If you’ve noticed your property taxes going up in Georgia, you’re not alone.
Residents in Clayton County, which includes Jonesboro, College Park, Lovejoy, Forest Park, Morrow, Riverdale, and Lake City, recently experienced a 31.11% property tax increase. Clayton County property taxes are already higher than in other U.S. counties, with a median tax rate of 1.44%. By comparison, the national median property tax rate is 1.02%.
If your Clayton County property tax bill seems too high, Ownwell can help. We specialize in tax appeals and exemption applications to help lower your residential and commercial Georgia property taxes.
Understanding Property Taxes in Clayton County
The Clayton County property tax structure is based on property appraisal values and the local effective tax rate, which the Tax Commissioner’s Office uses to calculate your annual tax liability.
The market value is the amount the property would sell for on the open market.
The assessed value, which is the amount on which you will pay taxes, is 40% of the fair market value.
The Clayton County Board of Assessors determines the fair market value of residential and commercial property based on factors such as square footage, property condition, location, and recent sales of nearby comparable properties.
Important 2026 Tax Deadlines
There are several dates to keep in mind regarding Clayton County, GA, property tax appeals, exemptions, and payment due dates:
January 1: Property appraisals start in Clayton County
April 1: Deadline to file a homestead exemption or a Freeport exemption application for full exemption
May 30 (expected date): Property assessment notices are mailed
June 1: Deadline to file a Freeport exemption application for a partial exemption
July 14 (expected date): Deadline to file a Georgia property tax appeal
August/September: Property tax bills are mailed
November 15: Property tax bills are due
November 16: Unpaid property taxes start to accrue interest and penalties
Clayton County Property Tax Rates
Millage rates, which are expressed as $1 of owed tax for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value, are used to figure the effective property tax rate. Local government entities like counties, cities, school boards, and special districts set mill rates based on their anticipated budgetary needs for the following year.
The Clayton County millage rate increased to 15.266 mills in 2024, requiring a 31.11% increase in property taxes over the rollback millage rate. When the assessed property value and the effective tax rate are multiplied, the resulting number is your Georgia property tax bill. For instance, a home valued at $203,200 with an effective property tax rate of 1.44% has an annual tax liability of $2,715.
According to our Clayton County Property Value Report, Clayton’s residential market had modest growth in 2024, with median annual market values increasing by 1.37%. The median property tax bill in Clayton County is $2,787, which is $387 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
A Clayton County tax assessor property search lets you see your property’s current assessed value. You can also estimate your tax bill using the tax calculator on the Clayton County Tax Commissioner’s website.
Available Property Tax Exemptions
Staying informed of Clayton County property tax trends can save you money on your tax bill. There are several homestead exemptions available to qualifying homeowners that lower tax liability. File an application by the deadline for exemption consideration.
Homestead exemption: A $10,000 exemption is available to qualifying homeowners using the property as their primary residence by January 1 of the tax year in question.
Senior exemption: Homeowners 65 or older as of January 1 can apply for and receive a double homestead exemption of $14,000, provided their annual taxable income for the year does not exceed $10,000.
Disability exemption: This exemption requires proof of 100% permanent disability and may have income limitations.
Veterans exemption: Wartime veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA and their surviving, unmarried spouses qualify for a $109,986 exemption.
Freeport exemption: This exemption on commercial and industrial inventory is available to qualifying commercial property owners. File an application with the Board of Tax Assessors by April 1 for full inventory exemption.
Georgia recently passed HB 581, a floating homestead exemption that places a cap on property appraisal increases to no more than the state’s annual inflation rate. Georgia Amendment 1 gave local governments the option to adopt the floating exemption. However, Clayton County opted out.
Ownwell can help homeowners apply for homestead exemptions for that year and retroactively for up to two years across all U.S. states.
The Timeline for Appealing Property Taxes
Look over your property appraisal notice carefully to ensure the information is accurate. Review details such as your property’s square footage, age, and condition, and determine whether qualifying exemptions have been deducted.
You have the right to appeal an incorrect real estate appraisal based on inflated value, lack of uniformity between similar properties, factual errors, or denial of a homestead exemption. Follow these appeal procedures:
Gather evidence: Evidence that supports your claim includes documentation correcting the appraisal, photos of property depreciation, estimates for needed repairs, and real estate values for comparable properties in the area.
File a written appeal within 45 days: File with the Clayton County Board of Assessors within 45 days of receipt of your property assessment. Although the appeal deadline for 2025 has already passed, you can still file for the 2026 tax year.
Receive a verdict: If the Board of Assessors rules in your favor, the appeal is over. If they uphold the original appraisal, you can take your appeal to the Board of Equalization, a panel of trained citizen volunteers who conduct a public hearing and issue a decision.
Appeal the decision within 30 days: Either party can appeal the Board of Equalization’s decision to the Superior Court within 30 days.
Georgia property owners can benefit from the 299(c) provision, which freezes a property’s value for three years if an appeal to the Board of Equalization or higher results in a reduced assessment. This “299c lock” is a strong incentive as it helps ensure long-term tax relief by keeping the lowered value in place for multiple years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I file an appeal with the Clayton County Board of Equalization?
Submit a completed PT-311A appeal form to the Clayton County Tax Assessor online, by mail, or in person within 45 days of the date of your property assessment notice.
2. What happens if I miss the 45-day appeal window in Clayton County?
You will have to wait until the following year to appeal your property assessment. Thus, it's essential to appeal next year to try and achieve the three-year freeze.
3. Can I lower my tax bill with exemptions or assessments in Clayton County?
Yes. Exemptions and tax assessment appeals can result in significant tax savings.
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