Successfully appealing your Gwinnett County, Georgia property tax assessment depends on providing strong, well-organized evidence that supports your claim. Whether you believe your property was overvalued, assessed unfairly compared to similar properties, or includes factual errors, the more precise and relevant your documentation, the more likely your appeal will succeed.
Below is a guide to the most important types of evidence Gwinnett County property owners should gather.
This is typically the strongest form of evidence, especially for residential properties.
Focus on Similarity: Choose recent sales (ideally within 6–12 months prior to January 1st of the tax year under appeal) that closely match your property in:
Location: Same neighborhood, street, or subdivision.
Size: Similar square footage of home and lot.
Age & Style: Comparable year built and architectural type.
Condition: Similar level of upgrades and wear.
Features: Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage, basement (finished/unfinished), pool, etc.
Documentation to Gather:
Sale date, price, and address for each comparable.
Screenshots or printouts from trusted sources such as Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, or the Gwinnett County Property Records site.
Adjustment notes explaining value differences (e.g., upgraded kitchen, additional bathroom).
Interior & Exterior Photos: Highlight damage, outdated features, or deferred maintenance.
Repair Estimates: Include professional contractor quotes.
Inspection Reports: If available, especially ones revealing structural or systems-related issues.
A recent appraisal from a certified appraiser (as close to January 1st as possible) can offer a credible, third-party valuation.
Especially useful if comparable sales are limited or property has unique features.
If you bought the property within a year (arm’s length sale), include your HUD-1 or Settlement Statement. This can serve as strong evidence of fair market value.
Use the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor’s Website to search for nearby, similar homes.
Create a Comparison Table:
Address, square footage, number of beds/baths, assessed fair market value, and assessed value per square foot.
Emphasize that similar homes are assessed lower.
This form of appeal argues that even if your value is correct, it is not uniform with assessments of similar properties nearby.
Survey or Plat: If the listed lot size is incorrect.
Blueprints or Floor Plans: If square footage is over- or under-reported.
Photos: If county records incorrectly state your property has a finished basement, extra bathroom, or pool, provide evidence to the contrary.
Required Documents for Eligibility:
Senior exemptions: Proof of age (e.g., government-issued ID).
Veterans exemptions: DD-214 or other qualifying service documentation.
Homestead: Proof of primary residency (driver's license, utility bills).
📂 Be Organized: Label and categorize all materials clearly.
🧾 Submit Copies Only: Never send originals.
📋 Tailor Evidence: Only include information directly related to the reason for your appeal.
📅 Meet Deadlines:
Appeals must be filed within 45 days of your notice.
Evidence for a Board of Equalization hearing must be submitted at least 7 days in advance (electronically or in person).
Website: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/taxassessor
Property Search (for comps): https://www.gwinnettassessor.manatron.com
General Tax Info: https://www.gwinnetttaxcommissioner.com/
Just Sold a Home or Property: https://www.gwinnetttaxcommissioner.com/property-tax/other-information/just-sold-a-home-or-property
Appeal process explained: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/departments/financialservices/taxassessorsoffice/appeals
Overview of Property Tax Appeal Rights: https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax
If you’re unsure about your case or how to present evidence, consider consulting a local tax professional or property attorney familiar with Gwinnett County procedures.