Clayton County, Georgia

Save on Clayton County Property Taxes

Ownwell's technology and local experts save homeowners $774 on average.

See your Clayton County property tax savings in ~15 seconds.

Only pay if you save
No upfront costs
Local Clayton County experts
2026 Appeal Deadline: TBD (late July)

88%

Success Rate†

$774

Average Annual Savings‡

4.7★

3,000+ Google Reviews

35%

Savings Fee

Clayton County Overview

What Does the Average Clayton County Homeowner Pay in Property Taxes?

Clayton County property tax bills are above both the Georgia and national medians. Here's what a typical homeowner pays and how that compares to your bill.

Median Home Value

~$221K

Ownwell 2026 data

Avg. Annual Bill

~$2,954

With the homestead exemption

Effective Tax Rate

1.3%-1.6%

Varies by location

Properties CCBOA Values

95K+

Across Clayton County

Is your bill fair and equal this year?

You may be over-assessed. A $30,000 over-assessment costs you about $430-$480 every single year and compounds each year you don't challenge it. Ownwell can tell you in seconds.

Check My Savings →
Clayton County Tax Bills

Why Clayton County Property Tax Bills Are Above the Georgia Average

Clayton County is one of Georgia's most densely populated counties, home to Jonesboro, Forest Park, Morrow, Riverdale, and portions of College Park and Union City, as well as a portion of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport. With Clayton County property taxes significantly above the national and state median effective rates, and a 31.11% millage rate increase in 2024 delivering the largest single-year tax hike in recent county history, knowing your assessed value and whether it is accurate matters more than ever.

Multiple Taxing Entities Stack on the Same Property

Your Clayton County property tax bill is the sum of levies from multiple entities: Clayton County, the Clayton County School District, and your municipality if you live in an incorporated city (Jonesboro, Forest Park, Morrow, Riverdale, Lake City, Lovejoy, or portions of College Park and Union City). Each sets its own millage rate independently, and every dollar of over-assessment multiplies across all of them.

Annual Reassessment — The HOME Act Is Enacted, But Doesn't Fix Over-Assessment

Georgia reassesses properties annually. Clayton County — and the Clayton County School Board — both voted to opt out of HB 581 (the statewide floating homestead exemption). The new HOME Act (Senate Bill 33), signed by Governor Kemp on May 11, 2026, will cap homestead assessment increases at the rate of inflation starting in 2027 — and unlike HB 581, there is no local opt-out.

A new 1% Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) begins in 2028 to help fund the relief. However, the HOME Act does not fix an already over-assessed baseline. If your property is over-assessed today, that inflated starting point gets locked in when the cap takes effect. The only way to correct your baseline before 2027 is to appeal now. Together, a successful appeal and the 299c freeze maximize your long-term savings both before and after the HOME Act takes effect.

A Failed Appeal Can Increase Your Value

Georgia is one of the few states where a failed property tax appeal can result in your assessed value being increased. Under Georgia law, if the Board of Tax Assessors finds during the appeal process that your property is undervalued, they may counter-appeal and raise your assessment. This makes working with experienced professionals, like Ownwell, essential before filing.

Win an Appeal: Lock In 3 Years of Protection (299c Freeze)

After a successful appeal in Georgia, your assessed value is frozen at the reduced level for three years under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-299(c). During this period, the county cannot increase your assessed value above the appeal-reduced level unless you make unreported improvements. With the HOME Act's 2027 cap taking effect, a corrected baseline now means the cap starts from a fair value, compounding your savings across school and county taxes for years.

How Bills Are Calculated

How Clayton County Property Tax Rates Work

In Georgia, properties are assessed at 40% of fair market value. Tax rates, called millage rates, are then applied to your assessed value. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Your total bill is the sum of the millage rates from all taxing entities that cover your address.

Example: For a property with a $220,000 market value: assessed value (40%) is $88,000; after the standard basic homestead exemption ($10,000), taxable value is $78,000; gross bill at the 2025 unincorporated combined rate of ~38.30 mills is approximately $2,987; net bill for qualifying homestead owners in unincorporated Clayton County is approximately $2,954.

Taxing Entity2025 Rate (per $100 assessed value)Notes
Clayton County General Fund (M&O)14.552 millsCountywide general fund; applies to all incorporated and unincorporated areas
County Fire District Levy4.146 millsCharged to unincorporated areas + Jonesboro, Lake City, and Lovejoy. Cities providing their own fire services are exempt.
County Total (Unincorporated)18.698 millsGeneral Fund + supplement; incorporated city residents pay only the 14.552 county rate
Clayton County School District19.600 millsCountywide school district; both the county BOC and the school board opted out of HB 581
Unincorporated Clayton County Total38.298 millsCounty 18.698 + School 19.600; applies to most Clayton County homeowners outside incorporated cities
Jonesboro (county seat)45.80 millsCounty 14.552 + School 19.600 + City ~7.500; verify current city rate at claytoncountyga.gov
Morrow41.67 millsCounty 14.552 + School 19.600 + City ~7.514; verify current city rate at claytoncountyga.gov
Lake City45.80 millsCounty 14.552 + School 19.600 + City ~7.500; verify current city rate at claytoncountyga.gov
Lovejoy43.47 millsCounty 14.552 + School 19.600 + City ~5.172; verify current city rate at claytoncountyga.gov
Riverdale45.63 millsCounty 14.552 + School 19.600 + City ~11.480; one of the highest combined rates in Clayton County
Forest Park50.895 millsCounty 14.552 + School 19.600 + City millage; verify current city rate at claytoncountyga.gov
College Park / Union City46.771 millsSmall portions of these cities fall within Clayton County; county portion 14.552 + school 19.600 + city millage applies
Effective Rate (as % of market value)1.3% - 1.6%Median 1.43% per Ownwell data; Forest Park lowest ~1.39%, Atlanta/Conley areas highest ~1.52%

Rates are approximate and subject to annual adjustment by each taxing authority. Verify your specific millage rates at claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-commissioner/millage-rates or through the Georgia Department of Revenue's millage rate database.

How the CCBOA Works

How the Clayton County Board of Assessors Determines Your Value

The Clayton County Board of Assessors (CCBOA), led by Director and Chief Appraiser Emitte George Jr., is responsible for determining the fair market value of all taxable property in Clayton County each year. Assessors use mass appraisal models based on comparable sales, property characteristics, and neighborhood data, but they do not physically inspect most properties.

Your Annual Notice of Assessment (mailed in spring, typically by late May) shows two values: fair market value and assessed value (40% of fair market). Tax rates are applied to the assessed value after any exemptions are subtracted.

Scale-Driven Errors

With approximately 95,000 parcels to value annually, the CCBOA relies almost entirely on automated mass appraisal models. Individual property conditions, interior updates, unpermitted improvements, and hyperlocal market factors are frequently missed, creating real opportunities to appeal.

Neighborhood Boundaries May Not Reflect Your Street

The CCBOA groups properties into assessment neighborhoods for mass appraisal. Homes on the edges of these zones may be compared to properties in very different micro-markets. Clayton County's wide range of neighborhoods — from the commercial corridors of Forest Park and Morrow to the suburban pockets of Jonesboro and Lovejoy — makes boundary mismatches especially common.

Condition and Deferred Maintenance Ignored

Assessors working from aerial imagery and data records cannot capture roof condition, foundation issues, flood damage history, or deferred maintenance. These factors can meaningfully reduce a property's true market value — and your assessed value.

First Informal Offers Are a Starting Point

The BOA informal review process resolves appeals quickly — for the county. Many homeowners accept a minor reduction without realizing that Ownwell's data-driven approach can often support a significantly larger reduction.

2026 Appeal Calendar

Clayton County Property Tax Appeal Dates for 2026

The Clayton County Board of Assessors mails Annual Notices of Assessment each spring. You have 45 days from the date on your notice to file an appeal — the 2026 deadline is expected in late July 2026 (the 2025 deadline was July 14). Missing this deadline means waiting until the following year. Ownwell monitors your account and files before the window closes.

DateWhat Happens
January 1, 2026Valuation date — CCBOA assesses your property's value as of this date
April 1, 2026Homestead exemption application deadline for the 2026 tax year; per HB 92 (2025), late applications accepted through the appeal deadline on your notice
~May 30, 2026Annual Notice of Assessment expected to be mailed by CCBOA
TBD (late July)Key DateAppeal filing deadline — 45 days from the notice date. File with CCBOA (informal appeal). Ownwell files for you.
~90 days after filingCCBOA informal review period; CCBOA may adjust your value.
~Fall 2026If still disputed, the appeal is forwarded to the Board of Equalization (BOE) for a formal hearing.
August/September 2026The Clayton County Tax Commissioner issues property tax bills.
November 15, 2026Key DateProperty tax bill due — pay in full to avoid penalties. Georgia law requires you to pay the temporary assessed value even if an appeal is pending.
November 16, 2026Unpaid property taxes begin accruing interest and penalties.
120 days after the due dateAn additional 5% penalty applies at 120 days, up to a maximum of 20%.

Important: Georgia law requires you to pay the temporary assessed value — the lesser of the prior year's assessed value or 85% of the current year's proposed value — by November 15, even if an appeal is pending. Failure to pay results in penalties regardless of the appeal outcome.

Exemptions

Clayton County Exemptions You May Be Missing

Exemptions reduce your taxable assessed value before millage rates are applied. Filing for every exemption you qualify for — and appealing your assessed value — works together to minimize your bill. The homestead exemption deadline is April 1 each year; per HB 92 (2025), late applications are also accepted through the appeal deadline on your assessment notice.

Important — Apply Online: Apply for all Clayton County homestead exemptions through the Clayton County Tax Commissioner at homestead.claytoncountyga.gov. Once granted, exemptions renew automatically as long as you continue to occupy the property as your primary residence.

Local Homestead Exemption
$2,000 off

All owner-occupants who own and occupy their primary residence as of January 1 are eligible for the standard local homestead exemption. For taxpayers under age 65, this exemption provides a straight $2,000 reduction in the assessed value for both the county general and county school general tax categories. There is no income restriction for this baseline benefit, and applications must be filed online or in person through the Clayton County Tax Commissioner by the strict April 1st deadline to apply to the current tax year.

Senior School Tax Exemption (Age 65)
Double homestead, $14,000 off

Homeowners who reach age 65 or older by January 1st qualify for a major local tax break unique to the county. Under Clayton County's standard Senior Exemption (Code H1), qualifying residents receive a full 100% exemption from all county school taxes on their home and up to five acres of land, with absolutely no income limit. Additionally, for lower-income seniors whose net taxable income does not exceed $10,000, the Double Homestead Exemption (Code H4T) applies, providing a total of $14,000 in exemptions from assessed values for county operations and school bond categories.

Disability Exemption
Reduced assessed value

Homeowners with a 100% permanent disability may qualify for an additional exemption that reduces their taxable assessed value. Income limitations may apply. Contact the Clayton County Tax Commissioner for current eligibility requirements and exemption amounts. To qualify for the full school tax exemption portion of this program (Code H3D), the total gross household income from all sources for all persons residing in the home during the preceding calendar year cannot exceed $30,000.

State Veteran's Disability Exemption
Up to $126,526 (2026)

Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or who are compensated at 100% due to individual unemployability, are eligible for a major statewide exemption. For the 2026 tax year, this benefit exempts up to $126,526 of the property's assessed value from all ad valorem taxes, including state, county, municipal, and school purposes.

State Surviving Spouse
$60,000+ or full

Surviving spouses of U.S. military personnel killed in any war or armed conflict receive a homestead exemption capped at the federally indexed maximum of $126,526 off their assessed property value for 2026. Furthermore, unremarried surviving spouses of peace officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty are granted a full 100% exemption covering the entire homestead value.

HOME Act (SB 33)
Starting 2027

Clayton County and the Clayton County School Board both voted to opt out of HB 581 (the statewide adjusted base year homestead exemption). Beginning in 2027, the HOME Act will cap annual homestead assessment increases at the rate of inflation statewide — with no local opt-out. Also, a new 1% LHOST sales tax begins in 2028 to help fund the relief. However, the HOME Act only caps future increases; it does not correct an over-assessed baseline. Appealing your assessment now ensures the cap starts from a fair, corrected value. Ownwell monitors legislative changes and will notify you of any updates.

Local Valuation Cap (HB 870)
Base-year freeze (2026-2030)

A brand-new target property tax relief program is active in Clayton County via House Bill 870. Approved by voters, this measure establishes a temporary base-year valuation freeze from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030, specifically for senior citizens (65+), disabled veterans, permanently disabled residents, and surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty. This program acts as an inflation-proof cap by exempting the portion of the county ad valorem tax resulting from future market value increases above the property's locked-in base year value.

How Ownwell Works

Ownwell Handles Your Clayton County Appeal From Start to Finish

Appealing your Clayton County property taxes with Ownwell takes less than five minutes to start. Our technology analyzes your property, builds your case, and handles every step with CCBOA — so you never have to attend a hearing or file a single form.

1

Enter Your Address

Ownwell instantly analyzes your property, pulls your current assessed value from CCBOA records, and identifies your best path to a reduction.

2

We Build Your Case

Our technology and local Clayton County property tax experts compare your assessment against recent comparable sales, neighborhood data, and property condition factors.

3

We File & Represent You

Ownwell files your appeal with the CCBOA before the late July deadline and represents you through the informal review and, if necessary, the formal Board of Equalization (BOE) hearing.

4

You Save and Stay Protected

You only pay 35% of the actual savings we secure, plus a $20 fee for securing the three-year 299c freeze. No reduction means no fee — ever. Win your appeal, and your assessed value is frozen for three years under Georgia's 299c provision — protecting you across school and county taxes. With the HOME Act taking effect in 2027, a corrected baseline now means the cap starts from a fair value.

Payment Info

How to Pay Your Clayton County Property Taxes

Clayton County property taxes are billed once annually and are due by November 15. Tax bills are typically mailed in August or September. Danielle Smith serves as the Clayton County Tax Commissioner.

Unpaid property taxes begin accruing interest and penalties on November 16. A 5% penalty applies on the 120th day after the due date and an additional 5% every 120 days thereafter, up to a maximum of 20% of the total bill. If you have a pending appeal, you are still required to pay the temporary assessed bill on time to avoid penalties.
1

Pay Online

Visit publicaccess.claytoncountyga.gov or the Clayton County Tax Commissioner's website to pay using your parcel ID number.

2

Pay by Mail

Mail your check or money order, payable to Clayton County Tax Commissioner, to the address listed on your tax bill. Allow adequate mailing time to ensure receipt before November 15.

3

Pay In Person

Pay in person at the Clayton County Tax Commissioner's office, located at 121 S. McDonough Street, Annex 2, Jonesboro, GA 30236. Contact the office at (770) 477-3311 for hours and additional service location information.

4

Payment Plans

For delinquent tax situations, contact the Clayton County Tax Commissioner's office at claytoncountyga.gov for available options.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton County Property Taxes

What is the Clayton County property tax appeal deadline for 2026?
The 2026 appeal deadline is expected in late July 2026 (the 2025 deadline was July 14). The Clayton County Board of Assessors mails Annual Notices of Assessment in the spring. You have 45 days from the date printed on your notice to file an appeal. Ownwell monitors your account and files before the window closes. Missing the deadline means waiting until the following year.
How much does Ownwell charge to appeal my Clayton County property taxes?
Ownwell works on a contingency basis — you pay nothing up front. If Ownwell doesn't reduce your property tax bill, you owe nothing. If we do get a reduction, Ownwell's fee is 35% of the actual savings secured, plus a $20 fee for securing the three-year 299c freeze. You only pay when you save.
Is there any risk to appealing my Clayton County property taxes?
Georgia is one of the few states where a failed appeal can increase your assessed value. If the Board of Tax Assessors finds during the appeal process that your property is undervalued, they may counter-appeal and raise your assessment. This makes working with experienced professionals essential. Ownwell only files when the data supports a strong case for a reduction.
What is the Clayton County homestead exemption, and how do I apply?
The basic homestead exemption in Clayton County reduces your assessed value by $10,000 in both the county general and county school general tax categories. The application deadline is April 1 each year, though per HB 92 (2025), late applications are accepted through the appeal deadline on your notice. Apply through the Clayton County Tax Commissioner at homestead.claytoncountyga.gov. Once granted, exemptions renew automatically as long as you remain the primary occupant.
What is the 299c freeze, and how does it benefit me?
Under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-299(c), after a successful appeal that reduces your market value and assessed value, your property's assessed value is frozen at the reduced level for three years. During this period, the Board of Tax Assessors cannot increase your assessed value above the appeal-reduced level unless you make unreported improvements. With the HOME Act's inflation cap taking effect in 2027, winning an appeal this year means the cap starts from a fair, corrected baseline — compounding your savings significantly.
What is the HOME Act (SB 33) and how does it affect my Clayton County taxes?
The HOME Act (Senate Bill 33), signed by Governor Kemp on May 11, 2026, caps annual homestead assessment increases at the rate of inflation starting in 2027. Unlike HB 581, there is no local opt-out — it applies statewide.

Furthermore, a new 1% Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) will take effect in 2028 to help offset costs. However, the HOME Act only limits future increases — it does not correct an already over-assessed baseline. Clayton County and its school board both opted out of HB 581. Appealing now ensures the HOME Act's protection starts from a fair, lower value.
When are Clayton County property taxes due in 2026?
Clayton County property tax bills are mailed in August or September 2026 and are due by November 15, 2026. Penalties begin accruing on November 16. Pay on time even if an appeal is pending — if your appeal succeeds, any overpayment will be refunded.
What is the effective property tax rate in Clayton County?
The median effective property tax rate in Clayton County is approximately 1.43% of fair market value, per Ownwell's Clayton County trends data. Rates vary by location — Riverdale and Atlanta-area addresses have some of the highest effective rates, while Forest Park tends to have the lowest at approximately 1.39%. With a median home value of approximately $221,000, the median Clayton County homeowner pays roughly $2,954 per year in total property taxes — above the national median and significantly above the Georgia median.
How do I look up my Clayton County property tax assessment?
Search your property's assessed value, exemptions, and appeal history at publicaccess.claytoncountyga.gov using your address or parcel ID. Your Annual Notice of Assessment, mailed by the CCBOA in spring, will also show your current fair market value, assessed value, and any exemptions on file. Use the tax calculator at claytoncountyga.gov to estimate your bill.
Do I still have to pay taxes while my appeal is pending?
Yes. You are required to pay a temporary assessed value — the lesser of the prior year's assessed value or 85% of the current year's proposed value — by November 15, regardless of a pending appeal. Failure to pay results in penalties. If your appeal is successful and results in a lower final value, any overpayment will be refunded or credited. Learn more at Ownwell's Georgia appeal guide.
What happens at a Board of Equalization (BOE) hearing?
The Board of Equalization is a panel of trained citizen volunteers appointed to hear formal property tax appeals in Clayton County. At the BOE hearing, you or your representative present evidence — comparable sales, appraisals, condition documentation — that your property is over-assessed. The BOE reviews the evidence and issues a binding decision. Either party may appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days of the BOE decision. Ownwell attends and presents your case, so you do not need to appear.
What exemptions beyond the Basic Homestead Exemption should I check?
Several high-value exemptions are commonly missed in Clayton County:

• Senior Exemption (Age 65+): Full 100% exemption from all county school taxes with no income limit (Code H1). An additional double homestead exemption, providing $14,000 off assessed value for county operations and school bonds, is available if annual net income is $10,000 or less (Code H4T).

• Disability Exemption: Additional reductions for homeowners with a 100% permanent disability. Gross household income must be $30,000 or less to qualify for a full exemption from school maintenance taxes (Code H3D).

• State Veteran's Disability Exemption: Exemption up to $126,526 (2026) for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or a 100% individual unemployability rating.

• Surviving Spouse (Military / Peace Officer / Firefighter): Exemption up to $126,526 (2026) off assessed value for unremarried surviving spouses of military personnel killed in action; full 100% homestead exemption for surviving spouses of peace officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty.