Fulton Property Taxes: Leaders Urge Owners To Appeal Assessments

ROSWELL, GA -- Many residents throughout Fulton County are nothing short of surprised at the increase in their property values outlined in the 2017 tax assessments sent out to more than 320,000 owners this week.

One of these residents voicing concerns has been State Senator John Albers (R-Roswell), who reported he was "shocked and dismayed" by what he described as a 22-percent jump in his property value.

The increase, he added, is $90,000 higher than any home that has sold in his neighborhood's history.

Fulton County said it began mailing out assessments this week, which Albers said has resulted in a steady stream of phone calls, emails, social media posts and text messages.

"I am not the only one to receive countless complaints in less than one day," he added. "I am witnessing a consistent theme of massive increases across the board with little or no rationale. It is clear that the Fulton County taxation process is broken."

Fulton County notes this year's assessments reflect "significant valuation increases" across the county. Under Georgia law, values are required to be within 90 to 110 percent of market value. Overall, 2017 valuations indicate a real estate market with values similar to those before the 2008 recession, the county argues.

Albers said the issue needs "immediate attention and correction" and said he's asked the Fulton County Commission look into the matter.

In a statement released Wednesday, Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves said he understands the concerns of his fellow property owners. However, Eaves stresses to residents that as Fulton County residents, "we have become victims of our own success."

"In Fulton County, over the past 10 years, the quality of life has improved in many areas and as a result our real property values have gone up too," he added. "Property-tax assessments are based on those values. When the value goes up, taxes go up."

While those values -- and your resulting tax bill -- climbs, Eaves contends the county's elected officials have worked to keep millage rates at "historic lows" so you can keep more of your money.

"We’ve been able to do that by operating a more efficient and effective government," Eaves states.

At any rate, Eaves, Albers and other Fulton County leaders are encouraging property owners who feel their assessments are inaccurate to file an appeal by July 10. This resolution may take time due to the number of appeals the county expects to receive and while the issue is being resolved, property owners should pay the temporary tax bill to avoid penalties and fees, Eaves added. Once an appeal is resolved, the Tax Commissioner's Office will recalculate the bill based on the final value, Eaves note.

Another tip: property owners are asked to consider filing for a homestead exemption. These exemptions are based on certain criteria and qualifications, and there are annual deadlines one has to meet in order to receive the exemptions. To view a complete list of exemptions offered to Fulton County taxpayers go to www.fultonassessor.org

"As chairman of the Board of Commissioners, that sets the millage rate by which property values are assessed, I assure you we will continue to do all we can to keep our tax rates at levels that...do not hurt the pocketbooks of taxpayers and do not negatively impact the quality services our citizens expect us to provide, including libraries, public health and human services, clean water, public safety and criminal justice," Eaves added.

Property owners who disagree with the current year value on their assessment notice have a 45-day appeal window, which ends July 10. Appeals may be submitted online, in person, or by mail.

For more information, call 404-612-6440 or visit www.fultonassessor.org.

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