Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Decatur or a long-time resident of Stone Mountain, understanding property taxes in DeKalb County, Georgia, is essential. These taxes play a major role in funding schools, public safety, and infrastructure, while also impacting your overall housing costs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about DeKalb County property taxes so you can stay on top of your responsibilities as a homeowner.
What Exactly Are Property Taxes?
Property taxes are charges levied on real estate owners by local government authorities, including counties, municipalities, and school districts. The funds collected are used to support key community services such as law enforcement, fire protection, public education, and road maintenance.
In DeKalb County, your property tax bill is composed of contributions to several taxing entities, the County Commission, your municipality, the local school district, and other special districts that provide local services. The county’s appraisal and assessment process is handled by the DeKalb County Property Appraisal & Assessment Department, and bills are issued by the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office.
How Much Is Property Tax in DeKalb County?
While the exact amount of property tax you’ll pay depends on many factors, property value, exemptions, location, millage rates, here are some useful benchmarks for DeKalb County:
- The median property tax bill in DeKalb County is about $1,977 per year for a home valued around $190,000.
- The median effective tax rate is reported around 1.04% of home value, with another dataset showing roughly 0.95% countywide.
How the calculation works
In Georgia, residential property is typically assessed at 40% of fair market value, then applicable millage rates are applied, after exemptions, to determine the tax bill.
When Are Property Taxes Due in DeKalb County?
Property tax bills are generally payable in two installments, with due dates of September 30 and November 15. If you prefer to pay the full amount in one payment, it must be paid by September 30 to avoid late charges.
When Will You Receive Your Property Tax Bill?
The Tax Commissioner’s office mails bills in August each year. If your bill does not arrive, you are still responsible for timely payment, and you can review or pay online through the county portal.
What Happens If You Miss the Tax Payment Deadline?
If your taxes are unpaid by the deadline, penalties and interest apply. DeKalb commonly applies a 5% late penalty when an installment is not paid or postmarked by the due date, and mailed payments must bear a valid USPS postmark by the deadline. Continued nonpayment can ultimately lead to a lien or tax sale.
Can I Pay My DeKalb County Property Tax Online?
Yes. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person. There is no transaction fee for eCheck, card payments are accepted with processing fees, and you may pay up to five properties in one online transaction. Online and in-office payments may take 24 to 48 hours to appear on the website, and mailed payments can take longer during peak periods.
What Should I Know About My DeKalb County Property Tax Bill?
Your tax bill shows the assessed value, exemptions, millage rates by each taxing entity, and total due with deadlines. Even if you do not receive your bill, you remain responsible for paying on time, and you can access the bill and payment options via the Tax Commissioner’s site.
Property Tax Reassessments in DeKalb County
The Property Appraisal & Assessment Department assesses taxable property annually. When an appeal is pending, counties issue a temporary bill typically based on the lesser of 85% of the current year’s value or the prior year’s value, with a later reconciliation once the appeal is resolved. Millage rates are reviewed and set annually, for example, the county’s 2024 public hearing materials reflect a tentative 10.002 mills for certain countywide funds and describe rollback requirements and EHOST credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t receive my tax bill?
You are still responsible for paying your taxes by the due date. Visit the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s website to review and pay online.
Is there a limit on how much property taxes can increase?
Georgia does not impose a single statewide cap that limits annual increases the way some states do. Millage rates and assessed values can change by jurisdiction each year, and DeKalb publishes annual notices and holds hearings when proposed millage exceeds the rollback rate.
What happens if I don’t pay my property taxes on time?
Late payments incur penalties and interest, and ongoing nonpayment can lead to liens or a tax sale. A 5% penalty commonly applies when an installment is not paid or postmarked by the deadline.
Are there exemptions to reduce my property tax bill?
Yes. DeKalb offers homestead exemptions and additional exemptions for seniors, disabled residents, and veterans. Applications are generally due by April 1 for the current tax year.
Want to Learn More?
Property taxes represent one of the most significant ongoing costs of homeownership in DeKalb County. Understanding your tax rates, deadlines, available exemptions, and potential appeal rights can help you manage these expenses effectively and avoid unexpected surprises.
At JVM Lending, our team supports U.S. homebuyers and homeowners by helping them understand all costs tied to homeownership, including property taxes. Whether you’re purchasing a home in DeKalb County or refinancing an existing one, we’re here to guide you through the process and connect you with trusted local advisors when needed.
Contact JVM Lending today at (855) 855-4491 or email hello@jvmlending.com to learn how we can support your homeownership journey and help you navigate property tax considerations with confidence.
Please Note: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. JVM Lending is not a tax professional or financial advisor. Property tax laws and regulations can be complex and may vary by location and individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with certified tax professionals for personalized advice and guidance on property tax matters. If you’d like a referral to a tax professional or financial advisor, contact us and we’ll happily refer you to one of the trusted professionals in our network.
