If you're a homeowner in Clayton County, Georgia, staying informed about property tax changes is essential to managing your financial planning and legal obligations. Several key areas of Georgia property tax law can change each year—and many of these shifts directly affect Clayton County property owners.
This article highlights important updates, such as potential millage rate changes and evolving homestead exemption laws, which may influence how your property is assessed, taxed, and whether you're eligible for savings or relief.
Georgia law allows counties to modify the eligibility criteria, benefit amount, or application deadlines for homestead exemptions.
Changes can include qualifications based on age, disability, or income, especially for seniors or disabled veterans.
In Clayton County, homeowners must apply by April 1st to receive exemptions for the current year.
Millage rates (the rate at which property is taxed) are set annually by:
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners (for County M&O taxes)
The Clayton County Board of Education
Your city government (if applicable)
Any increases or decreases in millage rates directly impact your property tax bill. Georgia law requires public hearings and notices before rate changes are adopted.
Counties periodically reassess property values to reflect market changes. Reassessment frequency and methodology are guided by state law and county policy.
Changes to how or when reassessments occur can affect your home's assessed value, which is the basis for your property tax bill.
The appeal deadline is typically 45 days from the date of your Annual Notice of Assessment.
Appeals may go through several channels: Board of Equalization, hearing officer, arbitration, or Superior Court.
Laws can change around appeal windows, procedures, and allowable evidence.
Clayton County or your city may create special service districts (e.g., for fire protection, infrastructure, or community improvement).
These may result in additional levies on your tax bill.
Georgia occasionally introduces new tax relief programs or amends existing ones. These may benefit:
Senior citizens
Veterans
Disabled individuals
Low-income households
Local governments may also enact local option exemptions under state-enabling legislation.
Georgia’s General Assembly may pass laws affecting property taxation across all counties, including Clayton.
HB 581, passed in Georgia in 2024, introduces a floating homestead exemption statewide. It aims to limit annual increases in a homesteaded property’s taxable value to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
However, local governments were allowed to opt out by March 1, 2025.
You should verify whether Clayton County or your city government opted in or out, as this could affect your future tax bills.
As of late 2024, Clayton County proposed a millage rate increase for general operations (M&O).
Final 2025 millage rates may vary by city, school district, and county. Always check the most recent public notices or adopted budgets for accurate information.
Clayton County Government Website
Visit https://www.claytoncountyga.gov and check the Tax Assessor and Tax Commissioner pages regularly for updates.
Public Hearings
Attend advertised millage rate hearings or Board of Commissioners meetings to stay informed or voice concerns.
Mail and Notices
Ensure your mailing address is updated with the Tax Assessor’s office so you receive timely notices about assessment changes or exemptions.
Local News Sources
Follow credible media outlets covering Clayton County government.
Professional Resources
Real estate agents, CPAs, or attorneys specializing in property tax may provide helpful updates or advisories.
Clayton County Board of Assessors (Valuation, Exemptions, Property Returns)
📞 (770) 477-3285
Clayton County Tax Commissioner (Billing, Payments, Delinquencies)
📞 (770) 477-3331