To build a strong case for your Clayton County, Georgia property tax appeal, you must gather clear and persuasive evidence showing that the value assigned by the Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors is incorrect as of January 1st of the tax year.
Below is a breakdown of the most important types of evidence to collect:
1. 🏘️ Comparable Sales Data (Comps)
The Gold Standard:
Recent sales of properties similar to yours are often the most persuasive evidence in appeals.
What to Look For:
Choose sales from your immediate Clayton County neighborhood that closely match your property in:
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Size – Square footage of home and lot
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Age – Similar construction year or effective age (accounting for renovations)
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Style – E.g., ranch vs. two-story
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Condition – Same level of upgrades/repairs
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Features – Beds, baths, basement, garage, pool, etc.
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Location – Proximity to schools, busy roads, shopping, etc.
Timeframe:
Use sales that closed within 6–12 months before January 1st of the tax year you are appealing (for 2025 appeals, use late 2024 to early 2025 sales).
Where to Find This Data:
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Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin – Useful for initial searches
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Clayton County QPublic – For official tax record info
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Local MLS (via agent) – Most accurate and detailed comps
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Local Real Estate Professionals – May provide helpful context on neighborhood values
Presentation Tips:
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Create a comparison chart showing sale price, square footage, condition, and distance
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Include adjustments (if any) to align comps more closely with your home
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Attach maps or photos if helpful
2. 📝 Independent Appraisal
Why It Helps:
A certified appraiser provides a formal, expert opinion of market value as of January 1st.
Benefits:
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Strong supporting evidence
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Useful if the case is complex or the property is unique
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Carries weight with the Board of Equalization
Note:
Appraisals are not free — expect to pay $400–$600+, depending on complexity.
3. 🛠️ Documentation of Property Condition
Use this if: Your property is in worse condition than the Tax Assessor assumes.
What to Include:
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Photos and Videos – Clear, dated, and focused on defects or damage
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Repair Estimates – From licensed contractors, with detailed pricing
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Inspection Reports – Especially if they document code issues, foundation problems, mold, etc.
Important:
All evidence must reflect the condition as of January 1st of the tax year in question.
4. 📐 Evidence of Incorrect Property Information
Correct the Record:
If the county has incorrect data about your property, it could lead to overvaluation.
Useful Documents:
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Surveys – Show incorrect lot size or building footprint
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Building Permits – Prove lack of additions or features the county claims exist
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Tax Records or Deeds – To prove property details such as square footage, bedroom/bath count, or lot dimensions
5. 📉 Market Trend Data
When to Use:
If your neighborhood or market segment has been declining in value.
Examples:
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Local market reports from real estate brokerages
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News articles or statistics on foreclosures, crime increases, school zone changes
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Reports from real estate data services or economists on area trends
6. 🚫 Evidence for Denial of Exemption
If your appeal includes the denial of a homestead exemption or other property tax exemption:
You’ll Need:
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Proof of Residency – Utility bills, driver’s license, lease/mortgage documents
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Proof of Eligibility – For age, disability, military status, etc.
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Application Copies – Submitted to the Tax Commissioner’s office
🧾 Key Tips for Presenting Your Evidence
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Be Organized: Group similar evidence together and label everything clearly
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Be Concise: Include short, clear summaries of how each item supports your claim
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Focus on Market Value: Every document should relate to the value of the property as of January 1st
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Make Copies: Bring copies for the Board of Equalization and keep one for yourself
✅ Summary
By diligently collecting and organizing the right evidence, you can present a compelling case for a fair reassessment of your property in Clayton County, Georgia. Most appeals succeed or fail based on the quality of the evidence, not just how strongly you feel your value is wrong.
📚 Resources – Clayton County, Georgia Property Tax Appeals
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Clayton County Board of Assessors – Appeal Information
https://www.claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor -
Clayton County Property Search (QPublic Site)
https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=ClaytonCountyGA&Layer=Parcels&PageType=Search -
Georgia Department of Revenue – Property Taxpayer Guide
https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax -
Georgia PT-311A Appeal Form (Downloadable)
https://dor.georgia.gov/documents/pt-311a-appeal-assessment -
Clayton County Superior Court (for appeals beyond the BOE)
https://www.claytoncountyga.gov/government/courts/superior-court
