Dekalb County, GA Property Tax Calculator

DeKalb County Property Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Dekalb County vary depending on where you live. For example, in the city of Dunwoody, which is located in the northern part of DeKalb County, the median home value is $235,300 and the average effective property tax rate is 1.21%.

For a comparison, the home median value in the state of Georgia is $249,700 and the property tax rate is 0.81%. Residents in Georgia also pay $2,027 in median real estate taxes.

In addition to real estate, property taxes are collected in DeKalb County from owners of heavy duty equipment, timber, public utilities and personal property. Once the Property Appraisal Department assesses the value of properties, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office bills property owners and collects the taxes they owe.

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DeKalb County Property Tax Breaks

Tax relief is available for property owners who struggle to pay their property taxes. There are a number of exemptions that residents can use to reduce their DeKalb County property tax burden.

For example, homeowners may qualify for a homestead exemption if the house they own in DeKalb County is their primary residence on January 1 of any given year. As long as you meet that requirement, you can qualify for the basic homestead exemption regardless of your age or the size of your salary. If you’re eligible for the exemption, it’ll automatically apply to your property tax bill every year unless you move or you’re granted another exemption.

If you’re interested in claiming the homestead exemption, you’ll need to fill out an application. While you can submit it at any point during the year, it must be postmarked by April 1 if you want to use the exemption in the current tax year. You also have the option of submitting your homestead exemption application online by visiting the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s website.

DeKalb County residents who are at least 62 years old and taxpayers who are disabled may be eligible for a separate exemption. To qualify, you’ll need to visit the Tax Commissioner’s office and fill out an application in person. You’ll need to provide several different documents, including Social Security Form 1099s (if applicable) and income tax returns. If you’re disabled, you’ll need written proof of that.

Tax filers who receive a homestead exemption may also qualify for a property assessment freeze that can prevent the value of their properties from rising too much in the future (and possibly keep their property tax burden low). Just make sure you apply for this freeze by April 1. Other exemptions that DeKalb County offers include special exemptions for disabled veterans, widows of disabled veterans and surviving spouses of firefighters who lost their lives while working.

In addition to an exemption from DeKalb County, you may qualify for a local exemption from the city you live in. For example, residents of the city of Brookhaven may be granted a basic homestead exemption as well as a city assessment freeze. Seniors who are at least 65 years old may be able to receive a larger exemption.

If you have questions about how property taxes can affect your overall financial plans, a financial advisor in Atlanta can help you out.

Paying Your DeKalb County Property Taxes

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office mails out property tax bills in August. Most property owners in DeKalb County can pay their property tax bills in two installments. If you live in the city of Atlanta, however, you can only pay your property tax bill in one installment that’s due on November 30.

For all other DeKalb County residents, the first installment is due on September 30 and the second installment is due on November 15. If you’d rather pay your entire property tax bill at one time, it’s due September 30.

It’s best to pay your property tax bill on time. Generally, if your payment isn’t postmarked by the deadline, you’ll incur a 5% penalty. If you live in Atlanta, you’ll get hit with another 5% penalty every 120 days, beginning on January 1. You’ll also have to pay interest each month that your payment is late.

To pay your property tax bill, you can either mail in your payment or pay online. Your bank may also allow you to pay your property tax bill through its online bill pay service.