values in Alabama. Good schools drive demand for housing. Property values and taxes reflect this desirable market. Contact the Property Tax Commissioner for the exact rate on any specific parcel.

Pay Property Taxes in Shelby County

Property taxes in Shelby County are due October 1 each year. The deadline to pay without penalty is December 31. After that, interest and fees begin. The Property Tax Commissioner mails bills in the fall. Pay on time even if you do not receive a bill.

Shelby County offers many payment options:

• Online at ptc.shelbyal.com
• In person at the Columbiana office
• By mail with check or money order
• At satellite locations in Pelham and Alabaster

Online payments are convenient and available 24/7. Card payments may have a small fee. Check or bank transfer may avoid the fee. The satellite offices handle payments and basic questions.

Late payment in Shelby County results in:

• Interest starting at 1% per month
• Additional collection fees
• After 3 years: Tax lien sale process

Contact the Property Tax Commissioner if you need help paying. Options may exist to prevent tax sale.

Property Tax Exemptions in Shelby County

Shelby County residents can apply for exemptions to lower taxes. The homestead exemption removes up to $4,000 from the assessed value on your primary home. Apply at the Property Tax 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 closing. The Property Tax Commissioner can help you get all exemptions you qualify for.

Appeal Property Values in Shelby County

If your property value seems too high, you can appeal. Start by contacting the Property Tax Commissioner office. Staff can review your property data and fix errors. Wrong square footage or missing information are common problems that can be corrected.

If you disagree after the informal review, file a formal appeal. The Board of Equalization hears these cases in Shelby County. Present your evidence showing why the value should be lower. Good evidence includes recent sales of similar homes, an appraisal, or photos of condition issues.

Appeal process in Shelby County:

• Review your assessment notice
• Contact Property Tax Commissioner with concerns
• 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 Shelby County

Other Shelby 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. 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 county or city planning office depending on location. Shelby County has active construction, so permit records can show recent changes to properties.

Cities in Shelby County

Shelby County contains many cities and towns. The county seat is Columbiana. Alabaster is the largest city by population. Other communities include Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, and Calera. Parts of Hoover extend into Shelby County. All property taxes are assessed and collected by the county Property Tax Commissioner.

Properties in Hoover may be in either Jefferson or Shelby County. Check which county your property is in to pay the correct office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Shelby County. Verify which county your property is in for tax purposes.