Alabama Property Tax Relief: Exemptions & How to File
Alabama has 5 main property tax relief programs, administered through your County Revenue Commissioner (or County Tax Assessor / Tax Collector, depending on the county). Filing is free.
Biggest benefit
Total exemption from ALL ad valorem property taxes (state and county) on a single-family owner-occupied home and up to 160 acres.
Earliest common deadline
October 1
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Never pay to file a property tax exemption
Applying for a homestead, senior, veteran, or disability exemption is always free through your County Revenue Commissioner (or County Tax Assessor / Tax Collector, depending on the county). You do not need a middleman, and no one can file it "faster" for a fee.
Be skeptical of official-looking letters offering to file your homestead exemption, "designate" your homestead, or send you a copy of your deed for $50–$200. These are private solicitations, not government notices. When in doubt, contact your County Revenue Commissioner (or County Tax Assessor / Tax Collector, depending on the county) directly using the phone number on your tax bill.
Alabama property tax relief programs
Amounts, eligibility, deadlines, and the official source for each program.
| Program | Benefit | Who qualifies | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Homestead Exemption (H-1)Homestead | Exempts up to $4,000 in assessed value from state ad valorem taxes and up to $2,000 in assessed value from county ad valorem taxes (excluding countywide/school-district taxes levied for school purposes), on a single-family owner-occupied home and up to 160 acres. | Must own and occupy the property as a single-family primary residence (not exceeding 160 acres) on the first day of the tax year (October 1). | October 1 | Official source ↗Ala. Code § 40-9-19 |
| Over-65 or Disabled Homestead Exemption (H-2)Senior (65+) | Exempt from all state ad valorem taxes, plus up to $5,000 in assessed value exempted from county ad valorem taxes (including school-district taxes), on a home and up to 160 acres. | Age 65+ · Alternatively qualifies if permanently and totally disabled (any age); verified by a Physician's Affidavit. · Income: Adjusted gross income under $12,000 on the most recent Alabama state income tax return (age-65 track). No income limit for the permanent-and-total-disability track. · Must own and occupy the property as a single-family primary residence (not exceeding 160 acres) on the first day of the tax year (October 1). | October 1 | Official source ↗Ala. Code § 40-9-19Physician's Affidavit (Form PT-PA-1) required to verify permanent and total disability for the disability track |
| Total Exemption for Over-65 (Low Income), Disabled, or Blind (H-3)Senior (65+) | Total exemption from ALL ad valorem property taxes (state and county) on a single-family owner-occupied home and up to 160 acres. | Age 65+ · Alternatively qualifies if permanently and totally disabled (any age), or blind as defined in Ala. Code § 1-1-3 (any age); disability verified by a Physician's Affidavit. · Income: $12,000 or less combined (taxpayer and spouse) taxable income on the most recent federal income tax return (age-65 track). No income limit for the disabled or blind tracks. · Must own and occupy the property as a single-family primary residence (not exceeding 160 acres) on the first day of the tax year (October 1). | October 1 | Official source ↗Ala. Code § 40-9-19; Ala. Code § 40-9-21Physician's Affidavit (Form PT-PA-1) required to verify permanent and total disability for the disability track |
| Over-65 Homestead Exemption, Higher Income (H-4)Senior (65+) | Exempt from all state ad valorem taxes, plus up to $2,000 in assessed value exempted from county ad valorem taxes, on a home and up to 160 acres. | Age 65+ · Income: Income greater than $12,000 on the most recent Alabama state income tax return. · Must own and occupy the property as a single-family primary residence (not exceeding 160 acres) on the first day of the tax year (October 1). | October 1 | Official source ↗Ala. Code § 40-9-19 |
| Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Disabled VeteransVeteranVerify locally | Full exemption from all ad valorem taxation, regardless of the home's value. | Home must have been acquired under a VA Specially Adapted Housing grant (Public Law 702 / 38 U.S.C.), generally requiring a service-connected total disability. · Must be owned and occupied as a home by the qualifying veteran or the veteran's unremarried widow(er). | Deadline varies — confirm locally | Official source ↗Ala. Code § 40-9-20 (see also § 40-9-19(a)) |
For veterans
In most states a higher VA disability rating unlocks a larger — often total — property tax exemption.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
VA Claims Academy
A 100% VA disability rating unlocks full property tax exemptions in most states. VA Claims Academy helps veterans pursue the rating increases they may be owed.
Visit VA Claims Academy →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
For seniors
Planning ahead protects your exemption and your home.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
CareSifter — Find trusted senior care
Property tax relief is one piece of aging in place affordably. CareSifter helps families compare in-home care, assisted living, and senior services.
Explore CareSifter →*Trust & Will — Estate planning made simple
Keeping a homestead exemption in the family often depends on how the home is titled. Trust & Will makes wills, trusts, and transfer-on-death deeds affordable and online.
Start with Trust & Will →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
Alabama property tax relief FAQ
What property tax exemptions are available in Alabama?
Alabama offers 5 main property tax relief programs: Regular Homestead Exemption (H-1), Over-65 or Disabled Homestead Exemption (H-2), Total Exemption for Over-65 (Low Income), Disabled, or Blind (H-3), Over-65 Homestead Exemption, Higher Income (H-4), Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Disabled Veterans. Each is administered through your County Revenue Commissioner (or County Tax Assessor / Tax Collector, depending on the county).
How do I apply for a property tax exemption in Alabama?
You apply through your County Revenue Commissioner (or County Tax Assessor / Tax Collector, depending on the county) — for free. Most exemptions require a one-time application by the deadline; check each program for its form and cutoff date. You never need to pay a third party to file.
Is filing for a Alabama property tax exemption free?
Yes. Filing is always free through your County Revenue Commissioner (or County Tax Assessor / Tax Collector, depending on the county). Letters offering to file your homestead exemption for a fee are private solicitations, not government notices.
Compare Alabama to other states by relief type
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