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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Burke County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1% effective rate, varies by special taxing districts and municipal boundaries
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Burke County, Georgia operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, roads, and county operations. Property owners in Burke County can expect effective tax rates around 1% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on location within the county due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries.

The county assesses properties at 40% of fair market value, following Georgia state law. Your actual tax bill depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, or municipal services. Property tax bills are typically divided into installments, with the first payment due in October and subsequent payments in January and April. Property owners should verify their specific due dates and applicable tax rates with the Burke County Tax Commissioner's office, as these can vary by tax district and levy year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates have not yet been finalized by the Burke County Board of Commissioners. The following reflects typical rate components based on available 2024 data:

ComponentEstimated Rate (per $1,000)Description
County General Fund~$8.50Basic county services, administration
Burke County Schools~$12.00Local school district operations
State Education~$0.25State-mandated education funding
Total Base Rate~$20.75Standard rate before special districts

Additional assessments may apply based on location:

  • Municipal taxes (if within city limits)
  • Fire district assessments
  • Special improvement districts

Rates are set annually and vary by special taxing district within Burke County. Contact the Burke County Tax Assessor's office for your specific 2025 tax rate based on your property's location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Burke County are additional tax bills issued when property ownership changes or improvements are completed during the tax year. These taxes capture the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Common triggers include property sales, new construction completion, additions or major renovations, and changes in property use or zoning. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, then prorating for the months remaining in the current tax year.

Example: If you purchase a home in Burke County in July that was previously assessed at $80,000 but now appraises at $120,000 (40% assessment = $48,000), you would owe supplemental taxes on the $16,000 increase in assessed value ($48,000 - $32,000), prorated for July through September, before the next regular tax bill cycle begins in October.

Example Calculation

Based on estimated 2024 rates - verify current rates with Burke County Tax Assessor

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $2,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $118,000
  • Annual Tax ($20.75 per $1,000): $2,449
  • Monthly Escrow: $204

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $240,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $2,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $238,000
  • Annual Tax ($20.75 per $1,000): $4,938
  • Monthly Escrow: $412

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $400,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $2,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $398,000
  • Annual Tax ($20.75 per $1,000): $8,260
  • Monthly Escrow: $688

Note: Homestead exemptions require annual application by April 1st and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Burke County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, then pays the Burke County Tax Commissioner directly when taxes are due.

Escrow payments are typically made in October for the first installment, with subsequent payments in January and April. Lenders must provide annual escrow analysis statements showing collections, payments, and any required adjustments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly.

You can verify that your lender has made proper tax payments by checking with the Burke County Tax Commissioner's office or accessing online payment records. If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), ensure payments are made by the specified due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Burke County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property tax returns are due between January 1 and April 1. Tax payments are typically due in three installments: October (first installment), January, and April. Contact the Burke County Tax Commissioner for specific 2025 due dates.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Georgia offers several homestead exemptions that reduce your assessed value, including basic homestead exemptions and exemptions for seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled persons. These require application with the Burke County Tax Assessor by April 1st to be effective for the current tax year. Applications are not automatic and must be renewed if requested.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption reduces your property's assessed value by a specified amount (typically $2,000 base exemption). It does NOT cap assessment increases - that's a separate homestead cap program available in some areas. You must apply by April 1st each year it's required.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Burke County? A: Georgia law requires counties to conduct reassessments periodically. Burke County follows state guidelines for maintaining current and uniform property valuations. Property owners receive assessment notices annually and can appeal valuations through the Burke County Board of Tax Assessors.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified by Georgia law. Contact the Burke County Tax Commissioner's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed due dates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Burke County Tax Commissioner's office for available online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated processing fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when I didn't make improvements? A: Tax increases can result from county-wide reassessments, increased tax rates set by the county commission or school board, or addition of special district assessments. You'll receive notice of assessment changes and rate modifications.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on location, you may pay additional taxes for fire protection districts, municipal services (if in city limits), special improvement districts, or other local assessments. Your specific tax bill will itemize all applicable charges based on your property's location within Burke County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County Property Tax Facts Burke | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Millage Rates | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
03
County
BURKE COUNTYcsrarc.ga.gov
04
Annual Financial Report For the Year Ended September 30, 2020burkecounty-ga.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Returns and Payment - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
06
County
Welcome to Burke County, Georgiaburkecounty-ga.gov
07
Real and Personal Property Forms and Applicationsdor.georgia.gov
08
Tax Doc
Tax Assessorburkecounty-ga.gov
09
15 LC 28 7409 H. B. 356 - 1legis.ga.gov
10
Tax Doc
Pay Property Tax Online - Department of Revenue - Georgia.govdor.georgia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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