Many Fulton County, Georgia property owners file appeals when they believe their property has been over-assessed by the county. Whether due to factual errors, market conditions, or fairness concerns, here are the most common reasons for initiating a property tax appeal:
1. 📉 Overvaluation Compared to Fair Market Value
🔍 Comparable Sales (Comps):
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Property owners often compare the county’s assessed fair market value to recent sale prices of similar nearby properties.
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If your home is valued significantly higher than similar homes that recently sold (ideally within the last 6–12 months), that’s a strong basis for appeal.
🕰️ Outdated or Limited Market Data:
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The county may rely on older or less accurate market data when performing mass appraisals, which can skew your valuation.
🧱 Unique Property Characteristics:
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The county’s mass appraisal system may overlook individual factors that affect your property’s true market value:
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Condition: Properties needing repairs or with deferred maintenance may be overvalued.
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Size/Layout: Significant differences in square footage, layout, or room count can affect valuation.
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Lack of Amenities: Homes missing common features like central HVAC, updated kitchens, or modern bathrooms may be less valuable than assumed.
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Negative Influences: Proximity to busy roads, power lines, or other nuisances can reduce value.
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2. 🧾 Errors in Property Data
🛠️ Inaccurate Records:
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Common data errors include incorrect:
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Square footage
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Number of bedrooms or bathrooms
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Lot size
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Year built
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Property style or type
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🏢 Misclassification:
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For example, if your residential property is mistakenly assessed as commercial or multifamily, your tax burden could be significantly inflated.
3. ⚖️ Lack of Uniformity (Unequal Treatment)
🧍 Neighbor Comparisons:
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If similar homes nearby are assessed at significantly lower values, this suggests a lack of uniformity and potential unfair treatment.
📈 Disproportionate Increases:
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Large, unexplained increases in your assessed value—especially if nearby properties didn't experience the same spike—can indicate an inconsistent and unfair reassessment.
4. 📉 Economic Downturn or Market Conditions
🏙️ Market Value Declines:
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If property values have dropped locally since the county’s assessment date (January 1st), your assessment may be outdated and too high.
📍 Neighborhood-Specific Declines:
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Increased crime, declining schools, zoning changes, or lack of infrastructure improvements in your area can all negatively affect market value and justify an appeal.
5. 🚧 Impact of External Factors
🌆 External Obsolescence:
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Your home’s value can be lowered by factors outside your property, such as:
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Proximity to industrial or commercial zones
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Nearby landfills, highways, or railroads
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Environmental issues or redevelopment projects
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6. 📝 Procedural Errors
🔔 Notice and Process Issues:
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Occasionally, procedural issues—like failure to provide proper notice or errors in how the appraisal was conducted—can also form the basis of an appeal.
📌 Tips for Appealing Your Assessment
If you believe your property is over-assessed, follow these steps:
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Carefully review your annual assessment notice
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Research comparable recent sales
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Check for factual errors in the property details
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Gather evidence: sales reports, photos, repair estimates, or independent appraisals
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Submit your appeal within the 45-day deadline from the notice date
Appealing successfully requires a clear, evidence-based case. Understanding these common reasons equips you to make an informed decision about whether to challenge your assessment.
📚 Resources (Fulton County, Georgia)
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🏛️ Fulton County Board of Assessors Property Appeals
https://fultonassessor.org/property-appeals/ -
📄 Georgia Department of Revenue – Property Tax Appeal Form (PT-311A)
https://dor.georgia.gov/documents/property-tax-appeal-form-pt311a -
🏢 Mailing Address
Fulton County Board of Assessors
235 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1200
Atlanta, GA 30303 -
📞 Phone: (404) 612-6440
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✉️ Email: boa.web@fultoncountyga.gov
