Revenue Commission

This guide explains how the Baldwin County AL Revenue Commission serves property owners and businesses, what to expect from each division, and the steps you should take throughout the year to stay current on assessments, appraisals, and tax payments. You’ll find plain-English explanations of key deadlines, how to protest a valuation, what “current use” or homestead means for your bill, and where to go for official answers. At the end, you’ll see a clean list of local offices with addresses and phone numbers.

Navigate the Revenue Commission with Confidence

The Baldwin County Revenue Commission is the local authority responsible for mapping, appraising, assessing, and collecting property taxes in Baldwin County. Its role is to keep the property tax roll accurate and equitable, connect you to exemptions you qualify for, and collect revenue that funds schools and essential county services.

If you’re new to the county or just moving from one neighborhood to another, your first stop is the Revenue Commission home page for an overview of services, deadlines, and division contacts. You can start from the Revenue Commission main page for official information and links to each division.

Visit the Revenue Commission home page for an overview of divisions and quick links to forms and guidance: Revenue Commission.

Get Answers Fast: Where to Ask and How to Reach the Right Desk

When you have a question about your parcel, your exemption status, or a recent notice, go straight to the county’s official contact channel. The Revenue Commission maintains a centralized “Contact Us” page that routes questions to the right division and includes office hours and locations.

Use the official Contact Us page to reach the team that can help you: Contact the Revenue Commission.

Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The county operates multiple satellite locations across Baldwin County for in-person service, and a temporary closure notice is in effect for the Robertsdale Central Annex as of May 1, 2025.

Understand the Revenue Commission’s Core Responsibilities

The Revenue Commission’s mandate can be summed up in four connected functions—Assessments, Appraisals & Valuations, Collections, and Mapping—each with its own team, processes, and timelines:

Mapping keeps official tax parcel maps current and aligned with state standards.

Appraisals & Valuations determines market value according to Alabama’s uniform rules.

Assessments applies classification and exemptions to arrive at assessed value.

Collections bills and receives property taxes using established county and municipal millage rates.

Everything you do as a property owner—filing for exemptions, notifying the county of additions or deletions to your property, or paying your bill—ties back to these four functions.

Mark Your Calendar: Annual Cycles, Due Dates, and What “In Arrears” Means

Baldwin County follows Alabama’s statutory tax year of October 1 to September 30, and property taxes are paid in arrears. That means the bill due on October 1 of the current year is for the prior tax year and must be issued in the name of the owner on record as of October 1 of the previous year. Two dates matter most to every property owner:

Taxes are due October 1 of each year.

Taxes become delinquent after December 31 if not paid, at which point penalties and interest begin to accrue.

Because the tax roll is built on ownership and property status as of October 1, ownership changes recorded after October 1 will not be reflected on that year’s bill—even if you purchased the property months earlier. That timing often explains why a new owner might still see the seller’s name on the first bill they receive.

Track Your Value: How Appraisals Are Set and When to Expect Notices

See How “Fair and Reasonable Market Value” Drives Your Appraisal

Under Alabama law and guidance from the Alabama Department of Revenue, county appraisers must determine a value that reflects fair and reasonable market value as of a specific date, treating each parcel as if it were sold in an arm’s-length transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller. Baldwin County uses a mass appraisal process—necessary when you have about 140,000 parcels—to ensure consistent, uniform valuations across neighborhoods and property types.

Learn how state rules shape county valuations in Appraisals & Valuations: Appraisals & Valuations.

Explore state authority and valuation standards at the Alabama Department of Revenue: Alabama Department of Revenue.

Know the Annual Timeline for Valuation Notices and Appeals

Baldwin County issues Annual Valuation Notices in late April each year. For 2025, the Notice Date was April 1, 2025, and the Final Appeal Date was May 1, 2025. If you disagree with your valuation, you have 30 days from the Notice Date to file a written protest with the Board of Equalization. The notice is not a tax bill; it’s your opportunity to confirm the county’s data and present evidence if you believe the valuation is off.

What to prepare if you protest:

Your PPIN and parcel number.

Photos or documents showing condition issues or changes (e.g., a building removed).

Recent comparable sales, an appraisal, survey, or—for commercial property—three years of income and expense data.

If your concern is a factual error (square footage, land area, building removed), contact Appraisal. If your assessed classification appears to have changed unexpectedly (for example, doubling due to a classification issue), contact Assessments first. Protests are not accepted by phone; they must be in writing and signed.

Lock in Your Exemptions and Get Your Assessment Right

File or Update Exemptions Through the Assessments Division

The Assessments Division is your hub for legally reducing your property tax through exemptions and for getting your property’s classification right. This team also processes homestead applications and current-use classification requests, and it records additions or deletions to property that affect your assessment.

Key actions to handle promptly:

Notify the county of any additions or deletions (like a new structure or a demolition) by October 1 so the change is captured for the current tax year’s assessment.

Update your mailing address as soon as it changes so courtesy notices reach you on time.

Ask about age-based exemptions when you turn 65, as you may qualify for additional relief.

Start at Assessments to review exemptions, current use, and what to do when you buy property: Assessments.

What “Current Use” Means—and When It Helps

“Current use” generally refers to assessing certain properties based on their use (rather than market value), when the use qualifies under state law. If you believe your land qualifies, file your current-use application through Assessments. This can significantly affect the taxable value, and therefore your bill, when the property meets the statutory criteria.

Master the Money Side: Billing, Payment Methods, and Delinquency

How Collections Works—and Why Millage Rates Drive Your Bill

The Collections Division prepares and issues bills, receives payments, and applies penalties and interest when accounts become delinquent after December 31. While Collections handles the transaction, the millage rates—set annually by the County Commission and the county’s municipalities—determine the tax levy applied to your assessed value. If your market value stays the same and millage rates don’t change, your bill tends to stay consistent; if either rises or falls, your bill will move accordingly.

Review official billing guidance, cycles, and responsibilities at Collections: Collections.

Courtesy notices are typically mailed before October 1 to help owners verify parcel details and confirm mailing addresses. If your mortgage company pays taxes from escrow, you should still confirm payment is made—ultimate responsibility remains with the property owner.

Choose a Payment Path That Fits Your Situation

Baldwin County provides several official payment channels detailed on the Payment Options page, including paying in person, by mail, online, and by phone. Be aware of convenience fees set by the online payment processor for card transactions and e-checks; the county does not receive any portion of those fees.

Get official Payment Options and rules (including postmark deadlines and accepted methods) here: Payment Options.

A few essentials to remember:

Postmark by December 31 if you’re mailing a payment to avoid penalties.

Personal and business checks are accepted October 1 through February 28.

Once delinquent, penalties and interest immediately begin to accrue; contact Collections for the updated payoff amount.

Keep the Map (and Your Parcel) Correct

Why the Mapping Division Matters to Your Bill

The Mapping Division maintains the county’s official tax maps according to the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Division standards. These maps are essential for parcel identification and location. Because the system is updated a year in arrears, property recorded after October 1 will not appear in the map viewer until after October 1 of the following year. That timing aligns the map with the same valuation date used by the appraisers and assessors.

Learn how mapping supports equitable assessments in Mapping: Mapping.

If you spot an issue with parcel boundaries or a missing change, contact Mapping. During scheduled system upgrades, updates to displayed maps may experience a delay—plan ahead if you’re preparing for a protest window or sale.

Business Personal Property: File on Time and Avoid Penalties

Businesses that own furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, and other business personal property must file a return each year. Alabama law requires some filers—such as those with $10,000 or more in assets, professional filers, or entities engaged in leasing—to submit personal property renditions electronically through the county’s system.

Key points for business owners:

File after October 1 and by December 31 to be included for the current cycle.

Miss the third Monday in January and a 10% penalty plus fees will be added to the bill.

Returns can be submitted electronically as directed by county procedure; you may also use official county forms and submit via email or mail per the instructions provided by the Personal Property Department.

Start with the Personal Property division page for responsibilities, filing methods, and deadlines: Personal Property.

Personal property tax notices are sent prior to October 1, are due October 1, and become delinquent after December 31—the same annual cycle that applies to real property.

Buying, Building, or Downsizing? Steps to Take with Assessments and Appraisals

When You Purchase Property

If you buy property during the year, your deed recording date determines when changes show up in the tax roll:

If the deed was recorded on or before October 1, ownership should be reflected for the cycle that starts that October.

If the deed was recorded after October 1, the roll will continue to show the previous owner for the current cycle; your ownership will be reflected in the next cycle.

After purchasing, take these steps with Assessments:

Confirm your mailing address is correct so courtesy notices and bills reach you.

Determine whether you qualify for homestead or other exemptions and submit the required application.

Review your property data and confirm classification so your assessed value correctly reflects exemptions and use.

Use Assessments for the “what to do when you purchase” checklist and exemption details: Assessments.

When You Add or Remove Improvements

If you finish an addition or remove a structure, notify the county by October 1. The county relies on accurate records for both Appraisals & Valuations and Assessments, and the October 1 snapshot is what drives the next round of valuation notices and your tax bill. Missing that deadline can create classification or value discrepancies you’ll have to sort out later.

If it’s a factual data change (square footage, building gone), contact Appraisal through Appraisals & Valuations: Appraisals & Valuations.

Your Appeal Rights: How to Prepare and What to Expect

Step-by-Step: From Informal Review to Board of Equalization

Review your Valuation Notice (issued late April; 2025 Notice Date was April 1).

If you disagree, file a written protest within 30 days of the Notice Date. The 2025 Final Appeal Date was May 1.

Provide supporting evidence when you submit the protest (photos, appraisals, comparable sales, surveys, or—if commercial—three years of income/expense statements).

A county appraiser may contact you for an Informal Interview by phone or email.

If not resolved, you’ll receive an appointment with the Board of Equalization at the Revenue Commission office in Bay Minette. Appointments cannot be rescheduled, but a make-up day is typically offered at the end of the schedule.

During the protest window, the county updates official web content and provides forms. Remember: protests are not accepted by phone and must be in writing and signed by you or your representative.

For common protest questions and timelines, consult the Revenue Commission FAQ: Revenue Commission FAQ.

Practical Tips That Save Time (and Penalties)

Handle These Three To-Dos Before October 1

Update your mailing address with the county so your courtesy notice and the October tax bill reach you.

Record additions or deletions to your property with the Assessments/Appraisal teams by October 1.

Apply for exemptions (including homestead and any age-based relief) as soon as you qualify—especially if you’ve turned 65.

Double-Check Payments if You Have an Escrow

If your mortgage company handles the payment from escrow, it’s still your responsibility to verify taxes were paid on time. A quick check as October turns to November can help you avoid delinquency after December 31 and the penalty/interest that follows.

Remember How Ownership Shows on Bills

Because taxes are paid in arrears and follow the October 1 ownership snapshot, it’s normal for a new owner to receive a bill showing the previous owner’s name the first cycle after a purchase recorded after October 1. Keep your closing documents and recording confirmation handy if questions arise, and coordinate with the seller where necessary.

Which Division Handles What? Match Your Task to the Right Office

Have a question about exemptions, homestead, current use, or classification? Start with Assessments. They can confirm eligibility, provide forms, and ensure your assessed value reflects the correct classification and exemptions.

Think your property description or square footage is wrong? That’s an Appraisals & Valuations issue. Provide photographs, surveys, or permits that document the change.

Ready to pay or need to know the balance after December 31? Contact Collections or follow the official Payment Options rules to choose the channel that keeps you on time.

Not seeing a newly recorded split or change on the map? Check with Mapping, keeping in mind the one-year-in-arrears update cycle aligned with the October 1 valuation date.

Disagree with your valuation? File a written protest within 30 days of the Notice Date to the Board of Equalization following the process outlined in the FAQ.

Notes on Facilities and Temporary Changes

The Robertsdale Central Annex location of Probate and Revenue is temporarily closed as of May 1, 2025 for extensive renovations. All other locations and online services remain available. Plan in-person visits at the Bay Minette main office, Foley Satellite Courthouse, or Fairhope Satellite Courthouse during standard weekday hours. For the latest updates or to confirm a location’s status before you go, check the Revenue Commission main page and the Contact Us page listed above.

Departments and Offices (Addresses and Phone Numbers)

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

Baldwin County Revenue Commission – Foley Satellite Courthouse — 201 E. Section Avenue, Foley, AL 36535 — (251) 972-6819

Baldwin County Revenue Commission – Fairhope Satellite Courthouse — 1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532 — (251) 990-4627

Baldwin County Revenue Commission – Robertsdale Central Annex — 22251 Palmer Street, Robertsdale, AL 36567 — (251) 972-6819

Baldwin County Revenue Commission FAQs

When are property taxes due, and what happens if I miss the deadline?

Taxes are due October 1 each year and become delinquent after December 31; penalties and interest begin accruing on January 1. If you mail a check, the envelope must be postmarked by December 31 to be considered on time. You can compare in-person, online, mail, and phone options—and see card/e-check fee rules—under Payment Options.

Why does a bill still show the seller’s name after I bought a home?

Alabama taxes are paid in arrears. The bill due October 1 must be issued in the name on record as of the previous October 1. That’s why a purchase recorded after October 1 may not appear until the next cycle. For ownership changes, homestead, current-use, or mailing address updates, start with Assessments.

How are values set and how often are they reviewed?

Values follow Alabama Department of Revenue standards and target fair and reasonable market value. Parcels are appraised annually using mass-appraisal methods, with appraisals based on the property’s status as of October 1 of the prior year. Annual valuation notices issue in late April, with a 30-day protest window. Learn the process and appeal route at Appraisals & Valuations.

What should business owners know about personal property filings?

Businesses must list furniture, fixtures, machinery, and equipment each year after October 1 and no later than December 31. Missing the third Monday in January triggers a 10% penalty plus fees. Some filers are required by law to submit electronically through the county system. Filing methods and deadlines are outlined under Personal Property.

Why doesn’t my new deed or split show on the county map yet?

Mapping is maintained to state specifications and updated one year in arrears, reflecting the property as it existed on the previous October 1. During scheduled system upgrades, updates may display with a short delay. Check the official Mapping page for the map viewer and notices.