In Fulton County the responsibility for paying property taxes primarily falls on the owners of real property as of January 1st of the tax year. This includes:
1. Homeowners:
- Individuals who own and reside in a home in Fulton County are liable for property taxes on their primary residence.
- Even if a property is sold during the tax year, the owner as of January 1st is generally responsible for the full year's taxes. It's common for buyers and sellers to prorate these costs during the closing process, but the county will still look to the January 1st owner for payment.
- Homeowners may be eligible for various homestead exemptions, which can reduce their taxable value. These exemptions are for owner-occupied primary residences and have an application deadline, typically April 1st for the current tax year. Examples of homestead exemptions include basic homestead exemptions, senior citizen exemptions (often with income requirements), and exemptions for disabled veterans or surviving spouses of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.
2. Business Owners:
- Individuals or entities that own commercial property, such as office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and land used for business purposes, are required to pay property taxes.
- Businesses that own personal property used in the business, such as machinery, equipment, and inventory, may also be subject to property taxes. They are generally required to file a property tax return for this personal property between January 1st and April 1st each year.
Important Considerations:
- Tax Bills: The Fulton County Tax Commissioner is responsible for calculating and mailing property tax bills. These bills are based on the assessed value determined by the Fulton County Board of Assessors and the millage rates set by the county, school systems, and any applicable city governments.
- Due Dates: While specific due dates can vary slightly, property taxes in Fulton County are typically due in the fall. It's crucial to check your tax bill for the exact due date to avoid penalties and interest. Historically, the general due date has been around October 15th, but always verify the date on the official tax bill.
- Failure to Pay: If property taxes are not paid by the due date, interest and penalties will accrue. Continued non-payment can ultimately lead to the county placing a lien on the property and potentially a tax sale to recover the outstanding taxes.
- Renter vs. Owner: Renters do not directly pay property taxes to Fulton County. Property taxes are the responsibility of the property owner, although these costs are often factored into the rental rates.
- Exemptions: Besides homestead exemptions for homeowners, certain types of property owned by non-profit organizations, religious institutions, and government entities may be exempt from property taxes. Businesses may also be eligible for specific exemptions, such as the freeport exemption for certain types of inventory. Applications for these exemptions have specific deadlines.
In summary, the onus of paying property taxes in Fulton County rests with the individuals or entities that own real and, in some cases, personal property within the county as of January 1st of the tax year. Homeowners may benefit from homestead exemptions, and businesses need to be aware of their obligations regarding both real and personal property taxes. Staying informed about deadlines and understanding the assessment and billing process is essential for all property owners in Fulton County.
