DeKalb County Tax Commissioner announces payment options for 2020 tax bills

DeKalb County property owners will soon receive their 2020 tax bills in the mail. Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson is reminding residents that those bills can be paid in two installments online or in person at one of three tax offices in the county. Individuals can also use the convenient drive-up drop box to submit payments.

Each year, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office collaborates with the tax levying authorities (DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County School District and local municipalities) in a joint effort to create and generate the annual tax bill. DeKalb’s tax digest was approved by the Department of Revenue on July 27, 2020.

“We know that the 2020 tax bills will not be a favorite topic to taxpayers particularly in light of this global pandemic,” said Johnson. “With concerns related to the current health emergency and economic crisis, we want taxpayers to know that this office will do what it can to assist them in understanding and addressing their tax bills.”

The tax bills, which were mailed Aug. 14, are computed based on multiple elements: millage rates set by the governing authorities, the fair market values determined by the DeKalb Tax Assessor, and the state assessment valuation of 40%. The tax bill also reflects any credits (deductions) that may result from E-Host (Equalized Homestead Options Sales Tax) as set by the county. Approved senior or special exemptions, which are set by state and local laws, will also be reflected on the tax bills.

Property owners have two installment due dates: Sept. 30 and Nov. 16. Property owners looking to pay the entire tax bill must submit full payment by Sept. 30, the first deadline. To avoid late fees, mailed payments must be postmarked by the US Postal Service by deadline dates.

“We understand that your property tax bill contains lots of information, so we want to make sure property owners take the time to carefully read their tax bill and contact my office about senior and special exemptions or the Tax Assessors Office with any questions about their property values,” Johnson said.

PROPERTY TAX REMINDERS                                                               

• DeKalb County property tax bills were mailed Aug. 14.
• Tax bills reflect computed assessment based on multiple elements: millage rates set by the governing authorities, the fair market values determined by the DeKalb Tax Assessor, and the state assessment valuation of 40%.
• Taxpayers should be aware that in any tax year your tax bill could be higher due to an increase in the fair market value of your DeKalb property, but can be offset by tax savings (E-Host & exemptions).
• To avoid long lines, please pay tax bills online, by drop box, or by mail before the due dates.
• Taxpayers should carefully review their assessment notices that were mailed in late May 2020 to determine if the value of their DeKalb property changed.
• Property owners have two installment due dates this year, the first is Sept. 30 and the second is Nov. 16, 2020. Property owners looking to pay the entire tax bill must ensure it is postmarked by Sept. 30 to avoid any late fees.
• Please note, if properties have a higher assessed value then taxes will also increase.
• Questions about assessed values should be directed to the DeKalb County Tax Assessor at dekalbcountyga.gov/property-appraisal or by calling 404-371-0841.
• Questions about payment and exemptions should be directed to the tax office at www.dekalbtax.org or call 404-298-4000.