Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Fayette County

Fayette County determines your property tax bill by first assessing the market value of the real‑estate you own. The County Tax Assessor’s Office conducts assessments every six years, with interim adjustments made when there are significant improvements, new construction, or a change in ownership. Once the assessed value (called the “assessment”) is established, the county applies the applicable millage rates to calculate the tax due.

A “mill” represents one‑thousandth of a dollar ( $0.001 ). The total millage rate for Fayette County is the sum of the following components:

• County General Fund – funds services such as roads, public safety, and health.
• School District – Fayette County School System levies the largest portion of the millage.
• City/Community – if your property lies within a city (e.g., Peachtree Corners, Fayetteville), the municipality adds its own millage.
• Special Districts – fire districts, water & sewer authorities, and other special districts may levy additional mills.

The combined rate for 2024‑2025 typically ranges from 25 to 30 mills (2.5 %–3.0 % of the assessed value), but you should check the most recent rate schedule posted on the Fayette County Board of Tax Assessors website, as rates can change each fiscal year.

Available Exemptions

Georgia offers several property‑tax exemptions that can lower the taxable portion of your assessment. Fayette County applies these statewide exemptions automatically when you qualify, but you must file the appropriate application for many of them.

• Homestead Exemption – $2,000 off the assessed value for owner‑occupied residential property. Must be your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Residents 62 years or older may receive an additional $2,000 exemption (or $4,000 if the senior’s income is below the state‑defined threshold).
• Disability Exemption – Qualifying persons with a permanent physical or mental disability can claim $2,000 (or $4,000 for low‑income seniors) off the assessment.
• Veteran & Survivor Exemptions – Disabled veterans receive a $2,000 exemption; surviving spouses of veterans who died in service may also qualify. An additional $2,000 is available for veterans with a service‑connected disability rating of 30 % or higher.

All exemption applications are submitted to the Fayette County Tax Assessor’s Office by March 1 each year. Once approved, the exemption is applied to your tax bill for the current and subsequent years, provided the eligibility criteria remain met.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Fayette County property taxes are billed annually but can be paid in two equal installments.

• First Installment – Due on the first business day of September. This payment covers the portion of the tax bill from July 1 to December 31.
• Second Installment – Due on the first business day of December. It settles the remaining balance for the calendar year.
• Late Payment – If either installment is not paid by the due date, a 10 % penalty plus interest at the legal rate (currently 9 % per annum) is assessed. Continued delinquency may result in a tax lien, tax sale, or wage garnishment.
• Payment Options – Payments can be made online through the Fayette County Treasury portal, by mailed check, or in person at the county tax collector’s office. Many banks also accept electronic funds transfers.

For homeowners who qualify, the county may offer a payment plan that spreads the tax bill over four quarterly installments, but you must request this arrangement before the first due date.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to file a protest.

1. File a Formal Protest – Submit a written protest to the Fayette County Board of Assessors by May 31 of the tax year. Include the parcel number, a clear statement of why you disagree, and supporting evidence (recent comparable sales, appraisal, or error in property data).
2. Board Hearing – The Board will schedule a hearing, typically in June or July. You may present witnesses, photographs, and any other documentation.
3. Decision & Further Appeal – The Board issues a written decision within 30 days. If you disagree with that outcome, you can appeal to the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Local Government Services Division within 30 days of the Board’s decision.
4. Costs – There is no filing fee for the initial protest, but you may incur costs for professional appraisals or legal representation.

Act promptly; missing the May 31 deadline limits your rights to contest the assessment for that fiscal year. For detailed forms and instructions, visit the Fayette County Board of Assessors website or contact their office directly.