Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Murray County

Property taxes in Murray County, Georgia, are calculated by first determining the assessed value of a home or other taxable real property. The county’s Assessor’s Office appraises each parcel once a year, using recent sales, comparable market data, and property characteristics. The fair market value is reduced by any applicable exemptions before taxation. Once the assessed value is established, the county calculates the tax by multiplying that value by the district millage rates.

The state of Georgia imposes a base millage rate of 10 milli, or 1 %. Murray County and its subordinate districts—such as the city of Chatsworth, the Johnson County Development Authority, and the SPV (Special Property V) district—add additional mills that reflect local services, schools, and infrastructure projects. The combined county‑wide effective millage rate in 2024 averages around 15 milli. If your assessed value after exemptions is $200,000, your annual tax bill would be roughly $3,000 (200,000 × 0.15).

Available Exemptions

Murray County offers several exemptions that reduce the taxable portion of your property value. The most common are:

• Homestead Exemption – 30 % of the assessed value is exempted for primary residences. This applies to most homeowners regardless of income, subject to a property value cap of $200,000.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Full exemption for owners aged 65 + who occupy the property as their primary residence and have a combined gross income below a set threshold ($45,000 in 2024).
• Disability Exemption – Physical or developmental disability that prohibits full employment of the owner or spouse can grant a partial or full exemption up to 60 % of assessed value.
• Veteran Exemption – Service‑connected disabled veterans qualify for a 20 % exemption; honorably discharged veterans earn 5 %.

Each exemption is applied sequentially; you may combine more than one, but the adjusted assessed value cannot fall below the minimum taxable threshold set by the state ($5,000).

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

County tax bills are mailed by late March. The full‑payment due date is the 15th of May, with an annual penalty of 5 % for any balance remaining after that date. Homeowners can also split the payment into two installments: the first by May 15 and the second by October 15. Using the electronic payment portal or mailing a check can avoid late fees. If you miss both deadlines, the county imposes a 10 % penalty plus a 1 % monthly interest charge until the amount is paid.

Failure to pay within the required timeframe may lead to a tax lien being placed on the property. The lien is registered with the county recorder and may be sold at a public auction if the debt remains unpaid after 365 days.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can file an appeal with the Miller Board within 60 days of receiving your tax bill. The appeal process involves:\n

• Submitting a written statement and any supporting documents (recent appraisals, sale notices, photos).
• Paying a filing fee of $25.
• Attending a hearing, usually scheduled within 30 days of filing.
• Presenting evidence and hearing testimony before a neutral board member.

After deliberation, the Miller Board will issue a written decision reflecting any adjustment to the assessed value. If you disagree with the board’s ruling, you may appeal to the Georgia Superior Court within 30 days, where a judge will review the record. An accurate assessment relies on up‑to‑date data; therefore, keeping your property records current—address, improvements, and any tax‑free exemptions—helps maintain a fair assessment and avoid costly overpayments.