Property Tax

This article gives Baldwin County residents and property owners a practical, in-depth walkthrough of how local property taxes work—from how values are set and bills are created to where, when, and how to pay. You’ll learn the key dates that keep you penalty-free, the exemptions that may lower your bill, how classifications affect rates, and what to do if you disagree with an appraisal. Every step below follows the county’s official procedures and points you to the right county pages to take action.

Understand Who Does What: How Baldwin County Administers Property Taxes

Property taxes in Baldwin County are administered centrally by the Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner. That office maps every parcel, appraises market value, applies the correct assessment ratio and classification, calculates the tax, then collects payments. If you want to start with an overview, the quickest one-stop orientation is on the county’s Revenue Commission page, which also routes you to assessments, collections, mapping, forms, and important deadlines. Visit the Revenue Commission.

Why this matters to you

One office manages the entire lifecycle: mapping → appraisal → assessment → billing → collection.

All official payment channels, due dates, exemptions, and protest instructions originate with this office.

If your property use changes (for example, you move into a former rental and now claim a homestead), you update that with the Revenue Commission.

Mark the Calendar: Baldwin County Property Tax Due Dates and Seasonal Milestones

Timelines are straightforward—and strict. Mark these dates so you don’t get hit with avoidable penalties:

October 1 — Annual property taxes become due for the new tax year.

December 31 — Payments become delinquent after this date. Penalties and interest begin January 1.

The county highlights these benchmarks on its official reminders page. Keep an eye on the county’s Dates to Remember to stay current and avoid penalty triggers: Dates to Remember.

A quick note on tax lien timing

Each spring, the county’s annual Tax Lien Auction occurs (month and format subject to county scheduling). If your account goes delinquent past year-end, penalties and interest begin accruing, and liens can eventually be involved. The cure is simple: pay by year-end or, if you’re past that point, contact Collections for your current payoff (which will include penalties and interest).

Learn Your Tax Class: Why “Class III” vs. “Class II” Changes Your Bill

Alabama law sets assessment ratios by property classification, and Baldwin County applies those ratios to your appraised value to determine your assessed value (the base for taxes). On the county’s Property Tax Calculator, you’ll see class options and exemptions reflected in the estimate interface—helpful for “what-if” planning before you file or appeal. Try the official calculator at Property Tax Calculator.

Class III (most homeowners and certain rural uses)

Owner-occupied primary residences (homestead)
Second homes (non-rental)
Current use land (row crop, pasture, timberland)
Eligible for homestead exemptions (more below)

Class II

Rental property (including short-term rentals); note the county’s reminder that if a property is rented even one day in the tax year, it is treated as rental for the entire year

Vacant land

Property not otherwise assessed under another class

No homestead exemption eligibility

Why you should double-check the class:
Incorrect classification can mean you’re taxed too high (or too low). If you converted a rental into your primary home, or the opposite, update your assessment immediately to reflect the correct class for the current tax year.

Claim What You Qualify For: Homestead and Other Baldwin County Exemptions

Homestead exemptions reduce the taxable portion of a Class III property. Two common exemptions presented in the county’s calculator and guidance include:

H1 (Standard Homestead) — For taxpayers under 65 with a primary residence (Class III).

H4 — For taxpayers 65 or older with income greater than $12,000 on the most recent Alabama return.

Only Class III is eligible. If you rent your home at all during the year, it is considered rental for the whole year and that knocks out homestead eligibility.

To make or update your exemption claim, file electronically using the county’s Assessment Application. It’s fast, and filing early in the tax year ensures your next bill reflects the correct exemption. Submit online at the official portal: Assessment Application.

Pro-tip: Turning 65 is a milestone—call or file to ensure you’re captured for age-based exemptions when you qualify.

Follow the Money: How Baldwin County Calculates Your Property Tax

While specific millage rates vary by tax district (for example, whether your parcel sits in a city or school district overlay), the math follows a simple structure:

Appraised value — Set by the county’s appraisal division using market data.
Assessment ratio — Applied based on property class (e.g., Class III vs. Class II).
Assessed value — Appraised value × assessment ratio.
Exemptions — Deduct eligible homestead or other approved exemptions from assessed value.
Millage — District millage is applied to arrive at the annual tax.

The county’s official tool takes the guesswork out. Select your tax district, choose the correct property classification, and apply any homestead exemption to see an estimated bill for planning purposes. Run a test scenario on the county’s Property Tax Calculator: Property Tax Calculator.

Keep expectations realistic: The calculator is an estimator. Your official bill is produced by the Revenue Commission after your assessment and exemptions are finalized.

Lock in Your Assessment Early: What to File and When to File

Assessments are how the county records your use and exemption status for the current tax year. Failing to file, or filing late, can cost you savings or delay corrections.

Situations that require an assessment or update

You purchased a property this year.

You moved into a former rental and now claim it as your primary residence (Class III with potential homestead).

You started renting a property that used to be your primary home (shift to Class II—no homestead).

Your mailing address changed (avoid missed bills and late fees).

You turned 65 or now qualify for a different exemption.

You enrolled land in current use (e.g., row crop, pasture, timberland under Class III).

You can file and update online using the county’s official Assessment Application portal: Assessment Application.

Pay the Right Way: Official Baldwin County Property Tax Payment Methods

Baldwin County offers multiple official payment routes. The county clearly lists convenience fees, acceptance windows, and what you’ll need handy at payment time. For a full overview of all pay options in one place, start at Payment Options: Payment Options.

Pay Online

Use the county’s official online system to pay your bill securely.

Convenience fee applies to card transactions; eCheck is available Oct 1 – Feb 28 for a flat fee.

Visit Pay Online: Pay Online.

Pay by Phone

Call the Revenue Commission at 251-937-0245.
You will need: your payment amount and your six-digit PIN.
Card payments incur the posted convenience fee.
Details: Pay by Phone.

Pay by Mail (check)

Make checks payable to Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner.

Postmark by December 31 to avoid penalties.

The county accepts personal and business checks between October 1 and February 28.

(Mailing address and formatting are posted on the county’s “Pay by Mail with Check” page within Payment Options.)

Pay in Person (walk-in)

County offices accept in-person payments during business hours.

If you’re paying after December 31, call Collections first to get your current payoff (it will include penalties and interest).

Important: The county emphasizes that taxes are due October 1 and delinquent after December 31. If you are paying in January or later, do not send the base amount—contact the office for an up-to-date total that includes accrued charges.

Know the Fees: Convenience Charges and eCheck Window

To keep county costs down, online and card payments carry a convenience fee. The county publishes the fee structure so you can choose the lowest-cost method:

Credit/Debit Card: 2.75% convenience fee (no minimum) + $0.30 transaction fee.
eCheck: Flat $1.50, and only available October 1 – February 28 online.

These fees go to the payment processor. To compare cost quickly, weigh eCheck during its availability window if you prefer online payment and want the lowest fee.

Avoid Penalties: Practical, Real-World Tips That Baldwin County Emphasizes

Small administrative lapses are the most common reason people pay more than they should. The county highlights these to keep you out of trouble:

Update your mailing address promptly so your bill reaches you on time.

Set reminders for October 1 (due) and December 31 (delinquent after).

If a mortgage company pays your taxes, monitor your account anyway; bills are not mailed to mortgage companies—you’re still responsible for any shortfall or mix-up.

If you turned 65, contact the office about age-related exemptions.

If you rent any portion of the year, understand your home is treated as rental for the whole year for tax purposes.

A quick fallback if anything seems off: reach the office via the official Contact Us page—which also lists office hours and sites: Contact Us.

Research Your Parcel Like a Pro: Find Values, Bills, and Records

Baldwin County maintains an official property search so you can review assessment data and billing information yourself.

Property search and bill look-up

Use the county’s AssuranceWeb portal to search by owner name, parcel, or address, then view details for the tax year you select. It’s the fastest way to verify what the county has on file before you file an appeal, request an exemption change, or pay. Start here: Property Search.

Need to check payment status?

Within the same official online system, you can review whether a payment has posted—especially useful if you mailed a check near year-end or used a card online. The confirmation page in the payment portal provides status after you submit.

When Your Value Jumps: How to Ask Questions or Challenge an Appraisal

Assessments reflect market conditions and property-specific factors. If you believe your appraised value does not reflect the market, Baldwin County provides a property protest process through its formal appeals site.

Before you act

Cross-check the class (Class II vs. Class III) and exemptions—corrections here may solve the issue without a protest.

Verify improvements on record match reality (demolitions or additions should be accurately reflected).

Compare recent sales in your area and note differences (size, age, condition, location).

File a protest

Use the county’s official appeals portal to submit your protest within the county’s posted filing window. Read the instructions carefully and attach supporting documents when possible. Start at Property Protest: Property Protest.

Tip: Keep an eye on the county’s Dates to Remember page for time-sensitive appeal windows and seasonal deadlines.

Special Use and Business Tangents: Current Use, Personal Property & New Owners

Baldwin County’s assessment division handles more than just homesteads. If you have farmland, timberland, or own business equipment, or if you’re a new owner, these points apply:

Current use (agricultural and timber)

Qualifying acreage used for row crops, pasture, or timber can be enrolled in current use under Class III.

Enrollment can reduce taxable value compared to market value.

File through the assessment portal, keep documentation current, and respond promptly to any county verification requests.

Business personal property

Business-owned machinery, equipment, and certain furnishings are assessed as personal property separate from the real estate.

Make sure your filings are up to date each year to avoid estimated assessments or penalties.

New owners

After a closing, file your assessment to reflect ownership and eligibility for any homestead.

If the previous owner had a homestead exemption, it does not automatically transfer—you must file your own claim.

In-Person Logistics: Where to Go, Hours, and a Temporary Closure to Know

The Revenue Commission keeps multiple public counters across the county. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The county announced that the Robertsdale Central Annex office is temporarily closed for renovations effective May 1, 2025. All other locations remain open and fully operational, and online services are available throughout the year.

If you plan to pay at the counter, bring your bill or PIN and a payment method accepted by the county. If you’re paying after December 31, call Collections first to confirm a payoff that includes any accrued penalties and interest.

Mortgage Companies and Escrow: What the County Expects (and What You Should Do)

If your mortgage servicer escrows property taxes:

Monitor your parcel in the county’s online system in early fall to verify that your account is ready for payment.

Confirm your mailing address so any notices reach you directly.

If you refinance or switch servicers, make sure the new servicer receives your tax details promptly—your responsibility remains even when escrowed.

The county does not mail bills directly to mortgage companies, so staying proactive is vital to avoid delinquency caused by servicing changes or miscommunications.

Moving, Downsizing, or Going Short-Term Rental? Update Your Tax Footprint Quickly

Life changes ripple into your property tax profile. The county’s process is flexible—but only if you file updates:

Primary to rental (or short-term rental): Your class changes to Class II immediately for that tax year if rented any day during the year.

Rental to primary: File for Class III and claim homestead, if eligible.

Aging into exemptions: Turning 65 may open new exemption options under county rules; don’t miss it.

Mailing address change: Submit promptly to avoid missed notices.

These updates can be made through the county’s online Assessment Application portal, and questions can be directed via the county’s official contact page.

School Districts, City Overlays, and Why Your Neighbor’s Bill Differs

Even within the same neighborhood, millage can differ if a parcel sits inside a city boundary, annex area, or school district overlay. That’s why the calculator asks for your tax district and why it’s smart to pull your specific record in the county’s Property Search.

A parcel inside a city school district may have an additional levy that does not apply to a parcel outside the district.

Annexations and boundary changes can modify your tax district over time; always verify the district in your current-year records.

To get precise, look up your parcel and confirm the district before you estimate, protest, or pay. Use the county’s official Property Search: Property Search.

Late Payments, Penalties, and How to Get Current

If December 31 passes without payment:

Penalties and interest start accruing January 1.

Your best first move is to call Collections and request your current payoff so you remit the exact amount and stop additional accrual.

If you are facing a longer-term hardship, stay engaged with the office—ignoring notices increases costs and can escalate to liens.

When you call or visit, have your parcel number or PIN ready. If you paid by mail and are unsure about arrival, you can cross-check via the online system’s payment status.

Property Tax Offices and Contacts (Official)

Baldwin County Revenue Commission – Bay Minette Main Office — 1705 U.S. Hwy 31 S, Bay Minette, AL 36507 — 251-937-0245

Foley Satellite Courthouse – Revenue Commission Office — 201 E. Section Avenue, Foley, AL 36535 — 251-972-6819

Fairhope Satellite Courthouse – Revenue Commission Office — 1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532 — 251-990-4627

Robertsdale Central Annex – Revenue Commission Office (temporarily closed for renovations) — 22251 Palmer Street, Robertsdale, AL 36567 — 251-972-6819

Baldwin County Citizen Service Center — Phone: 251-937-9561 / 251-928-3002 / 251-943-5061

Baldwin County Property Tax FAQs

When are taxes due, and what dates should I actually circle?

Property taxes become due October 1 each year and are delinquent after December 31. If you pay after December 31, the Collections division will include applicable penalties and interest in your payoff. The county also schedules its Tax Lien Auction in April. You can verify these milestones on Dates to Remember.

What are the official ways to pay, and are there convenience fees?

Baldwin County accepts payments online, by mail (check), by phone, or in person. Mailed checks must be postmarked by December 31 to avoid delinquency, and personal/business checks are accepted October 1–February 28. Online card payments include a 2.75% convenience fee + $0.30, while eCheck is available Oct 1–Feb 28 for a $1.50 flat fee. Full details and links to each option are on Payment Options.

How do I claim homestead or update my assessment after a move or ownership change?

File or update your assessment and exemptions online using the county’s Assessment Application. Only Class III properties are eligible for homestead exemptions. If a property is rented any day during the year, it’s treated as rental for the entire year and not eligible for homestead.

Can I estimate my bill before it’s issued?

Yes. Use the county’s Property Tax Calculator. Select your tax district, property classification (Class II vs. Class III), and any applicable homestead exemption (e.g., H1, H4) to see an estimate. Remember, the calculator is an estimator; your official bill comes from the Revenue Commission after assessments and exemptions are finalized.

What if I believe my appraised value is too high?

First, confirm your classification and exemptions are correct—corrections here can meaningfully change the bill. If you still disagree, you can submit a formal protest during the posted window through Property Protest. Follow the county’s instructions and include supporting documentation.