Tax relief and valuation review
A homestead exemption, senior-relief program, or valuation protest can change the amount a homeowner owes—but only if the filing reaches the right local office in the correct window. Use the verified county guidance below as your working checklist, then confirm the current form and deadline with Covington County Revenue Commissioner.
Relief programs
The filing guidance for this county is: December 31, 2025 for 2026 tax year; Covington states all exemption applications are due December 31. Use the official form or application channel, provide the residence and ownership documentation requested, and keep a copy of the submission.
Open homestead applicationAlabama H-2: age 65+ with Alabama AGI under $12,000 (or permanent and total disability) receives the state-tax exemption and up to $5,000 assessed-value county exemption; H-3: age 65+ with combined federal taxable income $12,000 or less, or permanent and total disability, may be exempt from all ad valorem tax on the principal residence and up to 160 adjacent acres; H-4: age 65+ with Alabama AGI over $12,000 receives the state exemption plus the regular county homestead exemption. Eligibility and income documentation are administered by the local office.
7% maximum annual increase in taxable assessed value for eligible Class II and Class III real property beginning with tax year 2025 under Alabama Act 2024-344 / Code §40-7-2.2. The cap does not limit fair-market/current-use appraisal and generally excludes new parcels, significant improvements, classification changes, and changes of ownership; family/spouse transfers may remain eligible.
Appealing an assessment
Use the valuation notice and the county’s published protest guidance to determine the last day to file. Do not assume the payment deadline controls the appeal.
Gather comparable sales, photographs, repair records, appraisal evidence, property characteristics, and any documentation that explains why the assessed value is incorrect.
Submit through the official channel, save the confirmation, and attend the board or review hearing if one is scheduled. An appraiser or attorney can help evaluate evidence when the value or stakes are substantial.
The verified protest guidance for this county is: Within 30 calendar days of the county Board of Equalization valuation notice; specific 2026 notice date not published by the county. If the language is not a specific calendar date, contact the office promptly for the current notice and board-review schedule.