Whether you are a first time homebuyer in Lawrenceville or a long time resident of Duluth, understanding property taxes in Gwinnett County is essential. These taxes fund local schools, public safety, and infrastructure, and they also affect your total cost of homeownership.
This guide explains how Gwinnett County property taxes work so you can plan ahead and stay on top of your responsibilities as a homeowner.
What Exactly Are Property Taxes?
Property taxes are annual charges paid by homeowners to local government authorities, including the county, cities, school districts, and certain special districts. The money collected supports community services such as public education, law enforcement, fire protection, and road maintenance.
In Gwinnett County, your bill typically reflects taxes for the County Board of Commissioners, the Gwinnett County Public Schools, your city if applicable, and any special districts that provide services in your area.
How Much Is Property Tax in Gwinnett County?
Georgia calculates property taxes using assessed value and a millage rate.
- Assessed value, By Georgia law, most real property is assessed at 40% of fair market value as of January 1 each year.
- Millage rate, A mill is $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Your total millage rate depends on which jurisdictions apply to your property.
Example, If a home has a market value of $400,000, the assessed value is $160,000. With a hypothetical millage of 30 mills, the base tax before exemptions would be $4,800.
Your actual amount will vary based on your property’s assessed value, the current millage rates set by the county, schools, and your municipality, and any exemptions you qualify for.
When Are Property Taxes Due in Gwinnett County?
- Typical schedule, Bills are mailed in August or September and are due in October or November each year.
- This year’s due date, November 15.
- Late payments, Interest and penalties apply to past due balances. See the “What happens if you miss the due date” section below.
Important, the Tax Commissioner does not send bills to mortgage companies. If you escrow, your servicer can access your bill, but it remains your responsibility to ensure payment is made on time.
When Will You Receive Your Property Tax Bill?
Bills are usually mailed in August or September. If you do not receive yours, you are still responsible for paying on time. You can view your account, confirm your balance, or pay online through the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner. If your taxes are paid through escrow, verify with your lender that payment was remitted.
What Happens If You Miss the Gwinnett County Property Tax Due Date?
Unpaid taxes become delinquent after the due date. The county adds:
- Interest, 0.88% per month on the unpaid balance, accruing on the first date past due and then on the second day of each month thereafter.
- Penalty, 5% of the remaining balance after 120 days, and an additional 5% every 120 days, up to a maximum of 20%.
Continued nonpayment can result in a tax lien and may ultimately lead to a tax sale if the lien is not redeemed.
Can I Pay My Gwinnett County Property Tax Online?
Yes. Payment options include:
- Online, pay by eCheck, debit card, or credit card, including American Express.
- By mail, check or money order, include your payment stub.
- In person, at a Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner office during business hours.
- Through escrow, if your mortgage servicer pays on your behalf.
Some electronic payment methods include small processing fees.
What Should I Know About My Gwinnett County Property Tax Bill?
Your bill will show:
- Fair market value and assessed value
- Millage rates for each taxing authority
- Exemptions applied
- Total amount due and due date
Questions or need help, contact the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s Office at (770) 822 8800 or by email at tax@gwinnettcounty.com. Office hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Property Tax Reassessments and Appeals in Gwinnett County
- Annual reassessment, The Board of Assessors reviews property values every year based on January 1 market conditions.
- Notice of Assessment, You will receive an annual notice, which is not a tax bill.
- Appeals, If you disagree with your value, you may appeal within 45 days of the date shown on your notice.
- While appealing, Georgia law bills most residential properties at 85% of the current year assessment or 100% of the prior year assessment, whichever is less, until the appeal is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not receive my tax bill
You are still responsible for paying on time. View your account and make payment online, or contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office at (770) 822 8800 for assistance.
When are property tax payments due
Bills are mailed in August or September and are due in October or November. For the current cycle, the due date is November 15.
What happens if I pay late
Interest accrues at 0.88% per month, and penalties add 5% after 120 days and another 5% every 120 days thereafter, up to 20%. Continued nonpayment can lead to a lien and tax sale.
Are there exemptions to reduce my tax bill
Yes. Options include the standard Homestead Exemption, senior exemptions such as L5A for school taxes, disabled veteran exemptions, and others. Apply through the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner or your city when applicable.
How are property values determined each year
Properties are assessed annually as of January 1. If you disagree with your value, you may file an appeal within 45 days of the notice date.
Want to Learn More?
Property taxes are a significant ongoing cost in Gwinnett County, and understanding how assessed value, exemptions, appeals, and due dates work can help you budget confidently. At JVM Lending, we help Georgia homebuyers and homeowners understand how property taxes fit into mortgage payments and long term plans. Whether you are buying in Suwanee or refinancing in Lilburn, we are here to guide you.
Contact JVM Lending today at (855) 855-4491 or email hello@jvmlending.com to learn how we can assist with your Gwinnett County homeownership goals.
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.
