Dekalb County Tax Commissioner Golden reminds property owners annual tax bills will be mailed in August

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden is reminding homeowners that assessment notices are not tax bills.

“In an effort to guide taxpayers to the appropriate office, it’s important to understand that the Tax Commissioner’s Office works collaboratively with the county’s Property Appraisal Department to provide a seamless billing and collection process for ad valorem taxes in DeKalb,” said Golden.

“Homeowners who disagree with their property valuation should initiate their assessment appeal with the Property Appraisal Department before the July 13 deadline. Annual tax bills are expected to be mailed in August following the submission and approval of the county’s tax digest.”

If a homeowner disagrees with the current valuation of their property, an appeal must be filed with the Property Appraisal Department within 45 days of the mailing date listed on the assessment notice. Instructions for filing an appeal are included on the back of the notice. For real property, appeals must be submitted by the July 13 deadline. Property owners who have not received an assessment notice should contact the Property Appraisal Department.

“During the 45-day appeal period, homeowners who do not currently have a homestead exemption, or who may qualify for a senior, disabled veteran, or disabled resident exemption, may file online or in person by the July 13 deadline,” said Golden. 

“I encourage homeowners to review their exemption status while examining their assessment notice. Any exemption application or appeal submitted after the deadline will not be reflected on the 2026 tax bills.”

This year, the State of Georgia approved a one-time Homeowner Tax Relief Grant for homeowners with a valid basic, senior or special homestead exemption. Any other rate increases for 2026 will be reflected in the annual tax bill, not the assessment notice.

Each year, property tax bills are computed based on millage rates set by the governing authorities, the fair market values determined by the county’s property appraisal department and the assessment valuation of 40%. The bills also reflect any credits (deductions) resulting from EHOST (Equalized Homestead Options Sales Tax), HTRG, and basic, senior, or special homestead exemptions authorized by state and local law.

The Tax Commissioner’s Office is responsible for property tax billing and collection of taxes based on assessments. Tax bills are expected to be mailed mid-August following the successful approval of the county’s tax digest by the Georgia Department of Revenue. 

For questions and concerns regarding annual assessment notices, please contact the Property Appraisal Department at 404-371-0841 or visit the county’s website for more information.

Questions regarding homestead exemptions and exemption status may be directed to the Tax Commissioner’s Office at 404-298-4000 or proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov. The deadline to file for an exemption is July 13.

To learn more about the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office, visit DeKalbTax.org and review the office’s Annual Report. For updates from the office, follow @dekalbtaxga onFacebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Bluesky.