Did your Property Tax Bill go up in 2009?
The State of Georgia did not fund the Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) for 2009. This grant appeared as HTRG Credit on your tax bills in prior years, if the property had a homestead exemption. The credit amounted to a total of $8,000 of assessed value multiplied by the applicable M&O millage rates. The loss of this credit will result in a $200 to $300 increase in your tax bill, for homeowners who have had and continue to have a homestead exemption. You can determine the exact amount you saved in 2008 by locating the "Homeowner's Tax Relief Credit" amount displayed on your 2008 (last year) tax bill.

OCGA 48-5-264.1 - Provides that property owners may file a 'Return of Value' form which will give the property owner an opportunity to address what they believe their property is worth versus what the Tax Assessors Office has the property valued at. This 'return of value' OR 'Property Tax Return' may be filed in the Tax Commissioners Office between January 1st and April 1st of each calendar year. Additional information about the "Taxpayers Return Of Real Property" - PT50-R

The Georgia General Assembly has drafted and is considering proposed Property Tax legislation. If this legislation passes in it's current form there could be significant changes to Georgia's Property Tax appeal process....