What Happens After You File Your Property Tax Appeal in Fulton County?

Posted by Daniel Jones on Nov 17, 2025 5:00:00 PM

Once you've submitted your property tax appeal in Fulton County, Georgia, your case enters a formal review process that can last several months. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you stay organized and improve your chances of success.

The image features a wellorganized office space with a wooden desk cluttered with paperwork and files related to property tax appeals A laptop sits open displaying a spreadsheet with property values Nearby a stack of envelopes is labeled Tax Appeal D-1

 

1. 📩 Acknowledgment and Initial Review by the Board of Assessors

  • After submission, the Fulton County Board of Assessors (BOA) logs and acknowledges receipt of your appeal.

  • Your case may be assigned to a staff appraiser who will review your arguments, property records, and any submitted evidence.

  • They may also analyze recent comparable property sales and conduct a desk or field review of your property.

2. 🔄 Possible Outcomes of the Initial Review

  • No Change: If the BOA maintains that the current valuation is correct, your appeal moves forward to the Board of Equalization (BOE) or the resolution method you selected (e.g., Hearing Officer or Arbitration).

  • Value Adjustment: If the BOA agrees with your evidence, they may revise your assessed value and issue a revised notice of assessment. You can accept or continue appealing.

3. 💰 Temporary Tax Bill (While Appeal Is Pending)

Because the appeal process may not resolve before taxes are due:

  • You will receive a temporary property tax bill.

  • You must pay by the deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

  • By default, your bill is based on 85% of the appealed value or 100% of the previous year’s value.

  • If your appeal results in a lower final value, you may get a refund. If the value increases or stays the same, you may owe more later.

4. ⚖️ Forwarding to the Board of Equalization (BOE)

If unresolved after the initial review:

  • Your appeal is forwarded to the Board of Equalization, a panel of independent Fulton County residents trained in property valuation.

  • You’ll receive a hearing notice with the date, time, and location (typically the Fulton County Government Center or virtually).

  • You may represent yourself or hire a tax representative or attorney.

  • You’ll need to bring or submit copies of your evidence (e.g., appraisal reports, photos, comparable assessments).

5. 📬 BOE Hearing and Decision

  • At the hearing, you and a county representative will present evidence.

  • The BOE will deliberate and issue a written decision, usually by certified mail.

  • Their decision will include the final fair market value and assessed value for your property.

6. 🧑‍⚖️ Further Appeal Options (If You Disagree with the BOE Decision)

If you selected a continued appeal path on your original form, you may:

  • Request Non-Binding Arbitration: Both parties present to a neutral arbitrator. You’re not bound to accept the decision.

  • Request a Hearing Officer: Suitable only for non-homestead properties valued over $1M. A professional hearing officer renders a decision.

  • File in Superior Court: This is the most formal and complex option and typically requires legal representation. You must file within 30 days of the BOE decision being mailed.

📌 Key Tips to Remember

  • ⏳ The process can take several months—patience is key.

  • 📆 Meet all deadlines to avoid automatic dismissal.

  • 💵 Always pay temporary tax bills on time to prevent interest or penalties.

  • 🗂️ Keep copies of all appeal documents, emails, and correspondence.

  • 🧠 Be ready to present factual, well-organized evidence at your hearing.

📚 Official Resources
property tax appeals

Subscribe to our A Fair Shake Blog:

How Tax Assessors Use Sales to Value Property
HOW TAX ASSESSORS USE THE COST APPROACH TO VALUE PROPERTY
New call-to-action

 linkedinfacebook   Phone: (404) 618-0355

© 2025 Fair Assessments, LLC. All Rights Reserved.