Public Official
Tax Collector Bond
A tax collector bond is a public official bond an elected or appointed tax collector must file before taking office.
- Required by
- State law, with approval by the state comptroller or county governing body
- Bond amount
- Set by whoever requires the bond. We confirm it.
What this bond guarantees
The bond promises the state or county (the obligee) that the tax collector will faithfully perform the duties of the office and account for all tax money collected. If public money is lost through the collector's misconduct or failure to perform, the government can claim against the bond.
Who needs it
- Elected county tax collectors
- Appointed tax collectors
- Municipal and special district tax collectors
What the underwriter looks at
- Amount of public money handled
- Office audit history
- Personal credit
Requirements vary by state and by who asks for the bond. Send us the request you received and we will confirm exactly what it calls for.
Common questions
How is the bond amount set in Alabama?
The State Comptroller sets each county tax collector's bond using the table in s. 40-5-3, Code of Alabama. The bond must be approved by the Comptroller before it is filed with the probate judge.
What happens if I do not file the bond on time?
In Alabama, an official who fails to file a required bond within the time set by law vacates the office (s. 36-5-15). Start the bond early.
How long does the bond run?
Usually for the term of office. Alabama elected tax collector bonds run for the six-year term.