Total millage by town
One mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. The total is made up of state, county, school and city levies.
| Area | State | County | School | City | Total mills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlorenceLauderdale County | 6.5 | 10.5 | 18 | 14 | 49 |
| KillenLauderdale County | 6.5 | 10.5 | 18 | 6 | 41 |
| RogersvilleLauderdale County | 6.5 | 10.5 | 18 | 6 | 41 |
| Lauderdale County, outside city limitsLauderdale County | 6.5 | 10.5 | 18 | 0 | 35 |
| Muscle ShoalsColbert County | 6.5 | 8.5 | 20 | 5.5 | 40.5 |
| SheffieldColbert County | 6.5 | 8.5 | 14 | 22.5 | 51.5 |
| TuscumbiaColbert County | 6.5 | 8.5 | 17.5 | 15.5 | 48 |
| Colbert County, outside city limitsColbert County | 6.5 | 8.5 | 15 | 0 | 30 |
| RussellvilleFranklin County | 6.5 | 16.5 | 10 | 23.6 | 56.6 |
| Franklin County, outside city limitsFranklin County | 6.5 | 16.5 | 10 | 0 | 33 |
Homes outside city limits also pay a $50 fire fee per dwelling: outside Florence in Lauderdale County, and outside Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals in Colbert County. In Franklin County, some fire districts charge $3 a month instead. Inside Russellville, 7.8 of the city's 23.6 mills go to education.
Source: Alabama Department of Revenue, 2025 millage rates (October 2025), matching the Lauderdale County and Colbert County revenue commissioner tables. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates can change each tax year.
How the bill is figured
For a home you own and live in (Class III residential), Alabama uses 10% of the appraised value as the assessed value. Multiply that by the total mills, then subtract any exemptions.
Example only. Take a home appraised at $200,000. The assessed value is $20,000.
- In Florence (49 mills): $980 a year before exemptions. The regular homestead exemption takes off $64.50, for about $915.50.
- In Muscle Shoals (40.5 mills): $810 a year before exemptions. The regular homestead exemption takes off $43, for about $767.
This is an illustration, not a quote for any home. Your bill depends on the county's appraisal and the exemptions you claim. Confirm with the county revenue commissioner. Sources: Alabama Department of Revenue; Lauderdale County FAQ; Colbert County homestead exemptions.
The homestead exemption
If you own the home and live in it, file for the homestead exemption. It's the easiest money you'll save on a house, and it isn't automatic.
- Under 65: the state exempts $4,000 of assessed value, and the county exempts part as well.
- 65 or older, disabled or blind: the state portion is fully exempt. At 65 or older with income of $12,000 or less, the home is exempt from all property tax.
- Lauderdale County senior freeze: owners 65 or older who have lived in the home at least 5 years can freeze the assessed value. Claim it in writing between October 1 and December 31. It took effect October 1, 2025.
- Deadline: apply before December 31. Colbert County bases eligibility on your status as of October 1.
Lauderdale County Revenue Commissioner: (256) 760-5785. Seniors bring an ID and the latest federal tax return.
Colbert County Revenue Commissioner: 201 N. Main St, Tuscumbia, (256) 386-8530, or apply online.
Sources: Alabama Department of Revenue, homestead exemptions; WAFF, September 30, 2025; Colbert County Revenue Commissioner. Checked October 16, 2026.
Dates to remember
- October 1: property taxes are due in both counties.
- December 31: last day before taxes are delinquent, and the deadline to file for the homestead exemption.
- Current use: farm, forest and some residential and historic property can apply for current use valuation between October 1 and January 1. You don't reapply unless ownership changes.
Sources: Lauderdale County Revenue Commissioner; Colbert County Revenue Commissioner FAQ; Alabama Department of Revenue, current use.
Common questions
How are property taxes calculated in Alabama?
For a home you own and live in, the county takes 10% of the appraised value as the assessed value, then multiplies it by the total millage rate for your area (one mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). Exemptions, like the homestead exemption, then lower the bill.
Which Shoals city has the highest property tax rate?
Among the Shoals cities, Sheffield has the highest total rate at 51.5 mills, followed by Florence at 49 and Tuscumbia at 48. Muscle Shoals is 40.5, and Killen and Rogersville are 41. Homes outside city limits run lower, at 35 mills in Lauderdale County and 30 in Colbert County, plus a $50 fire fee. Russellville, in Franklin County just south of the Shoals, is 56.6 mills inside city limits.
When are property taxes due in Lauderdale and Colbert County?
Property taxes are due October 1 and become delinquent after December 31 in both counties.
How do I apply for the homestead exemption?
Apply with your county revenue commissioner before December 31 for the home you own and live in. Lauderdale County is at (256) 760-5785. Colbert County is at 201 N. Main St, Tuscumbia, (256) 386-8530, and also takes applications online.
Do seniors pay less property tax in Alabama?
Yes. At 65 or older, or if you are disabled or blind, the state portion of the tax on your home is exempt, and homeowners 65 or older with income of $12,000 or less are exempt from all property tax on their home. Lauderdale County also freezes the assessed value for owners 65 or older who have lived in the home at least 5 years; claim it in writing between October 1 and December 31.
Who pays property taxes the year I buy a home?
Taxes for the year are usually split between buyer and seller at closing. The tax notice for the current year generally stays in the seller's name, so your closing attorney or title company handles the proration.
General information to help you compare areas, not tax or legal advice. For your exact bill and exemptions, contact the county revenue commissioner. Updated October 16, 2026.