Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Decatur County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Deceder County

Every year the Decatur County Board of Assessors determines the taxable value of each parcel of real property. The assessment is based on the market value as of January 1 of the tax year, adjusted for improvements, depreciation, and any recent sales of comparable properties. Once the assessed value is finalized, the county applies its combined millage rate—expressed in mills (one‑thousandth of a dollar)—to calculate the tax bill. For 2024 the general‑purpose millage rate stands at 45 mills, while special districts (schools, fire, and road) add approximately 15 mills, resulting in a total rate near 60 mills (or 0.060 × assessed value).

To illustrate, a home assessed at $150,000 with a 60‑mill rate would owe $150,000 × 0.060 = $9,000 in property taxes for the year. Property owners receive a Notice of Assessment in early March, which includes the exact assessed value and the millage breakdown.

Available Exemptions

Georgia law provides several exemptions that can lower the taxable portion of a property’s assessed value. Decatur County follows the statewide guidelines, and eligible owners should file the appropriate exemption forms by the March 15 deadline.

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the assessed value by $2,000 for owner‑occupied residential properties.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 62 or older with an income of $30,000 or less may receive an additional $2,000 reduction.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified individuals with a permanent physical or mental disability are eligible for a $2,000 exemption.
• Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a service‑connected disability of at least 20 % receive a $2,000 exemption; those disabled 40 % or more qualify for a $4,000 exemption.

Exemptions are cumulative only when the qualifying criteria differ (e.g., a senior veteran may combine the senior and veteran exemptions). All supporting documentation—proof of age, income, disability rating, or military service—must accompany the application.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Decatur County are payable in two installments. The first installment, covering the first half of the fiscal year, is due on June 1 and is considered delinquent after July 1. The second installment, for the latter half, is due on November 1 with a delinquency date of December 1. Property owners may also elect to pay the full amount by the June 1 deadline to avoid any future reminders.

Late payments incur a 10 % penalty on the overdue portion, plus interest at the county’s statutory rate (currently 6 % annually). If taxes remain unpaid after the December 1 deadline, the county may initiate a tax lien, potentially leading to a tax sale. To prevent these consequences, many residents set up automated bank drafts or use the online portal offered by the Decatur County Tax Commission.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to file a written protest with the Decatur County Board of Assessors within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Assessment. Include any evidence that supports your claim—recent sales data, independent appraisals, or photographs of property condition.

After the initial protest, the board will schedule a hearing where you can present your case. Should the board’s decision remain unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the Georgia Superior Court, State Board of Revenue, or the state’s Appellate Tax Board, each with its own filing deadlines and procedural rules. Throughout the process, maintain copies of all correspondence and be mindful of statutory timelines to preserve your rights.