Understanding the landscape of Clayton County property taxes is essential for every homeowner or property owner in the area. From how your property is valued to how millage rates work and how to appeal your assessment, this guide breaks down the essentials to help you confidently manage your property tax obligations.
🏛️ The Role of Property Taxes in Clayton County
Property taxes are a primary revenue source for Clayton County, Georgia, funding critical public services such as:
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Public Education – including Clayton County Public Schools
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Public Safety – fire departments, police, and EMS
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Infrastructure – roads, stormwater, sidewalks, bridges
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Parks and Recreation – community parks and programming
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Libraries – funding for the Clayton County Library System
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Public Health and Judicial Services – sanitation, courts, etc.
🧾 Decoding Your Property Tax Calculation
Understanding how property tax is calculated in Clayton County involves several components:
1. Fair Market Value (FMV)
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This is the estimated value of your property as of January 1st of the current tax year.
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Determined annually by the Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors based on:
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Location
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Size and condition
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Recent sales of comparable properties
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2. Assessed Value
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In Georgia, property is assessed at 40% of the FMV.
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Formula:
Assessed Value = Fair Market Value × 0.40
📌 Example:
If your home is valued at $300,000, the assessed value would be:
$300,000 × 0.40 = $120,000
3. Millage Rate
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The millage rate is the tax rate applied to every $1,000 of assessed value.
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Set by:
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Clayton County Board of Commissioners
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Clayton County Board of Education
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Your local city government (if incorporated)
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1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value
4. Exemptions
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Reduce the assessed value used to calculate your tax.
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Types of exemptions available:
✅ Homestead Exemption
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For primary residences only.
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You must own and occupy the property as of January 1st.
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Deadline to apply: April 1st of the tax year.
👵 Senior Exemptions
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For homeowners age 62 or 65 and older.
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Income limits and additional requirements apply.
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Provides tax relief on county and school taxes.
♿ Disability Exemptions
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For individuals with documented, permanent disabilities.
🎖️ Veteran Exemptions
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For disabled veterans, unremarried surviving spouses, and certain other categories.
🧮 Property Tax Formula
The basic property tax formula in Clayton County is:
Property Tax =
(Assessed Value – Exemptions) × (Total Millage Rate ÷ 1,000)
📅 Important Dates for Clayton County Property Owners (2025)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Property valuation date for the 2025 tax year |
| April 1 | Deadline to apply for Homestead and other exemptions |
| Late May to Early June | Annual Notice of Assessment is mailed |
| 45 days from Notice Date | Appeal deadline if you disagree with your valuation |
| October 15 | Property tax payment due date |
📚 Resources – Clayton County, Georgia
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🔎 Clayton County Tax Assessor’s Office
Valuations, appeals, and property search
https://assessors.claytoncountyga.gov/
Phone: (770) 477-3285 -
🧾 Clayton County Tax Commissioner’s Office
Property tax bills, payment info, and exemptions
https://www.claytoncountytax.com/
Phone: (770) 477-3311 -
📄 Georgia PT-311A Appeal Form
https://dor.georgia.gov/documents/property-tax-appeal-assessment-form-pt311a -
📘 Georgia Department of Revenue – Property Tax Guide
https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax -
⚖️ Official Code of Georgia – Property Tax Appeals (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-311)
https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2024/title-48/chapter-5/article-1/section-48-5-311/
