F.A.Q.s
  1. What determines an individuals property tax amount?
    Your tax amount is calculated using a combination of your property value and the millage rate.
     
  2. What is the arithmetic of the process?
    Here is an example calculation that illustrates the process:
                    Fair Market Value = $100,000 
                    X assessment value rate 0.40 
                    = assessed value: $40,000 
                    - exemptions: $10,000 
                    = taxable assessed value: $30,000 
                    X mil rate: 0.041 
                    = your tax bill: $1,230
     
  3. If I move, should I contact the Tax Office with my new address?
    Yes! Delay in receiving your bill could result in your bill going delinquent and penalties being applied.
     
  4. I just bought my house this year. Didn't I pay the taxes at closing?
    Not necessarily. If you closed on the property before the tax bills were mailed for the year, your taxes were most likely PRORATED ON YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT. This can be handled a number of ways by attorneys, but in most cases, the seller gave you a credit off the purchase price for his share, and you, the new owner, are responsible for the entire bill when it comes out at a later date.
     
  5. Do you send the bill to the mortgage company?
    We furnish the mortgage companies the information electronically upon their request. However, because so many people are refinancing and changing mortgage companies, it is safer for the taxpayer, at least for the first year with your mortgage company, to forward a copy of their tax bill to their present mortgage company. It takes weeks for the mortgage companies to update their information, and, subsequently, they may fail to pay the taxes timely. You do not need to contact us if you change mortgage companies.
     
  6. Why did I not receive a tax bill?
    Tax bills are in the name of the person who owned the property on January 1st. Although we attempt to redirect the bill in care of the new owner as the deeds come through, there is a lag time between the deed recordation date in the Clerk of Superior Court's Office and the information being forwarded to the Appraisal Department. You should contact the Tax Office at 770.920.7272 for a copy of your bill.
     
  7. If I change my name (get married or divorced), will the tax bill change?
    No, unless a new deed is filed. Tax bills appear in the name(s) on the deed.
     
  8. I live within the City limits. Will I receive a separate bill from them?
    No, the Douglas County Tax Office collects for both Douglasville and Villa Rica, and the City amount is included in your County tax bill.
     
  9. What determines the Fair Market Value of property?
    There are many factors involved in determining the appraisal of property, such as recent sales in the area, the use of the property, rock content, or floodplain area, etc. The Appraisal Department, who works under the supervision of the Board of Assessors, is responsible for determining the value of your property for tax purposes. You should contact that Department at 770.920.7228 for any specific questions about your value.
     
  10. May I pay my taxes with a credit card?
    Yes, either at the office or on-line. If you want to pay on line, click here. You can also pay over the telephone at 1-888-819-0017.
     
  11. I sold my boat/business this year. Am I responsible for any or part of the taxes?
    Yes, if you owned the boat or were in business as of January 1st of the current year. Failure to pay the taxes could result in a lien being filed against you, which will ultimately tarnish YOUR credit. The taxes should be a consideration in the selling price when sold.
     
  12. If I sell my boat/close my business, should I contact anyone?
    Yes, you should notify the Appraisal Department at 770.920.7228.
     
  13. What is Homestead Exemption and should I file?
    Homestead Exemption reduces the amount of tax you pay on the home in which you live. Rental, commercial, and vacant properties do not qualify for Homestead Exemptions. You are entitled to only one Homestead Exemption, and it is unlawful to have more than one. You must apply for the exemption to receive it, and this should be done after you purchase the home and before April 1 of the qualifying year. You must occupy the house as of January 1 to qualify for homestead. If you purchase the home after January 1, you will be applying for the following year. If you fail to apply the first year, you have lost the exemption for that year but you may apply for it the following year. Your Homestead Exemption is automatically renewed once it is granted, as long as you maintain the house as your home. Douglas County has additional exemptions for the disabled and elderly (see Exemptions on our main web page). Click here to file ONLINE for Homestead Exemption..
     
  14. Can my attorney apply for Homestead Exemption for me?
    No, only someone whose name appears on the deed can file.
     
  15. Do I need to re-file for Homestead Exemption if I refinance my home?
    No, unless the names on the deed change. Call 770.920.7272 for any specific questions.
     
  16. Is HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION automatic?
    NO, you must file the first year. The same holds true for all exemptions.
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