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.
Property taxes are a primary revenue source for Clayton County, Georgia, funding critical public services such as:
Public Education – including Clayton County Public Schools
Public Safety – fire departments, police, and EMS
Infrastructure – roads, stormwater, sidewalks, bridges
Parks and Recreation – community parks and programming
Libraries – funding for the Clayton County Library System
Public Health and Judicial Services – sanitation, courts, etc.
Understanding how property tax is calculated in Clayton County involves several components:
This is the estimated value of your property as of January 1st of the current tax year.
Determined annually by the Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors based on:
Location
Size and condition
Recent sales of comparable properties
In Georgia, property is assessed at 40% of the FMV.
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
The millage rate is the tax rate applied to every $1,000 of assessed value.
Set by:
Clayton County Board of Commissioners
Clayton County Board of Education
Your local city government (if incorporated)
1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value
Reduce the assessed value used to calculate your tax.
Types of exemptions available:
For primary residences only.
You must own and occupy the property as of January 1st.
Deadline to apply: April 1st of the tax year.
For homeowners age 62 or 65 and older.
Income limits and additional requirements apply.
Provides tax relief on county and school taxes.
For individuals with documented, permanent disabilities.
For disabled veterans, unremarried surviving spouses, and certain other categories.
The basic property tax formula in Clayton County is:
Property Tax =
(Assessed Value – Exemptions) × (Total Millage Rate ÷ 1,000)
| 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 |
🔎 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/