Tax Assessors

* IMPORTANT NEWS *


Hall County Appraisal staff and Appraisal Contractors (GMASS) will be in the field reviewing new construction, general property reviews and appeals. As the appraisers collect data and make decisions regarding your appeal one of two things will happen. You will either receive notification from our office that we have reviewed your appeal and made a revision to your valuation or in some cases no change was deemed warranted. Either way you will receive notification: on from our office. If you have questions about the status of your appeal feel free to contact us at 770.531.6720 or assessor@hallcounty.org..


“As a result of your property assessment appeal there may be a need for the county staff and/or the county appraisal contractor to make an on-site inspection of your property in order to observe the property characteristics.  Additionally, you may require an on-site inspection and we are happy to do so. If so, the ability to make appointments may be limited due to time constraints.  We will be eliminating interior inspections unless necessary on a case-by-case basis.  Every precaution will be taken to keep you and our employees safe while continuing to deliver the customer service you need and expect. Appraisers will have identification and will be wearing mask and have hand sanitizer available.”


Who Does What?

The property valuation and taxation process can be confusing especially with changing appraisals, property tax and exemptions. So who exactly is responsible for what? 

  • The Law: The law that the Board of Assessors are required to go by is established by the General Assembly.  The elected officials in the State House and Senate tell us by law we must value property for taxation purposes at its Fair Market Value, what property is selling for. 
  • The Regulation: Once a law is created the Department of Revenue publishes a regulation.  The regulation gives guidance and direction to assessors in Georgia. 

The Georgia Department of Audits reviews all Georgia counties to ensure their established values are in line with the law and regulations. If a county falls out of compliance, based on the laws and regulation the deficient county can be penalized and forfeit their right to collect taxes in some severe cases.

  • The Property Valuation: Property valuations are based on property sales. Buyers and Sellers are who determine the value of any property not the assessors or appraisal staff.  It is the responsibility of assessors and appraisers to reflect Fair Market Value on property appraisals based on what property is currently being sold for. 
  • The Property Tax: The property tax is determined by the governing authorities, county, county school, cities and city schools determine the amount of property tax needed to fund their budgets. The Board of Assessors do not determine the tax. 

In part the property owner is responsible for determining their own property tax, according to the law. If you purchase a property that is worth or valued at $300,000 your estimated property tax in the unincorporated county will be $3,086.52.  If you purchase a house worth or valued at $750,000 your estimated property tax would be $7,716.30. (based on 2022 millage rates)  That's is how that works. State lawmakers require the amount of property tax to be based on what the fair market value is x the tax rate determined by the governing authorities less any exemptions. 

For more information on how this process works call us at 770.531.6720 or email at assessor@hallcounty.org.

     2023 Property Tax Relief Grant

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY RECIEVING A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING.  THE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF WILL SHOW UP AUTOMATICALLY ON THE PROPERTY TAX BILL. 


May 2023: Listen to Martha Zoller interview Steve Watson, Chief Appraiser and John Smith, Deputy Chief Appraiser regarding property valuations, property tax and exemptions.


Gainesville has hottest housing market in country, reports says...


CAN I APPEAL MY TAXES?

Citizens can appeal the county appraisal based on value and/or uniformity but not the actual taxes.

Make valuation comparisons not tax comparisons. Exemptions can vary from one property owner to another based on age and/or income. Property valuations among similar property's should be equitable, based on living area, amenities and other features.  


2023 Assessment notices were mailed May 12, 2023. Check your notice for the last day to appeal. Click here for more information.

  

ONLINE SERVICES

1.) Online Appeals 

2.) Online Homestead Exemptions

3.) Online Personal Property Submission

4.) Change of Address

You can now make application for ALL homestead exemptions including the Total School Tax Exemption and other age and income related exemptions AND electronically file your Business Personal Property, Marine or Aircraft form online. Click on the above link(s) to access instructions. 


Governor Kemp signed HB 18 on March 13, which amends the State Fiscal Year 2023 budget to include a refund of $950 million in property taxes back to homestead owners in Georgia. This will reduce the assessed value of Georgia homesteaded property by $18,000. The loss of funds will be credited to counties by the Department of Revenue.

How it will work - See below or click here

Property owners will receive the tax relief grant in the form of a $18,000 reduction of the assessed value of their property. 

  • Following the preparation of property tax bills, local tax officials will notify the Department of Revenue of the total anticipated revenue if all applicable millage rates were applied to all qualified homesteads. The local tax officials will apply to the Department of Revenue for this money.
  • The Department of Revenue will issue credits appropriated by the General Assembly to the local taxing authorities.
  • Appropriation of funds is conditional on local taxing authorities reducing a taxpayer’s liability and including a notice on the property tax bill which states that the reduction comes from the Governor and the General Assembly.

Who is responsible for determining the amount of the credit? 

The Tax Commissioner and/or their digest vendor is responsible for determining the amount of credit, pending Department of Revenue validation.

For more information on the 2023 Property Tax Relief Grant click here. 

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Applicants for Conservation Use must come into the office to make application.  You do not need to make an appointment, however making an appointment ensures your place in line at your convenience. 


If you have questions feel free to contact us at 770.531.6720 or assessor@hallcounty.org.

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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

  • General Questions:770.531.6720
  • Janene Smith, Administrative Services Manager 


SPECIALIZED ASSESSMENTS – Conservation Use/FLPA/Brownfield

MAPPING

PERSONAL PROPERTY - Businesses/Manufacturer/Boats/Aircraft 

  • General Questions: 770.531.6749

Individuals who choose to do so may still book an appointment, as we will continue to offer appointments as an option.


EXEMPTION & COVENANT APPLICATIONS

Jan. 1 - April 1 is the time-period for Hall County property owners to file for Homestead Exemptions including the Total School Tax Exemption and 100% Disabled Veteran homestead exemption. This is also the time to return the Business Personal Property, Marine/Personal Watercraft or Aircraft form or sign up for an Agriculture Covenant and/or file a Taxpayer Return of Real Property with the Hall County Board of Assessors Office.  

  • HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS: There are a number of homestead exemptions available for property owners at the primary residence. The deadline to apply for the current tax year is April 1.  Applications  can made in the office in person or via email. On the left side of this page you can make an application for the Regular Homestead exemption.  Click here for more information and what exemptions you might qualify for. You can call or email us at 770.531.6720 or assessor@hallcounty.orgif you have any questions about how to apply.  
    • This is very important. Remember that if you have moved to another location you must re-apply for Homestead Exemption at the new residence in order to maintain the exemptions you received at your former residence. If you have questions you can call our office (770.531.6739) and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Homestead Exemptions.
  • CONSERVATION USE: Applications for Conservation Use can made in the office in person, however, it is advised to make an appointment. Additionally, much of the paperwork and application process can be handled electronically via email. For more information on how to apply contact the Specialized Assessment Division at 770.531.6720 or Tracy Gilreath.
  • PERSONAL PROPERTY REPORTING FORMS: Personal Property Reporting Forms have been mailed and are due back to us by April 1, Businesses owners, Manufacturers, Boat or Personal Watercraft and Aircraft owners are required to report their personal property yearly. Failure to report could result in inaccurate assessments. For more information on how to report call or email the Personal Property Division at 770.531.6749 or personal.property@hallcounty.org.. To see a complete list of forms click here.
  • TAXPAYER RETURN OF REAL PROPERTY: If you would like to request a review of your appraisal click here, fill out the form, sign and mail via regular USPS, email to assessor@hallcounty.org or drop off at the office by April 1.  An appraiser will make a field inspection and review your property appraisal.  Any changes will be reflected in your assessment notice due to come out in the spring,  You can also report any changes that have occurred on your property on this form as well. Call or email us with any questions at 770.531.6720 or assessor@hallcounty.org. 


FIELD INSPECTIONS

Throughout the year you may notice Hall County Board of Assessors appraisal staff in your neighborhood or area conducting onsite field inspections. These inspections are being done as a normal part of the property appraisal review process, building permits or in response to an inquiry or appeal you might have made. Hall County vehicles will be clearly marked with emblems, and staff will have picture ID’s and business cards. Also Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services (GMASS), which is an appraisal contractor, will be performing some functions of the appraisal process for the office. You may also see their vehicles, which are clearly marked with a GMASS emblem. Feel free to question staff for the reason of their visit and to produce identification. We appreciate your cooperation with our necessary onsite visits and as always we want to respect your privacy. Field inspections will be conducted with CDC guidelines in mind. Staff will have adequate protect coverings to protect themselves and you at all times.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Steve Watson at 770.531.6733 or email Steve.


As a part of making field inspections due to Building Permits, Appeals, or general appraisal review, staff will be reviewing improvements and exterior measurements. Normally there is not a need to come inside your home or place of business, but sometimes it may be necessary in order to complete the inspection or appeal review. Should you not be at home, the review will still be conducted and an informational door hanger will be left, along with the appraiser’s business card. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the number below and ask for Steve Watson, Chief Appraiser; John Smith, Deputy Chief Appraiser; or Marion Meeks, Appraisal Manager.

Responsibilities

The Board of Assessors is a five member board appointed by the Board of Commissioners for terms of four years. The Board of Assessors are responsible for determining the tax digest, which is the value of taxable and exempt property in Hall County. The Board of Assessors hire the Chief Appraiser and Deputy Chief Appraiser who in turn hire and manage staff who appraise property at fair market value, mail assessment notices annually, maintain tax records and maps, and inspect mobile homes for updated decals.

Mission

Our mission is to provide accurate, equitable appraisals for the taxpayers of Hall County. Property is appraised at 100% of its fair market value, and taxes are assessed on 40% of that value. The Tax Commissioner sends property owners a bill based on information provided by the Assessors. To view our Mission and Vision Statement.

Public Information

All public information is available for review, and copies may be obtained for a nominal fee. We welcome you to visit our office to learn more about the tax assessment process.