Gathering compelling and well-organized evidence is paramount for a successful property tax appeal in Fulton County, Georgia. Your goal is to show the Fulton County Board of Assessors, Board of Equalization (BOE), or Hearing Officer that the county’s assessed fair market value of your property as of January 1st of the tax year is incorrect.
Here’s a detailed list of evidence to gather for your appeal:
Recent Sales: Focus on sales within 6-12 months before January 1st of the tax year.
Truly Comparable Properties:
Location: Same neighborhood or nearby area in Fulton County.
Size: Similar square footage of living and lot area.
Style & Age: Similar architectural style and age.
Condition: Renovated vs. original condition.
Features: Bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, basement, pool, etc.
Sources:
Online Real Estate Sites (Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin) — verify accuracy.
Fulton County Tax Assessor’s Office — searchable property and sales data at fultonassessor.org
Local real estate agents and MLS data.
Independent appraisal reports.
Presentation: Organize comps in a clear spreadsheet or table including addresses, sale dates, prices, features, and adjustments. Add photos if possible.
Photos of deferred maintenance (peeling paint, roof damage).
Structural issues (foundation cracks, sagging floors).
Damage from fire, water, or storms (include repair estimates).
Inspection reports from licensed inspectors or engineers.
Affidavits from contractors or neighbors confirming issues.
Official property surveys showing lot size or boundary discrepancies.
Blueprints or floor plans if the county’s square footage is incorrect.
Permits for renovations or additions.
Previous purchase and closing documents.
Collect assessment data of similar nearby Fulton County properties.
Show how your property is assessed higher despite being similar or inferior.
Prepare comparison charts or tables to illustrate disparities.
Market reports from reputable real estate analysts showing declining property values in Fulton County neighborhoods.
News articles documenting increased crime, environmental concerns, or business closures.
Expert testimony from appraisers familiar with local market trends.
Be prepared to explain your appeal clearly and succinctly at your hearing.
Submit affidavits from experts or knowledgeable witnesses if possible.
Relevance: Evidence must reflect the fair market value as of January 1st of the tax year.
Credibility: Use reliable sources and qualified professionals.
Clarity: Present information in a well-organized and easy-to-understand way.
Completeness: Provide enough detail to support your claim.
Timeliness: Focus on data relevant to the assessment date.
Use clearly labeled folders or digital files.
Create summary sheets highlighting your key points.
Use visual aids like charts, graphs, and photos.
Be sure to check Fulton County’s appeal deadlines and submission formats.
By carefully gathering and effectively presenting strong, relevant evidence tailored to Fulton County’s property tax appeal process, you maximize your chances of success.
Fulton County Board of Assessors — Property Data & Sales Info
https://www.fultonassessor.org
Fulton County Tax Commissioner (Payment & Appeals)
https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/services/tax-commissioner
Georgia Department of Revenue - Property Tax
https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax
Georgia Code § 48-5-311 (Property Tax Appeals Law)
https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2020/title-48/chapter-5/article-5/section-48-5-311/
Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (Deeds & Plats)
https://www.gsccca.org/