--- title: Preparing for Your DeKalb County Board of Equalization Hearing description: Preparing thoroughly for your DeKalb County Board of Equalization (BOE) hearing is crucial for presenting a strong case and increasing your chances of a favorable outcome. image: https://www.fair-assessments.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20wellorganized%20table%20set%20up%20for%20a%20formal%20hearing%20with%20a%20panel%20of%20three%20individuals%20seated%20behind%20a%20wooden%20desk%20Each%20panel%20member%20has%20a%20nameplate%20in%20front%20of%20them%20and%20they%20are%20attentively%20reviewing%20documents%20The%20room%20is%20brightly%20lit-1.jpeg --- [![Fair Assessments LLC logo](https://www.fair-assessments.com/hs-fs/hub/163576/file-2350210184.png?width=225&height=74&name=file-2350210184.png "Fair Assessments LLC logo")](https://www.fair-assessments.com/) # Preparing for Your DeKalb County Board of Equalization Hearing Posted by [Daniel Jones](https://www.fair-assessments.com/blog/author/daniel-jones) on Feb 12, 2025 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Preparing thoroughly for your **DeKalb County, Georgia** Board of Equalization (BOE) hearing is crucial to presenting a strong case and improving your chances of a favorable outcome. The BOE is an independent panel of DeKalb County citizens that hears both your arguments and those of the Board of Tax Assessors (BOA). Here's how to prepare effectively: ![The image depicts a wellorganized table set up for a formal hearing with a panel of three individuals seated behind a wooden desk Each panel member has a nameplate in front of them and they are attentively reviewing documents The room is brightly lit-1](https://www.fair-assessments.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20wellorganized%20table%20set%20up%20for%20a%20formal%20hearing%20with%20a%20panel%20of%20three%20individuals%20seated%20behind%20a%20wooden%20desk%20Each%20panel%20member%20has%20a%20nameplate%20in%20front%20of%20them%20and%20they%20are%20attentively%20reviewing%20documents%20The%20room%20is%20brightly%20lit-1.jpeg?width=500&height=500&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20wellorganized%20table%20set%20up%20for%20a%20formal%20hearing%20with%20a%20panel%20of%20three%20individuals%20seated%20behind%20a%20wooden%20desk%20Each%20panel%20member%20has%20a%20nameplate%20in%20front%20of%20them%20and%20they%20are%20attentively%20reviewing%20documents%20The%20room%20is%20brightly%20lit-1.jpeg) ## 1. Understand the Purpose of the BOE Hearing - The BOE's role is to consider evidence from both you and the BOA and determine the **fair market value** of your property as of **January 1st** of the tax year in question. - The BOE does **not** automatically side with the assessor. They make an **independent judgment** based on the evidence presented. --- ## 2. Review Your Initial Appeal and the BOA's Response - Review your original appeal grounds—**Value**, **Uniformity**, or **Error in Property Information**—and the documents you submitted. - Examine the BOA’s response: - A **"No Change" letter** means the county disagreed with your appeal. - A **"30-Day Letter"** offers a revised value and gives you a chance to accept or reject it. --- ## 3. Organize and Refine Your Evidence - **Clarity & Logic:** Present evidence in a clear, straightforward way. - **Categorize by Appeal Ground:** Keep uniformity evidence (e.g., neighbor assessments) separate from market value comps. - **Use Visual Aids:** Summaries, charts, or spreadsheets showing price per square foot or condition issues are helpful. - **Label Your Exhibits:** Number and title each item clearly (e.g., *Exhibit 1 – Comparable Sale, Exhibit 2 – Roof Damage Photo*). - **Prepare Copies:** Bring **at least 3 copies**—for yourself, the BOE panel, and the county appraiser. --- ## 4. Practice Your Presentation - **Outline Key Points:** Be ready to explain your case clearly and logically. - **Keep it Concise:** Hearings are typically short. Aim to present your strongest points efficiently. - **Expect Questions:** Prepare for possible questions from the panel or appraiser. - **Stick to Data:** Focus on objective facts—avoid emotional appeals. --- ## 5. Prepare for the Hearing Logistics - **Verify Time & Location:** Hearings are held at the **Manuel J. Maloof Annex, Decatur, GA**. Arrive early. - **Bring ID:** You may be asked to show identification. - **Dress Neatly:** Business casual attire is recommended. --- ## 6. During the Hearing - **Be Polite and Professional:** Address panelists as “Mr./Ms. Chair” or “Board Members.” - **Stay Focused:** Stick to your facts and don’t argue emotionally. - **Present Your Evidence:** Clearly explain what each document or chart shows. - **Address the County's Points:** Respectfully rebut their arguments using your evidence. - **Watch the Clock:** Time is limited, so prioritize your most persuasive material. - **Ask Questions if Needed:** If something is unclear, ask politely for clarification. --- ## 7. After the Hearing - **Wait for the Decision:** You’ll receive the BOE’s ruling by **certified mail**, typically within **10 days**. - **Know Your Next Steps:** If you disagree with the result, you have the right to: - Request **non-binding arbitration**, or - File an appeal to the **Superior Court of DeKalb County**, both within **30 days**. --- ## Essential Tips for Success - Keep the **valuation date of January 1st** in mind—your evidence must relate to this date. - Emphasize the **"why"**: Why does your evidence support your position? - Be specific about differences between your property and any comps used by the BOA. - For **uniformity appeals**, compare properties with similar features and conditions—not just those in the same neighborhood. - For **error-based appeals**, include documented proof (e.g., incorrect square footage or amenities). --- ## Resources - [**DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department**](https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/property-appraisal) - [**Search DeKalb County Property Records (QPublic)**](https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=DekalbCountyGA&Layer=Parcels&PageType=Search) - [**Georgia Department of Revenue – Property Tax Information**](https://dor.georgia.gov/local-government-services/digest-compliance-section/property-tax-real-and-personal-property-faq) - [**DeKalb County Tax Commissioner (for billing and payment info)**](https://dekalbtax.org) - **DeKalb County BOE Appeals Portal and Forms:** (May vary by year—check via the main appraisal site or contact the department for updated submission links.) ![property tax appeals](https://www.fair-assessments.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2019/icons/blog-sidebar-icon-165x60.png?width=165&name=blog-sidebar-icon-165x60.png "property tax appeals") ### Subscribe to our *A Fair Shake* Blog: [![How Tax Assessors Use Sales to Value Property](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/163576/e3546063-41de-49e2-8e46-03a715d129ea.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/163576/e3546063-41de-49e2-8e46-03a715d129ea) [![HOW TAX ASSESSORS USE THE COST APPROACH TO VALUE PROPERTY](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/163576/5e017dc4-73d8-4438-a603-74dbb79dada5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/163576/5e017dc4-73d8-4438-a603-74dbb79dada5) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/163576/8252852a-491e-4c1f-9f38-1f129a228e30.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/163576/8252852a-491e-4c1f-9f38-1f129a228e30)  [![linkedin](https://www.fair-assessments.com/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin.png?width=30&name=linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fair-assessments-llc/)[![facebook](https://www.fair-assessments.com/hs-fs/hubfs/facebook.png?width=30&name=facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/FairAssessments/)  ** Phone: (404) 618-0355** © 2026 Fair Assessments, LLC. 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