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:
Property owners often compare the county’s assessed fair market value to recent sale prices of similar nearby properties.
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.
The county may rely on older or less accurate market data when performing mass appraisals, which can skew your valuation.
The county’s mass appraisal system may overlook individual factors that affect your property’s true market value:
Condition: Properties needing repairs or with deferred maintenance may be overvalued.
Size/Layout: Significant differences in square footage, layout, or room count can affect valuation.
Lack of Amenities: Homes missing common features like central HVAC, updated kitchens, or modern bathrooms may be less valuable than assumed.
Negative Influences: Proximity to busy roads, power lines, or other nuisances can reduce value.
Common data errors include incorrect:
Square footage
Number of bedrooms or bathrooms
Lot size
Year built
Property style or type
For example, if your residential property is mistakenly assessed as commercial or multifamily, your tax burden could be significantly inflated.
If similar homes nearby are assessed at significantly lower values, this suggests a lack of uniformity and potential unfair treatment.
Large, unexplained increases in your assessed value—especially if nearby properties didn't experience the same spike—can indicate an inconsistent and unfair reassessment.
If property values have dropped locally since the county’s assessment date (January 1st), your assessment may be outdated and too high.
Increased crime, declining schools, zoning changes, or lack of infrastructure improvements in your area can all negatively affect market value and justify an appeal.
Your home’s value can be lowered by factors outside your property, such as:
Proximity to industrial or commercial zones
Nearby landfills, highways, or railroads
Environmental issues or redevelopment projects
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.
If you believe your property is over-assessed, follow these steps:
Carefully review your annual assessment notice
Research comparable recent sales
Check for factual errors in the property details
Gather evidence: sales reports, photos, repair estimates, or independent appraisals
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.
🏛️ 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
✉️ Email: boa.web@fultoncountyga.gov