---
title: Your Guide to Appealing DeKalb County Property Taxes After a Calamity
description: "DeKalb County property tax appeal after disaster: Get help lowering your assessment. Guide to relief for calamity-hit owners."
---

[Property Tax Appeal Blog ](https://www.fair-assessments.com/blog)

# [Your Guide to Appealing DeKalb County Property Taxes After a Calamity](https://www.fair-assessments.com/blog/your-guide-to-appealing-dekalb-county-property-taxes-after-a-calamity)

 Written by [Daniel Jones](https://www.fair-assessments.com/blog/author/daniel-jones) | Jul 14, 2025 5:30:00 PM

If your DeKalb County property was damaged by a natural disaster—such as a fire, flood, or storm—you may be eligible to appeal your property tax assessment. Property tax bills are based on your home’s value as of **January 1st**, so if the disaster occurred after this date, your bill may not reflect the reduced condition of your property. Here's what to know:

### 🔍 Understanding Your Tax Obligation After a Calamity

Even if your property is badly damaged, the assessment typically reflects the pre-disaster condition unless corrected through an appeal or special reassessment process.

### 📣 Grounds for Appeal Due to Disaster

You can appeal if the **fair market value (FMV)** of your property has significantly decreased due to disaster-related damage. The goal is to ensure your tax assessment reflects its actual post-disaster value.

### 📝 Immediate Steps to Take

1. **Ensure Safety & Document Damage:**  
   Once safe, take clear photos and videos of the damage. Gather insurance claims, FEMA reports (if applicable), and contractor estimates.
2. **Contact the DeKalb Property Appraisal Department:**  
   Notify the office as soon as possible to ask about disaster-related relief or reassessment procedures.  
   📞 (404) 371-0841  
   🌐 [DeKalb Property Appraisal Website](https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/property-appraisal)
3. **Inquire About Temporary Relief Options:**  
   Under **Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-33)**, counties may offer temporary tax relief (such as millage reductions) following federally declared disasters. Contact the **DeKalb Tax Commissioner's Office** to check for available programs.  
   🌐 [https://dekalbtax.org](https://dekalbtax.org)

### 🧾 Filing a Formal Appeal (Standard Process)

- **Deadline:** 45 days from the date on your Annual Notice of Assessment (usually sent late May to early June).
- **How to File:**
  
    - File online at DeKalb BOA Online Portal
    - Or mail your appeal form (PT-311A) or a written letter including your Parcel ID, property address, contact info, and reasons for appeal.

### 📂 Submit Strong Evidence

Include:

- 📸 Photos & videos of the damage
- 🧾 Insurance adjuster reports
- 🛠️ Contractor estimates
- 📉 Independent appraisals (if possible)

### 🧮 Temporary Value Billing

While your appeal is being processed, Georgia law allows DeKalb County to issue a **temporary tax bill** based on either the prior year’s value or 85% of the current year's value—whichever is lower.

### ⚖️ What Happens Next

- If the Board of Assessors denies your appeal or doesn’t adjust the value enough:
  
    - ➡️ You may appeal to the **Board of Equalization (BOE)** within 30 days.
    - ➡️ Further appeal can be made to **Superior Court** within another 30 days.

### 📌 Other Key Considerations

- **Federal Disaster Declarations:** May qualify you for broader relief programs.
- **Local Ordinances:** DeKalb may pass special relief ordinances. Monitor their official site.
- **Homestead Exemptions:** Confirm your existing exemptions are applied.
  
    - DeKalb also offers a **Natural Disaster Homestead Exemption** for qualifying rebuilt homes. Contact the Tax Commissioner for details.
- **Professional Help:** For large losses, consider working with a property tax consultant or attorney.

## ✅ In Summary:

After a calamity, DeKalb County property owners should act quickly to protect their financial interests. File your appeal within the 45-day window, document everything, and explore disaster relief options through county and state resources.

## 🔗 Helpful Resources

- 🏛️ **DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department**  
  [https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/property-appraisal](https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/property-appraisal)  
  📞 (404) 371-0841
- 💰 **DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office**  
  [https://dekalbtax.org](https://dekalbtax.org)  
  📞 (404) 298-4000
- 📝 **Georgia Department of Revenue – Property Tax Division**  
  [https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax](https://dor.georgia.gov/property-tax)

[View full post](https://www.fair-assessments.com/blog/your-guide-to-appealing-dekalb-county-property-taxes-after-a-calamity)

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