Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Dodge County

In Dodge County, the tax‑year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The county assessor determines the market value of each real‑property parcel as of the assessment date (usually January 1 of the tax year). This “assessed value” is then multiplied by the applicable millage rate – the amount of tax levied per $1,000 of assessed value – to calculate the annual property tax bill. For 2024 the combined county, city, school and special‑district millage rates total roughly 24.3 mills (or $24.30 per $1,000 of assessed value). Because millage rates can vary between municipalities and special districts, the exact rate on a single parcel may differ slightly from the county‑wide average.

Once the assessor’s office finalizes values, the tax collector’s office issues a tax bill that reflects the total millage applicable to the property’s location and any exemptions that have been claimed.

Available Exemptions

Dodge County follows Georgia’s statewide exemption statutes. Homeowners may reduce their taxable base by applying for one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by up to $10,000. The exemption must be claimed with the county assessor and renewed annually.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 or older may receive an additional $10,000 exemption if their income falls below the state‑defined threshold.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified individuals with a permanent physical or mental disability can obtain a $10,000 exemption, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Georgia Department of Revenue.
• Veteran Exemptions:
  • Veterans with a service‑connected disability of 10% or more receive a $5,000 exemption.
  • Veterans with a 30% or greater disability qualify for a $10,000 exemption.
  • Surviving spouses of service‑connected disabled veterans may claim the same exemption amount.

Exemptions are not automatic; owners must file the appropriate application forms with the Dodge County Assessor’s Office by March 1 of the tax year to receive credit on that year’s bill.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Dodge County are due in two installments. The first installment is payable on the first day of the month following the bill’s issuance (typically early February) and must be received by the end of the fourth month of the tax year (May 31). The second installment is due on the first day of the sixth month (July 1) and must be paid by the end of the tenth month (November 30).

• Online or In‑Person: Payments can be made through the county’s secure online portal, at the tax collector’s office, or at any authorized banking institution.
• Late Payment Penalties: A 10% penalty plus accrued interest is assessed on any portion of the bill not paid by the deadline.
• Installment Options: Taxpayers may request a third‑quarterly installment plan, but the county must approve the arrangement in advance.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with a written appeal filed with the Dodge County Board of Assessors no later than 30 days after the assessment notice is mailed (usually by March 1). Your appeal must include supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or documented property defects.

• Informal Review: A staff member may meet with you to discuss the discrepancy before a formal hearing.
• Formal Hearing: If the issue is not resolved informally, a hearing before the Board of Assessors is scheduled. You may present testimony and evidence; the Board’s decision is final unless further appealed to the State Board of Equalization.
• Costs: There is no filing fee for the initial appeal, but you are responsible for any expert appraisal costs you incur.

Act promptly—timely appeals preserve your right to contest the assessment and can result in significant tax savings.