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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bartow County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bartow County, GA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate + local millage rates, varies by taxing district within county
1st Due
Dec 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bartow County, Georgia operates under the state's property tax system, where taxes are levied based on assessed property values as of January 1st each year. Property taxes fund essential county services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and other municipal services. The county's effective tax rate is built around Georgia's base rate of approximately 1%, though actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts throughout the county.

Property tax bills in Bartow County are mailed around October 15th annually, with taxes due on December 15th of the same year. Properties are assessed at fair market value without a statewide assessment cap, though various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners. It's important to note that most tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your property tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVaries by districtFunds county operations and services
County SchoolVaries by districtBartow County School District funding
State SchoolVaries by districtGeorgia state education funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, municipal services, bonds

Note: Exact rates for FY 2025-2026 vary by specific taxing district within Bartow County. The total millage rate typically ranges from approximately 15-25 mills (1.5% to 2.5%) depending on your property's location and applicable special district assessments. Contact the Bartow County Tax Assessor's office for your specific district's current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bartow County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Bartow County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the January 1st assessment date, a supplemental tax bill is issued to account for the change in taxable value for the remainder of the tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, applying the current tax rate, and prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, you would receive a supplemental bill for the increased assessed value ($150,000 difference) prorated for seven months (June through December).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$15,000 county, -$15,000 school
  • Net Taxable Value: $270,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0% (20 mills)
  • Annual Tax: $5,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $450

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$15,000 county, -$15,000 school
  • Net Taxable Value: $570,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0% (20 mills)
  • Annual Tax: $11,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $950

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$15,000 county, -$15,000 school
  • Net Taxable Value: $970,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.0% (20 mills)
  • Annual Tax: $19,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,617

Note: All tax credits require separate applications. Rates vary by taxing district within Bartow County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bartow County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment, which is added to your mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and maintain a cushion of 1-2 months' worth of taxes.

Since Bartow County property taxes are due on December 15th annually, lenders usually pay the tax bill directly to the county from your escrow account around this time. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your tax payments were applied and any adjustments needed for the following year. It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payment even when using an escrow account.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Bartow County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax bills are mailed around October 15, 2025, and are due on December 15, 2025.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and do I need to apply? A: Bartow County residents may qualify for a regular homestead credit of $15,000 from county tax and $15,000 from county school tax. This credit requires a separate application and is not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit reduces your assessed value by the credit amount ($15,000 each for county and school taxes). You must apply for this credit - it doesn't automatically apply to your property.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, disabled veterans with 100% service-connected disability may qualify for additional credits. There's also a $5,000 homestead exemption for certain county purposes. All credits require separate applications.

Q: When do I need to file for property tax returns? A: Property tax returns must be filed between January 1 and April 1 annually.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest. Contact the Bartow County Tax Commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Bartow County Tax Commissioner's office to verify current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment through the Bartow County Board of Assessors. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to changes in millage rates, new special district assessments, or the expiration of tax credits that require annual renewal.

Q: How are special district taxes determined? A: Special district taxes vary by location within Bartow County and fund services like fire protection, municipal bonds, or infrastructure improvements. Your specific rate depends on which districts serve your property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
January 2026bartowcountyga.gov
02
County
County Property Tax Facts Bartow | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
03
Billing Datesbartowcountyga.gov
04
County
Bartow County Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
05
Homestead Exemptionbartowcountyga.gov
06
23 LC 47 2205/AP H. B. 622 - 1gov.georgia.gov
07
21 LC 47 0803 H. B. 604 - 1legis.ga.gov
08
Tax Doc
Pay Property Tax Online - Department of Revenue - Georgia.govdor.georgia.gov
09
12 LC 28 6205S - 1legis.ga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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