Find Property Tax Records in Washington County
Washington County property tax records are managed by the Revenue Commissioner in Chatom. This rural county in southwest Alabama borders Mississippi and Mobile County.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Revenue Commissioner
The Washington County Revenue Commissioner handles all property tax functions. Mary Ann Dees serves as Revenue Commissioner. Her office assesses property values, calculates taxes, and collects payments. The office is in the Washington County Courthouse in Chatom.
Washington County is largely rural with significant timber and farm land. The Revenue Commissioner manages assessments for residential homes, agricultural property, and commercial sites. Staff can help with property searches, exemption applications, and tax payments.
| Office | Washington County Revenue Commissioner |
|---|---|
| Commissioner | Mary Ann Dees |
| Address |
Washington County Courthouse 45 Court Street Chatom, AL 36518 |
| Phone | (251) 847-2915 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | washingtonproperty.countygovservices.com |
Search Washington County Property Records Online
Washington County provides online access to property records. Visit washingtonproperty.countygovservices.com to search any parcel for free. You can look up properties by owner name, street address, or parcel number. No account is needed.
The online portal shows property details and tax information. When you find a property, click to see the full record. You can view land and building data, values, and taxes. GIS mapping shows property boundaries on aerial photos.
What you can find online for Washington County:
- Property owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel number and location
- Land acreage
- Building details if applicable
- Market value and assessed value
- Tax district and millage rates
- Current taxes owed
- Exemptions applied
Washington County updates online records regularly. For detailed questions, contact the Revenue Commissioner office directly.
Washington County Property Tax Rates
Property tax rates in Washington County include state, county, and local taxes. Alabama charges 6.5 mills on all property. Washington County adds millage for schools and county services. Cities add city taxes for properties inside city limits.
Assessment rates follow Alabama law. Homes are assessed at 10% of market value. Commercial property is 20%. Agricultural and timber land is 10% and may qualify for current use valuation. The Revenue Commissioner determines each property's class and value.
Factors affecting your Washington County property tax:
- Property location (city or county)
- Property class (home, business, farm)
- School district
- Exemptions you qualify for
Washington County has significant timber land. Many landowners use the current use program to pay lower taxes on working forest. Contact the Revenue Commissioner to see if your property qualifies.
Pay Property Taxes in Washington County
Property taxes in Washington 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.
Washington County accepts several payment methods:
- Online through the county portal
- In person at the courthouse in Chatom
- 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 Washington County results in:
- Interest starting at 1% per month
- Additional fees over time
- Possible tax sale after several years
Contact the Revenue Commissioner if you need help paying.
Property Tax Exemptions in Washington County
Washington 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 Revenue Commissioner office with your deed and ID.
Seniors 65 and older get significant relief in Washington 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 Washington 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.
Appeal Property Values in Washington County
If your property value seems too high, you can appeal. Start by contacting the Revenue Commissioner. Staff can review your property data and fix errors.
If you disagree after the review, file a formal appeal. The Board of Equalization hears these cases. Present evidence showing why the value should be lower.
Appeal steps in Washington County:
- Review your assessment notice
- Contact Revenue Commissioner with questions
- Request data review
- File formal appeal if needed
- Attend Board of Equalization hearing
- Present your evidence
Act fast when you get your notice. The appeal deadline is limited each year.
Related Records in Washington County
Other Washington 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 Circuit Clerk has court files involving real estate. Foreclosures, quiet title suits, and liens go through the court. For building and zoning, contact the county planning office.
Washington County has extensive timber land managed by paper companies and private landowners. The current use program is popular for these properties. Ask the Revenue Commissioner about qualifying your timber land for current use valuation.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County contains Chatom, the county seat. Other communities include Millry, McIntosh, and Leroy. All property taxes are assessed and collected by the county Revenue Commissioner. City residents pay additional city taxes.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washington County. Verify which county your property is in for tax purposes.