The intent and purpose of the laws of this state are to have all property and subjects of taxation returned at the value which would be realized from the cash sale, but not the forced sale, of the property and subjects as such property and subjects are usually sold except as otherwise provided in this chapter. (O.C.G.A. 48-5-1)

Property Tax Returns are Required to be Filed by April 1 Homestead applications that are filed after April 1 will not be granted until the next calendar year. (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-45) Failure to apply by the deadline will result in loss of the exemption for that year. (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-45) Homestead Applications are Filed with Your County Tax Officials Application for homestead exemption must be filed with the tax commissioner's office, or in some counties the tax assessor's office has been delegated to receive applications for homestead exemption. To Receive Homestead for the Current Tax Year A homeowner can file an application for homestead exemption for their home and land any time during the prior year up to the deadline for filing returns. To receive the homestead exemption for the current tax year, the homeowner must have owned the property on January 1 and filed the homestead application by the same date property tax returns are due in the county.

Property taxes are normally due December 20 in most counties, but some counties may have a different due date. Taxpayers have 60 days from the date of billing to pay their property taxes. The county tax commissioner is responsible for collecting property taxes for the county, school and state. For questions about billing you should contact the county tax commissioner. For questions about the valuation on your property you should contact the county board of tax assessors.

The list below has links to county websites where property records can be searched online or property tax payments can be made online. Property Records Online Pay Property Tax Online If you encounter a problem accessing a website on this list, you will need to contact the office of the Board of Tax Assessors or the Tax Commissioner in the county. The Board of Tax Assessors is responsible for property valuations, and the Tax Commissioner is responsible for collecting property taxes. The Department of Revenue is not responsible for maintenance of county websites.