DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office to mail annual property tax bills in mid-August

DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will begin mailing property owners their 2021 tax bills in mid-August. Tax bills are mailed following the successful approval of the county’s tax digest by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

“The digest is an official listing of county property and its assessed value. This office, in conjunction with the Tax Assessor’s Office (Property Appraisal), the Board of Commissioners, the DeKalb Board of Education, city governments, and the county administration, worked together to prepare the tax digest,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson.

“Although we are performing our legal duties, we are aware that the 2021 tax bills will not be at the forefront of some taxpayer’s mind,” said Johnson. “I want taxpayers to know that this office will do what it can to assist them in addressing their tax bill concerns.”

The tax bills are computed based on the following: millage rates set by the governing authorities, the fair market values determined by the Property Appraisal & Assessment Department, and the assessment valuation of 40%. The tax bill also reflects any credits (deductions) that may result from E-Host (Equalized Homestead Options Sales Tax), and basic, senior, or special homestead exemptions, which are provided by state and local law.

All property owners can pay in two installments as indicated on the tax bill. Due dates are Sept. 30 and Nov. 15. Taxpayers are urged to look closely at their bill for partial and full payment amounts. City of Atlanta/DeKalb bills will be mailed at a later date.

Property owners paying the full tax bill must submit the full payment by the first deadline date to avoid a late fee. All mailed payments must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service by the due date; metered or kiosk postage dates are not accepted as proof of timely filing.

“The annual tax bill contains a lot of information,” said Johnson. “I encourage property owners to make time to carefully read the tax bill and the enclosed information.”

PROPERTY TAX REMINDERS           

• DeKalb County property tax bills will be mailed beginning mid-August.
• Tax bills reflect a computed assessment based on multiple elements: millage rates set by the governing authorities, the fair market values determined by the county’s Property Appraisal & Assessment Department, and the 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 property, but can be offset by tax savings (E-Host and exemptions).
• To avoid waiting in line, tax bills should be mailed, placed in a secure Gold drop box, or paid online (e-checks are free).
• Property owners may pay in two installments each year by the due date. Property owners who plan to pay the entire tax bill must postmark it by the first deadline date to avoid any late fees.
• Questions about property appraised values should be directed to the county’s Property Appraisal Department by calling 404-371-0841.
• Questions about tax payment and exemptions may be directed to the Tax Commissioner’s Office by phone at 404-298-4000 or email proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Visit www.dekalbtax.org. For updates about the tax office, visit www.dekalbtax.org.