Question:
\nProperty values and assessments have been going down over the last few years. Why are property taxes still just as high or even higher?<\/p>\n
Answer:<\/strong> Question: Answer:<\/strong> Question: Answer:<\/strong> Question: Answer:<\/strong> Question: Answer:<\/strong> Question: Answer:<\/strong> Question: Answer:<\/strong> Property Tax Issues ASSESSMENTS & MILLAGE RATES Q&A Question: Property values and assessments have been going down over the last few years. Why are property taxes still just as high or even higher? Answer: Each county still needs a certain amount of tax revenue to operate. They still have to provide schools, police, fire protection, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":55,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nEach county still needs a certain amount of tax revenue to operate. They still have to provide schools, police, fire protection, and all other county services. If the assessments go down, the county has to raise the millage rate.<\/p>\n
\nWhat is the millage rate?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe millage rate is a number that is multiplied by 40% of the final property assessment (after all exemptions) to get the tax bill amount on each property. The millage rate is the same for everyone in the same county or city.<\/p>\n
\nThen why does it help homeowners to get their assessments reduced?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nEach property pays its share based on its assessed value, so the homeowners who get a reduction in their assessment will pay a smaller share of the whole county\u2019s tax bill.<\/p>\n
\nCan the county raise its millage rate as much as it wants?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThere are two ways for a county to raise the millage rate:<\/p>\n\n
\nHow can homeowners reduce their assessment?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThere are several ways to reduce the assessment:<\/p>\n\n
\nDoes every property have a county bill or a city bill?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIn Georgia, every property is subject to a county tax bill. If the property is also in an incorporated city such as Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, etc., there may also be a city tax bill. The millage rates are set separately by the county and city, based on the revenue that they need.<\/p>\n
\nAny other property tax advice for homeowners?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nPay attention to all tax assessment notices that come to you, to see if you need to challenge the amounts or claim exemptions that you may qualify for. Watch the deadlines for filing appeals and exemptions. If you refinance your property, make sure that the title did not change and cause you to lose your exemptions; you may need to file for those again. If you move, make sure that the county has your correct mailing address, so that you get all notices about your taxes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"