Taxes in Decatur, Alabama
Complete tax guide for Decatur, AL. State income tax up to 5%, 0.4% property tax, 4.83% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
5%
Alabama
Property Tax
0.4%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
4.83%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Low
Decatur, AL Tax Overview
Population
57,938
Median Income
$42,000
Cost of Living
82.8 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
5%
Median Home Price
$165,000
Decatur Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Decatur median: $42,000
Total Tax Burden in Decatur
$8,315
Take-Home: $33,686 · Effective Rate: 19.80%
Federal Tax
$3,002
7.15% eff.
AL State
$2,100
5.00% eff.
FICA
$3,213
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$33,686
80.20% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $42,000.00 | $3,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,001.50 | -$250.13 |
| Alabama State Tax | -$2,100.00 | -$175.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,604.00 | -$217.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$609.00 | -$50.75 |
| Take-Home Pay | $33,685.50 | $2,807.13 |
Property Tax in Decatur
Median Home
$165,000
Annual Tax
$660
Monthly Tax
$55
Effective Rate
0.4%
Sales Tax in Decatur
Combined Rate
4.83%
State Portion
~2.3%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Decatur is 4.83%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $4.83 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Decatur | Alabama Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5% | 5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.4% | ~0.4% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 4.83% | ~4.83% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Low | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Decatur
Decatur has a population of approximately 57,938 residents with a median household income of $42,000. The cost of living index is 82.8 (17.2% lower than the national average of 100).
Tax burden classification: Low. Effective combined tax rate of 23.2% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Decatur household.
Official Tax Resources for Alabama
For authoritative Alabama tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Alabama Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Alabama Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- Alabama Property Tax Information — assessment, exemptions, and appeals
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Decatur Residents
- Alabama's income tax rate of 5% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Decatur (0.4%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
LowMontgomery
LowBirmingham
Very LowMobile
Very LowTuscaloosa
Very LowHoover
ModerateAuburn
Very LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Alabama state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Decatur's median home value of $165,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.4%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Alabama Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Alabama Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Decatur, AL?
Decatur, Alabama has a state income tax rate up to 5%. The property tax rate is 0.4% and the combined sales tax rate is 4.83%.
How much is property tax in Decatur?
The effective property tax rate in Decatur is 0.4%. On the median home price of $165,000, this equals approximately $660 per year or $55 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Decatur?
The combined sales tax rate in Decatur is 4.83%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Decatur's tax burden compare to other cities?
Decatur has a low overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 23.2%. The combination of 5% state income tax, 0.4% property tax, and 4.83% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 82.8 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Decatur?
Decatur does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 5%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).