Search Tuscaloosa County Property Tax Records

Tuscaloosa County property tax records are managed by separate Tax Assessor and Tax Collector offices. This is home to the University of Alabama and the fifth largest city in the state.

Tuscaloosa County Tax Offices

Tuscaloosa County has separate Tax Assessor and Tax Collector offices. This is different from most Alabama counties that combine these functions. The Tax Assessor handles property values and exemptions. The Tax Collector handles payments and billing.

Leigh Ann Fair serves as Tax Assessor. Her office determines property values and processes exemption applications. Susan Jones serves as Tax Collector. Her office sends bills and collects payments. Both offices are in the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.

Search Tuscaloosa County Property Records Online

Tuscaloosa County provides online access to property records. You can search for any parcel by owner name, address, or parcel number. The system shows property details, values, and tax information. No account is needed for basic searches.

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

What you can find online for Tuscaloosa County:

• Property 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 type
• Market value and assessed value
• Tax district and millage rates
• Current taxes owed
• Exemptions applied
• Sales history when available

The University of Alabama campus and many student rental properties are in Tuscaloosa. The online system shows values for all taxable properties.

Tuscaloosa County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Tuscaloosa County include state, county, school, and city taxes. Alabama charges 6.5 mills on all property. Tuscaloosa County adds millage for schools and county services. The City of Tuscaloosa adds city taxes.

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 Tax Assessor determines each property's class and value.

Factors affecting your Tuscaloosa County property tax:

• Property location (city or county)
• Property class (home, business, farm)
• School district
• Exemptions you qualify for

Properties near the University often have higher values due to rental demand. The Mercedes-Benz plant area has attracted commercial development. Contact the Tax Assessor for exact rates on your parcel.

Pay Property Taxes in Tuscaloosa County

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

Tuscaloosa County accepts several payment methods:

• Online through the county portal
• In person at the Tax Collector office
• By mail with check or money order

Online payments may have a convenience fee. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders in person. When mailing, include your parcel number and allow time for delivery.

Late payment in Tuscaloosa County results in:

• Interest starting at 1% per month
• Additional fees over time
• Possible tax sale after several years

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

Property Tax Exemptions in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa 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 Tax Assessor office with your deed and ID.

Seniors 65 and older get significant relief in Tuscaloosa 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.

Exemptions in Tuscaloosa 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. Rental properties and second homes do not qualify for homestead exemptions.

Appeal Property Values in Tuscaloosa County

If your property value seems too high, you can appeal. Start by contacting the Tax Assessor office. Staff can review your property data and fix errors. Many issues are resolved at this stage.

If you disagree after the review, file a formal appeal. The Board of Equalization hears these cases in Tuscaloosa County. Present evidence showing why the value should be lower.

Appeal steps in Tuscaloosa County:

• Review your assessment notice
• Contact Tax Assessor with questions
• Request 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 Tuscaloosa County

Other Tuscaloosa 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 with 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.

The University of Alabama owns extensive property that is exempt from tax. Private properties near campus pay normal taxes. The Tax Assessor can tell you if a specific property is taxable.

Cities in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County contains the City of Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama. Other communities include Northport, Brookwood, and Coaling. All property taxes are assessed by the Tax Assessor and collected by the Tax Collector.

Nearby Counties

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