TAX NEWS - May 2009

Property Tax Rate in Georgia tax

Property Tax Rate

The tax rate, or millage, in each county is set annually by the board of county commissioners, or other governing authority of the taxing jurisdiction, and by the Board of Education. A tax rate of one mill represents a tax liability of one dollar per $1,000 of assessed value. The average county and municipal millage rate is 30 mills; the state millage rate in each county is 0.25 mills.

Municipalities also assess property taxes based upon county-assessed values and rates established by the municipal governing authority.

Property in Georgia is assessed at 40% of the fair market value unless otherwise specified by law.

Example: The assessed value --40 percent of the fair market value-- of a house that is worth $100,000 is $40,000. In a county where the millage rate is 25 mills the property tax on that house would be $1,000; $25 for every $1,000 of assessed value or $25 multiplied by 40 is $1,000.