Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Tax Assessments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
How Columbia County tax assessors determine property values
Summary
A Columbia County informational video explains how the county's tax assessor sets property value assessments, the role of recent sales and permits, and taxpayers' appeal rights.
Columbia County tax assessors determine property values each year by estimating fair market value, using recent neighborhood sales and observable property characteristics, the county said in an informational video.
The video explains assessors compare similar home sales and adjust for differences such as pools, garages or acreage; they check building permits for improvements and may view properties from the road but do not enter homes. Assessments are guided by state law and audited annually by the Georgia Department of Revenue, the video notes, and assessors do not report to the Board of Commissioners.
Georgia uses 40% of assessed value to calculate property taxes, the video said; that figure is multiplied by millage rates set independently by each taxing authority. Taxpayers receive a notice each year before tax bills are mailed and may appeal an assessment to the board of assessors, presenting evidence for review.
The county framed the process as aiming to find the most accurate fair market value for each property. The video did not specify timelines for appeals or provide sample appeal outcomes.
