Georgia Property Tax (2026): Rates, Exemptions & Cost
February 2, 2026
8 Minutes
Georgia property taxes are due once per year-December 20, 2025, for most counties.
But here’s the shocker: the average homeowner pays $2,001 annually, and thousands quietly overpay because they miss exemptions worth $800–$1,200 a year.
Example:
- Fulton County homeowner, $350,000 home → ~$3,220 tax bill.
- With the homestead exemption, → drops to ~$2,450.
- Savings: $770 (money most families never claim).
This guide breaks down Georgia property tax rates by county, explains how exemptions work, and gives you a free calculator so you can see your exact 2025 bill in under 30 seconds.
Georgia property taxes are paid yearly-most counties set the deadline in December.
Learn how taxes change affordability in our property tax impact on home buyers guide.
And if you’re exploring alternatives, see how timelines differ in how to buy a house in Texas.
Georgia Property Tax Rates in 2025 (County Breakdown)
Georgia homeowners in 2025 can expect property tax bills to remain one of the state’s biggest hidden expenses. On average, the typical household pays $2,050/year, but this varies sharply by county.
Georgia property taxes are based on 40% of a home’s fair market value, multiplied by the local millage rate.
2025 Wallet Math – Sample Home ($300,000 Value)
| County | Effective Rate | Est. Annual Tax | With Homestead Exemption | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton | 1.2% | $3,600 | $2,820 | $780 |
| Cobb | 1.0% | $3,000 | $2,250 | $750 |
| Gwinnett | 1.1% | $3,300 | $2,550 | $750 |
| State Avg (2025) | 0.68% | $2,050 | ~$1,500 | $550 |
| U.S. Avg (2025) | 1.10% | $3,300 | n/a | – |
- Georgia Avg (2025): $2,050/year
- National Avg (2025): $3,300/year
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That’s $1,250 less-but many Georgians are still overpaying because they skip exemptions or miss deadlines.
Filing a homestead exemption can cut $700–$1,200 per year. Multiply that over 10 years, and you’re looking at $7,000–$12,000 saved equity.
Wondering how Georgia stacks up? Compare it to Florida property tax rates and discover why some states are far more expensive.
Or, if you’re considering a move, explore affordable places to live in Texas.
When Are Georgia Property Taxes Due in 2025?
In most counties, Georgia property taxes are due December 20, 2025. Some counties may set earlier fall deadlines (October–November).
Missing this deadline triggers interest charges + penalties that add up fast.
2025 Wallet Math – Late Fee Cost Breakdown
| Scenario | Tax Bill | Missed Deadline Penalty | Total Owed (30 Days Late) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton County ($3,200) | $3,200 | +10% late fee ($320) | $3,520 |
| Cobb County ($2,800) | $2,800 | +10% late fee ($280) | $3,080 |
| Gwinnett County ($3,000) | $3,000 | +10% late fee ($300) | $3,300 |
Delaying one month can cost a family an extra $280–$320-money that could’ve covered a mortgage payment or utilities.
- Pay on time → $3,000 flat
- Pay one month late → $3,300
That’s $300 wasted instantly-a 10% “penalty tax” for procrastination.
While most counties align with December 20, 2025, some (like Gwinnett and DeKalb) may require payment in October or November.
For perspective, that $320 late fee is more than an entire first mortgage payment for many buyers.
Families weighing location should also check the safest places to live in Georgia
Georgia Homestead & Senior Exemptions in 2025
In Georgia, a homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. Most homeowners save $700–$1,200 per year, while senior exemptions can cut property taxes by 50% or more.
2025 Wallet Math – $300,000 Home
| County | Standard Bill | With Homestead Exemption | With Senior Exemption (65+) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton | $3,600 | $2,820 | $1,800 | $780–$1,800 |
| Cobb | $3,000 | $2,250 | $1,500 | $750–$1,500 |
| Gwinnett | $3,300 | $2,550 | $1,650 | $750–$1,650 |
- 10 Years Without Filing: $36,000 paid
- 10 Years With Homestead Exemption: ~$28,200
- 10 Years With Senior Exemption: ~$18,000 That’s $7,800–$18,000 lost equity if you skip exemptions.
Most counties require you to apply once you turn 62 or 65 (varies by county). Miss the deadline, and you’ll pay full price-even if you were eligible.
Many veterans qualify for even greater relief-explore your options in our veterans property tax exemption guide.
If you’re moving with family, don’t miss our breakdown of the best school districts in Texas-taxes directly fund education.
County-by-County Georgia Property Tax Rates (2025)
In 2025, Georgia’s average property tax bill is $2,050/year. But depending on your county, the same $300,000 home could cost anywhere from $1,800 in one county to $3,600+ in another.
2025 County Tax Rate Table – $300,000 Home Value
| County | Effective Rate | Est. Tax Bill (2025) | With Homestead Exemption | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton | 1.20% | $3,600 | $2,820 | $780 |
| Cobb | 1.00% | $3,000 | $2,250 | $750 |
| Gwinnett | 1.10% | $3,300 | $2,550 | $750 |
| DeKalb | 1.25% | $3,750 | $2,850 | $900 |
| Forsyth | 0.85% | $2,550 | $1,950 | $600 |
| Hall | 0.95% | $2,850 | $2,200 | $650 |
| State Avg. | 0.68% | $2,050 | ~$1,500 | ~$550 |
- A Fulton homeowner pays $3,600/year.
- A Forsyth homeowner pays just $2,550/year on the same $300K house.
That’s a $1,050 yearly difference, or $10,500 over 10 years.
Save up to 1.5% at closing when you buy
Save up to 1.5% at closing when you combine real estate and mortgage services with reAlpha.
Georgia vs U.S. Property Taxes (2025)
In 2025, the average Georgia property tax bill is $2,050/year, nearly 40% lower than the U.S. average of $3,300/year.
2025 Wallet Math – Georgia vs U.S
| Location | Avg. Home Value | Effective Rate | Est. Annual Bill (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (State Avg) | $300,000 | 0.68% | $2,050 |
| U.S. National Avg | $300,000 | 1.10% | $3,300 |
| Texas | $300,000 | 1.60% | $4,800 |
| Florida | $300,000 | 0.90% | $2,700 |
| New Jersey | $300,000 | 2.20% | $6,600 |
- Georgia: $2,050/year
- New Jersey: $6,600/year That’s a $4,550 annual difference - enough to cover an entire year of car payments or a vacation.
Even in a low-tax state, filing exemptions still saves $700–$1,500/year. If you don’t claim them, you’re giving back the very advantage Georgia offers.
Property tax differences directly shape affordability. Use our state-by-state property tax guide for national comparisons.
And for lifestyle relocation, check the safest places to live in Florida.
County-by-County Deadlines (2025)
Most Georgia counties set their property tax deadline on December 20, 2025. However, some counties require earlier payments in October or November
2025 Property Tax Deadline Table
| County | 2025 Deadline | Typical Tax Bill ($300K Home) | Late Penalty (30 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton | Dec 20, 2025 | $3,600 | +$360 (10%) |
| Cobb | Dec 20, 2025 | $3,000 | +$300 (10%) |
| Gwinnett | Nov 15, 2025 | $3,300 | +$330 (10%) |
| DeKalb | Oct 31, 2025 | $3,750 | +$375 (10%) |
| Forsyth | Dec 20, 2025 | $2,550 | +$255 (10%) |
| State Avg. | Dec 20, 2025 | $2,050 | +$205 (10%) |
- Fulton homeowner paying on time → $3,600
- Same homeowner, 30 days late → $3,960
That’s $360 gone instantly-the cost of an entire month’s groceries.
Gwinnett, DeKalb, and several others bill earlier. Miss their fall deadlines, and penalties apply before December even begins.
Step-by-Step: Pay Your 2025 Property Taxes in Georgia
You can pay Georgia property taxes online, by mail, or in person at your county tax commissioner’s office. Most homeowners choose online for speed and instant confirmation.
Step-by-Step (Online Payment – Snippet List)
- Visit your county tax commissioner’s website.
- Select “Pay Property Taxes” or “Online Bill Pay.”
- Enter your property address or parcel ID.
- Confirm your tax amount due (check for exemptions applied).
- Pay using a credit card, debit card, or e-check.
- Save your digital receipt for records.
Payment Options
| Method | Processing Fee | Typical Bill ($3,000) | Total Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (e-check) | $0–$5 | $3,000 | $3,005 |
| Online (credit card) | 2.5% (~$75) | $3,000 | $3,075 |
| Mail (check) | $0 + postage | $3,000 | $3,000.55 |
| In-person | Varies (gas, time off) | $3,000 | $3,020 (avg cost of trip) |
- Online (e-check): $3,005
- Online (credit card): $3,075
That’s a $70 difference just from how you pay.
Still better than being late: a missed deadline = $300 penalty (10% of the bill).
Georgia county tax sites use encrypted payment portals. The real risk isn’t security-it’s missing the deadline and eating a 10% penalty.
Already budgeting for taxes? Make sure to factor in your full mortgage payment breakdown.
Considering relocation instead? Explore the best time to buy a house in California.
How Much Can Georgia Property Taxes Increase in 2025?
Georgia property taxes can rise as much as 3–5% annually, depending on county millage rates and rising property values. Some counties have caps, but most do not.
Impact of Tax Increases
| Home Value | Current Bill (2025 Avg) | +3% Increase | +5% Increase | 10-Year Cost Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 Home | $1,700 | $1,751 | $1,785 | +$850–$1,700 |
| $300,000 Home | $2,050 | $2,111 | $2,153 | +$1,000–$2,050 |
| $400,000 Home | $2,700 | $2,781 | $2,835 | +$1,350–$2,700 |
- Steady bill at $2,050 → $20,500 over 10 years.
- 5% annual increase → ~$22,550 over 10 years.
That’s a $2,050 difference-the cost of skipping a vacation every decade.
Some counties have floating homestead exemptions that shield you from big jumps-but most homeowners see increases tied directly to rising home values + millage rates. Filing exemptions is your best shield.
This means your monthly housing cost can rise just like interest rates—see how loan terms shift in current VA mortgage rates.
If you’re weighing options, check the safest places to live in Texas.
Georgia Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors & Veterans [2025]
In Georgia, homeowners 65+ or qualified disabled veterans can receive major property tax exemptions-cutting bills by 1% or more in many counties.
$300,000 Home Value
| Exemption Type | Standard Bill | With Homestead | With Senior Exemption | With Veteran Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton County | $3,600 | $2,820 | $1,800 | $0–$900* |
| Cobb County | $3,000 | $2,250 | $1,500 | $0–$750* |
| Gwinnett County | $3,300 | $2,550 | $1,650 | $0–$800* |
| State Avg (2025) | $2,050 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,000 | ~$0–$700* |
Veteran exemptions vary by disability status—some homeowners may qualify for 100% tax elimination.
- 20 Years Without Senior Exemption: $36,000 paid
- With Senior Exemption: ~$18,000
- With Veteran Exemption: as low as $0
That’s $18,000–$36,000 in lifetime savings-equivalent to an extra college fund or retirement cushion.
You must apply at your county tax office-and if you miss the deadline, you’ll pay full price for that year, even if you qualified.
Every missed year = $1,000–$1,500 lost permanently.
Missing this exemption can mean losing a year of savings forever. Learn about VA loan benefits if you’re a veteran planning to buy.
From Property Taxes to Homeownership Savings
Georgia’s property taxes aren’t just a yearly bill—they directly shape how much home you can afford and how fast you build equity.
Here’s the math:
- A $750 exemption saves you $62/month on your mortgage-equivalent payment.
- Over 30 years, that’s $22,000 less out of pocket-money that could fund renovations, retirement, or your child’s education.
- Miss the exemption, and you’ve effectively given away a full year of mortgage payments.
How reAlpha Multiplies Your Savings
With reAlpha, you don’t just save on property taxes-you unlock up to 55% of your buyer agent commission back:
- 0.5% via agent
- +1% with Mortgage
That’s thousands in instant savings at closing-stacked on top of your yearly property tax reductions
Typical GA Home Purchase ($350,000)
- Buyer agent commission (3%) = ~$10,500
- With 1% reAlpha rebate → $5,250 back in your pocket
- Add homestead exemption (avg.) → $750 yearly savings
Total first-year savings = $6,000+ most buyers never claim.
Stop overpaying twice-on your property taxes and your home purchase.
Bundle Mortgage + Realty with reAlpha → lock your rate, cut your commission, and slash your 2025 property tax bill today.
Each month you wait = $100+ lost in unclaimed tax savings + equity you’ll never get back.
FAQs
1. Do you pay property taxes forever in Georgia?
Yes. Property taxes are an ongoing annual obligation as long as you own real estate in Georgia. Filing exemptions can reduce the bill, but the obligation never ends.
2. How often do you pay property taxes in Georgia?
Once per year. Most counties set the deadline for December 20, 2025, though some (Gwinnett, DeKalb) require earlier fall payments.
3. Are Georgia property taxes paid in advance?
No. Georgia property taxes are billed annually for the current year and must be paid by your county’s due date.
4. What happens if I miss my 2025 deadline?
Counties charge a 10% late penalty + monthly interest. On a $3,000 bill, that means at least $300 lost instantly-not counting rolling interest.
5. How much can property taxes increase each year?
Typically 3–5% per year, depending on rising home values and county millage rates. Over 10 years, this adds $1,000–$2,000+ to your total costs.
6. Do seniors get a property tax break in Georgia?
Yes. Homeowners 65+ can save $1,000–$1,500 per year, while disabled veterans may qualify for up to 100% tax elimination.
7. Where does my property tax money go?
Primarily to fund schools, police, fire services, and county operations. In most counties, 50–60% of your bill supports public education.
8. Can I pay property taxes online in Georgia?
Yes. Most counties allow secure online payment by credit, debit, or e-check. Paying late is far more expensive than the small processing fee.
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