Following recent media coverage regarding property tax assessments, residents may have questions about property taxes in Fulton County. The following are answers to key questions. 

How is property tax calculated?
The property’s assessed value (minus any exemptions) is multiplied by the millage rate for each taxing jurisdiction for that individual property. These numbers are added together to calculate the total property tax for an individual property. 

What is a millage rate?
Each taxing authority sets its own millage rate. One mill equals a tenth of a cent, or one dollar on every thousand dollars of taxable value.

What taxing authorities are included in a Fulton County tax bill?
Each Fulton County property tax bill includes portions for several local taxing authorities:

• Fulton County General Fund 
• School Board (Atlanta or Fulton County)
• City government or unincorporated South Fulton Tax District

What is Fulton County’s Millage Rate? 

• General Fund (countywide) 10.281
• South Fulton Tax District (unincorporated) 8.159

How does assessment affect property taxes?
If the assessment changes for an individual property, the property’s tax may increase or decrease, even if the millage rate stays the same.

• Approximately 54% of Fulton County residential properties had no change to their assessment in 2009
• Approximately 43% of Fulton County’s residential properties had a lower assessment in 2009
• Approximately 3% of Fulton County’s residential properties had a higher assessment in 2009 (new parcels and new construction only)

 
What do I do if I disagree with the assessed value of my home?
Property owners who disagree with their assessed value may file a property tax return with the Board of Assessors, between January 1 and April 1 of any given year. The form for a property tax return is available at www.fultonassessor.org.

If the Board of Assessors does not adjust the assessment, the property owner may then file an appeal. Most appeals are heard by the Boards of Equalization. However, other arbitration options may be viewed on the Board of Assessors website. 

What tax relief measures are available?

There are a variety of property tax exemptions available to qualifying Fulton County homeowners, including various homestead exemptions, an assessment freeze and others.  Property owners may contact the Fulton County Tax Assessor’s Office to determine which exemptions are applicable to their property by calling 404-612-6440, Press #4 or visiting www.fultonassessor.org. Due to financial constraints, in 2009 the Georgia General Assembly discontinued the Georgia Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant. This will result in lower exemptions and higher tax payments for some homeowners throughout the Georgia.