Access Winston County Property Tax Records

Winston County property tax records are kept by the Revenue Commissioner in Double Springs. Known as the "Free State of Winston," this rural county sits in the hills of northwest Alabama.

Winston County Revenue Commissioner

The Winston County Revenue Commissioner handles all property tax functions. Sandra Thorn Wright serves as Revenue Commissioner. Her office assesses property values, calculates taxes, and collects payments. The office recently upgraded to a new software system for the first time in over 20 years.

Winston County is largely rural with forested hills and the Bankhead National Forest covering significant area. The Revenue Commissioner manages assessments for residential homes, timber land, and small businesses. Staff can help with property searches, exemption applications, and tax payments.

Search Winston County Property Records Online

Winston County provides online access to property records through a new system at winstonproperty.assurancegov.com. You can search any parcel for free by owner name, street address, or parcel number. No account is needed for basic searches.

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 Winston 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

The new system is a major upgrade for Winston County. Records that were previously only available in person can now be searched from home. The county continues to add features to the online portal.

Winston County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Winston County include state, county, and local taxes. Alabama charges 6.5 mills on all property. Winston County adds millage for schools and county services. Cities like Double Springs and Haleyville add city taxes.

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 Winston County property tax:

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

Winston County has significant timber land. The Bankhead National Forest covers large areas but federal land does not pay property tax. Private timber land can qualify for current use valuation. Contact the Revenue Commissioner to learn more.

Pay Property Taxes in Winston County

Property taxes in Winston 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.

Winston County accepts several payment methods:

• Online through the county portal
• In person at the courthouse in Double Springs
• 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 Winston 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 Winston County

Winston 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 Winston 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 Winston 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 Winston 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 Winston 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 Winston County

Other Winston 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.

The Bankhead National Forest covers about one-third of Winston County. This federal land does not pay local property tax. Private properties surrounded by or near the forest are fully taxable. The Revenue Commissioner can explain the boundaries and tax status of specific parcels.

Cities in Winston County

Winston County contains Double Springs, the county seat. Haleyville is the largest city. Other communities include Addison, Lynn, and Arley. All property taxes are assessed and collected by the county Revenue Commissioner. City residents pay additional city taxes.

Nearby Counties

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