Helena, Alabama Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Helena, Alabama is 0.53%, slightly above the state median of 0.47% but still lower than the national median of 0.99%. With the median home value in Helena at $369,700, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $1,953, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Helena are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the market value due to various exemptions like primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Helena's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Helena or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Helena, Alabama Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.53%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,959
$1,818
Ownwell’s Helena Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Helena with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Helena to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Helena, Alabama
Property taxes in Helena, Alabama, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Helena is 0.53%, which is significantly lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Helena set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Helena estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Helena's effective property tax rate to other areas in Jefferson County and the national median. For comparison, the 35022 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.53%, while the 35080 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 0.53%. Understanding how these cities compare with Helena provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Jefferson County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Helena Tax Rate
0.53%
Average Jefferson County Tax Rate
0.71%
Average Alabama Tax Rate
0.47%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Helena, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35022 | 0.48% | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.54% |
| 35080 | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.53% | 0.82% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Helena, Alabama
In Helena, Alabama, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Jefferson County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Helena helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest median tax bill in Jefferson County is $1963 in the 35022 zip code, while the lowest is $1799 in the 35080 zip code.
Average Helena Assessed Value
$369,700
Average Jefferson County Assessed Value
$150,900
Average Alabama Assessed Value
$149,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Helena, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35022 | $276,390 | $326,925 | $370,500 | $409,650 | $459,900 |
| 35080 | $301,550 | $319,150 | $337,050 | $353,475 | $385,250 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Helena, Alabama
In Helena, Jefferson County, AL, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the property's market value, and local taxing authorities set the tax rate. For instance, the median home price in Helena is $369,700. Homeowners in Helena can expect their property tax bills to fall within a range, with the 25th percentile at $1,727 and the 75th percentile at $2,198. The 90th percentile reaches up to $2,509, indicating variability based on property value and specific assessments. Factors influencing the tax bill include the home's market value, assessment ratio, and local tax rates. The highest median tax bill in Jefferson County is $1,963 in the 35022 zip code, while the lowest is $1,799 in the 35080 zip code. These tax bills impact homeowners by contributing to annual expenses, influencing decisions on property purchases, and affecting overall affordability. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Helena's rates reflect regional economic conditions and local government funding needs.
Average Helena Tax Bill
$1,953
Average Jefferson County Tax Bill
$1,159
Average Alabama Tax Bill
$717
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Helena, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35022 | $1,495 | $1,729 | $1,963 | $2,201 | $2,506 |
| 35080 | $1,604 | $1,696 | $1,799 | $2,014 | $2,812 |
Source: Ownwell