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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Candler County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
12.294 mills (approximately 1.2-1.5% effective rate, varies by district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Candler County property taxes are administered by the county tax assessor and fund essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on 40% of their property's fair market value, as required by Georgia State Code (O.C.G.A. 48-5-7). The county's millage rate for 2025 is 12.294 mills, meaning property owners pay approximately $12.29 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Your actual tax rate may vary depending on your location within Candler County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district levies. Properties within incorporated areas or special service districts may have additional assessments beyond the base county rate. The effective tax rate typically ranges from 1.2% to 1.4% of fair market value, making Candler County's rates competitive with other Georgia counties while maintaining essential community services.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund12.294Base county operations, public safety, administration
School DistrictVariesLocal school board levy (varies by district)
Municipal ServicesVariesAdditional levy for incorporated areas only
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts where applicable

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. The base county rate of 12.294 mills applies countywide, with additional assessments varying by location within special taxing districts. Contact the Candler County Tax Assessor's office to determine your specific rate based on your property's location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Candler 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 Candler 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, the county assessor determines the new assessed value and calculates the additional tax owed from the date of the change through the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in October that was previously assessed at a lower value due to exemptions the prior owner received, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference. Similarly, completing a home addition or major renovation that increases your property's value will trigger a supplemental assessment. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current millage rate to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $118,000
  • Annual Tax (12.294 mills): $1,451
  • Monthly Escrow: $121

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $240,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $238,000
  • Annual Tax (12.294 mills): $2,926
  • Monthly Escrow: $244

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $400,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $398,000
  • Annual Tax (12.294 mills): $4,893
  • Monthly Escrow: $408

Tax credits shown require application and approval. Actual taxes may vary based on special district assessments and available credits for which you qualify.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Candler County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to your annual property tax divided by 12, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Candler County by the April 15 due date each year.

Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on changes in your property tax bill. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly mortgage payment will increase accordingly. Property owners without mortgages or those who've paid off their loans are responsible for paying taxes directly to the county by April 15 each year.

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 Candler County? A: Property taxes for the current tax year are due by April 15, 2026. No extensions are typically available unless declared due to a state disaster.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Georgia offers statewide homestead credits that require application through the Candler County Tax Assessor's office. These credits reduce your tax bill and must be applied for annually or when you first become eligible.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must file an application with the tax assessor's office and meet residency requirements. This credit caps how much your assessed value can increase each year.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually, though Candler County may conduct physical inspections on a rotating cycle. You'll be notified if your assessment changes significantly.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Candler County Board of Equalization within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice. The board reviews appeals and makes decisions on property valuations.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified by Georgia law. Contact the Candler County Tax Commissioner for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Candler County Tax Commissioner's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do I pay additional taxes if I live in a municipality? A: Yes, properties within incorporated cities or towns in Candler County pay additional municipal taxes on top of the base county rate. Special districts may also assess additional fees.

Q: What if my property is damaged or destroyed? A: Contact the tax assessor immediately to report property damage. You may be eligible for a reduced assessment based on the property's diminished value.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, water/sewer services, or other improvements add to your base tax rate. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location within the county.

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