When a disaster strikes your Fulton County home, the immediate focus is on safety, cleanup, and rebuilding. However, significant property damage may also drastically reduce your home's market value—and your property tax assessment may no longer reflect this new reality. Here's what homeowners in Fulton County, Georgia, need to know about appealing property taxes after a disaster.
💡 Understanding Your Tax Obligation
In Georgia, property is assessed for tax purposes based on its fair market value as of January 1st of the tax year. This means:
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If a disaster (such as a fire, tornado, or flood) occurs after January 1st, your assessment may still reflect the pre-disaster value unless you appeal or request a reassessment.
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Tax bills are still due, even if your home has sustained major damage, unless relief is granted or reassessment is approved.
📋 Grounds for Appeal After a Disaster
The most common reason to appeal your property taxes after a disaster is that your property’s market value has decreased due to damage. In Georgia, property owners have the right to appeal if the assessed value exceeds the fair market value.
🛠️ Immediate Steps to Take
1. Document the Damage
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Take photos and videos of all visible damage.
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Collect insurance adjuster reports, contractor repair estimates, and FEMA documentation if applicable.
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Keep detailed written descriptions of all damage and repairs needed.
2. Notify the Fulton County Board of Assessors Promptly
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Don’t wait for your Notice of Assessment or the annual appeal window.
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Contact the Board of Assessors right away to report the damage and ask about options for early reassessment or disaster-related procedures.
🔗 Fulton County Board of Assessors Contact Page
3. Inquire About Disaster-Relief Procedures
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Ask whether Fulton County has adopted any special provisions for disaster-related appeals or reassessments.
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Georgia law permits reassessments in cases of material changes to the property, such as damage or destruction.
📄 Standard Appeal Process (with Disaster Adjustments)
While standard appeals must be filed within 45 days of the mailing date on your Annual Notice of Assessment, disaster-related adjustments may be processed outside this window. Here's how:
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File a PT-311A Appeal Form
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Include your disaster claim and supporting documentation.
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Clearly explain how the damage has reduced the property's market value.
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Include Strong Supporting Evidence
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Photos, insurance documents, repair estimates
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Optional: Independent post-disaster appraisal
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Monitor Response and Appeal if Needed
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If the Board of Assessors doesn’t make sufficient changes, you can appeal to the Board of Equalization (BOE).
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If needed, appeals may proceed to Superior Court within 30 days of the BOE decision.
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Pay Your Tax Bill on Time
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You must still pay at least a partial tax bill to avoid penalties, even if your appeal is pending.
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Overpayments are typically refunded after a successful appeal.
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⚠️ Special Considerations
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Federal Disaster Declarations: If the President declares a federal disaster in Fulton County, additional relief options may become available.
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Temporary Tax Relief: Georgia allows counties to adopt ordinances for temporary tax relief after disasters. Check with the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office to see if this is available.
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Local Ordinances: Fulton County may issue resolutions related to tax relief after specific disasters. Monitor official communications.
👥 Professional Help
If your property has sustained major damage, or if the appeal process seems overwhelming, consider hiring a:
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Property tax consultant
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Real estate appraiser
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Local attorney experienced in Georgia property tax appeals
These professionals can strengthen your case and help secure a fair reassessment.
✅ Summary
If your Fulton County property has been damaged by a natural disaster:
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Document everything.
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Contact the Board of Assessors immediately.
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Request reassessment or appeal based on the loss in market value.
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Ask about disaster relief options.
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Follow the formal appeal process and provide compelling evidence.
Doing this ensures your tax bill reflects the actual condition of your home and that you're not unfairly taxed on pre-disaster values.
📚 Resources for Fulton County Homeowners
🏛️ Government Offices
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Fulton County Board of Assessors
https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/boardofassessors -
Fulton County Tax Commissioner
https://taxcommissioner.fultoncountyga.gov -
Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) – Property Tax Division
https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax -
Georgia Property Tax Appeal Form (PT-311A)
https://dor.georgia.gov/documents/property-tax-appeal-form-pt311a
⚖️ Legal and Professional Support
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Georgia Legal Aid
https://www.georgialegalaid.org -
Atlanta Bar Association
https://www.atlantabar.org -
Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT)
https://www.ipt.org
