Understanding Property Taxes in Georgia: A Guide for Homeowners

Navigating the landscape of property taxes in Georgia can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time homeowners or those relocating from other states. At Buy Georgia Realty, we believe that being informed is empowering. Whether you're planning to buy, recently closed, or just looking to understand your current tax situation, here’s what you need to know to confidently manage your property taxes in the Peach State.

Why Property Taxes Matter

Property taxes in Georgia play a crucial role in funding vital local services, including:

• Public schools

• Fire and emergency services

• Road maintenance

• Parks and recreational services

Your annual property tax bill is based on your property’s assessed value, as determined by your county tax assessor, multiplied by the local millage rate (more on that below). Understanding this formula, and how to reduce your taxable value is key to keeping your housing expenses manageable.

Property Taxes Vary by County

Here’s where it gets tricky: Georgia doesn’t have a statewide property tax rate. Instead, each county sets its own millage rate (a tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value). That means your tax bill can vary significantly depending on where in Georgia you live—even if two homes have similar market values.

Some counties, like Fulton or Dekalb, may have higher millage rates due to urban infrastructure demands, while more rural counties may have lower overall rates. This makes it crucial to research county-specific information and not rely on averages when budgeting for homeownership.

How Property Taxes Are Calculated

While millage rates and deadlines may vary, the general process of calculating property taxes across Georgia looks like this:

1. Assessment: Your county tax assessor evaluates your home’s fair market value.

2. Assessment Ratio: Georgia taxes 40% of the assessed value. For example, a $300,000 home is taxed on $120,000.

3. Exemptions: Eligible exemptions (such as homestead or senior discounts) are subtracted.

4. Millage Rate: Applied to the adjusted taxable value to determine your final bill.

Save Money with the Homestead Exemption

If you own and occupy your Georgia home as your primary residence as of January 1st, you likely qualify for a Homestead Exemption and you should absolutely apply!

Key benefits:

• Reduces the taxable value of your home

• Lowers your annual property tax bill

• Applies every year after approval, as long as you remain eligible

Deadline: Typically April 1st, though some counties allow slight variations. Don't miss it!

Additional Exemptions to Know

Georgia offers several special exemptions that may apply to you or your household. Here are a few to explore:

• Standard Homestead Exemption – Available to most homeowners

• Senior School Tax Exemption – For homeowners 62+ (in some counties, this completely exempts school tax)

• Disabled Veteran Exemption – For qualifying veterans or surviving spouses

• Floating Inflation-Proof Exemption – Protects against large tax increases due to rising property values

Pro Tip from Buy Georgia Realty: Even if you’ve owned your home for years, it’s worth checking with your local tax office to ensure you’re receiving every exemption you qualify for.

Staying Ahead of Reassessments

Most counties reassess property values every 1–3 years. These updates could cause a noticeable increase in your taxes, especially in a hot market. You’ll receive a Notice of Assessment in the mail if your value changes.

If you believe your assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal, but the window to do so is limited (typically 45 days from the date on the notice). Don’t ignore it!

Let Buy Georgia Realty Help You Navigate

At Buy Georgia Realty, we do more than help clients buy and sell, we help them understand the entire homeownership experience. Property taxes are one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a home, and we want to ensure you’re not overpaying or caught off guard.

Whether you’re:
✔️ A first-time homebuyer trying to understand what’s coming
✔️ A current homeowner unsure if you’ve filed your exemptions
✔️ A future seller curious how taxes impact your sale—we're here for you.

In Summary

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to property taxes. Here’s what you can do:
✅ Research your county’s tax office and millage rates
✅ Apply for the homestead exemption before the deadline
✅ Ask us about additional savings opportunities
✅ Reach out if you’re buying or selling—we’ll guide you through what to expect

Georgia Roots. Grit. Great Homes.

Buy Georgia Realty is proud to be your go-to resource for all things real estate from purchase to property tax prep.

Have questions or want help reviewing your property taxes? Let’s connect.