Alabama § 40-21-20 - What Considered in Arriving at Taxable Value of Property.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 40-21-20 — What Considered in Arriving at Taxable Value of Property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 40-21-20. What Considered in Arriving at Taxable Value of Property.

In arriving at the value of such taxable property, whenever used in this chapter or whenever required, the Department of Revenue, the tax assessors, deputy tax assessors, board of equalization, or other assessing authorities and the courts shall be authorized to consider and may consider original costs, reproduction cost new less depreciation, recent sales of contiguous or similar property, the nature of the property, its location, whether in town, city or county, whether it is vacant or occupied, its proximity to local advantages, its use, its fitness for the use to which employed, or its fitness for other uses, the quality of soil, its growth of timber, its mines, minerals, coal beds, oil or gas deposits, the amount and character of improvements thereon, the amount of insurance carried on each item of property, the gross and net income received therefrom during the year or years preceding the date of assessment, the market value of its shares of stock or bonds, or both, if sold in the open market, or if not quoted in the open market, the value thereof, the amount of any bonded indebtedness, loans or mortgages upon it and any and all evidence and information that may be adduced before the assessing authorities or which he or it may procure, shedding light on the value of such property. In assessing any property where such information is obtainable and has or may have any bearing on the values of such property, the tax assessing authorities shall consider the average market or actual value of the stock and bonds of such companies during the preceding year and also shall take into consideration the estimated investment as returned by the duly authorized officer or employee of such company to the Public Service Commission or to the Interstate Commerce Commission, Tennessee Valley Authority, Reconstruction Finance Corporation or Railroad Credit Corporation, or other similar commissions, agencies, or associations of the United States or this state, or value stated in folders, schedules, or prospecti. Any valuation made for rate-making or other purposes of the Public Service Commission of the state, the Interstate Commerce Commission, or other state or governmental bodies shall also be considered.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 40-21-20

What does Code of Alabama § 40-21-20 cover?

Section 40-21-20 ("What Considered in Arriving at Taxable Value of Property.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 40-21-20?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 40-21-20" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 40-21-20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.