Whether you’re a real estate agent or a property owner trying to sell or buy in Atlanta, Georgia, knowing the nitty gritty about local property taxes is essential. While Atlanta’s property taxes aren’t too high compared to other major cities, it doesn’t hurt to research how much it will cost you in the long run.
Looking to learn more about property taxes in Atlanta, Georgia, and reach potential new clients? Keep reading for more information about the City of Atlanta’s property taxes.
Atlanta property tax 2022
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the most populous city in the entire state, with nearly 500,000 people. With a GDP of $406 billion, it is the tenth-largest city economy in the United States.
Atlanta has many popular attractions and incredible history. Tourists love exploring the World of Coca-Cola, SkyView Atlanta, the Summit Skyride, and other attractions. Centennial Olympic Park, designed in 1996 for the Olympics, still exists today as a hub for fun and essential landmarks. The city also has a booming job market, whether it’s in a technical field or the arts, making it a very attractive place for families to live.
In Atlanta, there are property taxes for the city and Fulton County or DeKalb County.
The 2022 millage rate for the city is 31.400—which includes the city millage rate and the school district’s millage—and Fulton County’s millage rate is 9.070, making the total millage rate for Atlanta 40.470. The Fulton County Tax Commissioner collects and manages property taxes in Atlanta.
The other 10% of Atlanta is in DeKalb County. The 2022 millage rate for the city of Atlanta is 32.329, and the county millage rate is 9.464, making the total for Atlanta 41.793.
It is important to determine which county your Atlanta property occupies before calculating potential property tax rates. You should also remember that property taxes are calculated based on 40% of your home’s fair market value (FMV), not the entire assessed value.
Property taxes are determined by combining millage rates in individual cities, the appraised value of the property, and exemptions.
Will Atlanta property tax rates rise?
If you own property in Atlanta that was assessed for a higher value than the previous year, you can expect to pay more in property taxes. In August 2022, the city announced a proposed property tax increase.
However, the millage rate for the General Fund has been reduced to 8.87 mills to implement property tax relief for some citizens. That means if your property’s value stayed the same or lowered since the prior assessment, you may pay slightly lower property taxes in 2023.
Keep in mind that the market value of many houses across the United States has increased, making assessment values higher.
To see if you qualify for a homestead or other property tax exemption, visit the Fulton County or Dekalb County website, which also has a portal to see and pay for your property taxes.
Tax rates in surrounding areas
Areas around Atlanta may offer proximity to the city without the same high property tax rate. In fact, much of Georgia offers low property tax rates, the median amount equaling a little over $2,000 a year. Compare and contrast Atlanta’s millage rates with surrounding areas outside of Fulton County:
- Brookhaven: 39.483
- Marietta: 31.247
- Kennesaw: 39.85
- Macon: 34.6210
- Peachtree City: 30.287
You should also consider other cities within Fulton County, such as Roswell, which reduced its property taxes to 4.463, the lowest in 35 years. Other cities include Decatur, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs.
What does property tax revenue fund in Atlanta?
A third of Atlanta’s property taxes go towards the General Fund Budget, which goes toward two school systems, several city governments within Fulton County, and other needs as decided by Fulton County.
Property taxes generally fund the following:
- Public schools
- Police departments
- Fire stations
- Street maintenance
- Libraries
- Metro stations
Important information to know when moving to Atlanta, GA
Unless stated otherwise, property tax returns for Georgia are due between January 1st and April 1st. Property taxes for the City of Atlanta are due by October 31st and November 15th for Fulton County. Keep tabs on the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia websites for the most accurate dates.
Atlanta’s sales tax is 8.9%, combining the following:
- 3% Fulton County sales tax
- 1.5% for the City of Atlanta sales tax
- 4% State of Georgia sales tax
- 0.4% special tax
The cost of living in Atlanta is nearly 20% higher than Georgia’s average COL. It is 5% higher than the national average, making the cost of living more expensive than in most areas of Georgia and the United States.
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