DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Nicole M. Golden is reminding homeowners that assessment notices are not tax bills, according to a release from the organization.
“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,” Golden said in a release from the office.
“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, the release said. 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.
“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,” Golden said.
“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,” she said.
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.
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.
