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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clayton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Clayton 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
14.552 mills ($14.55 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by location within county due to special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clayton County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services, including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Clayton County are based on a percentage of your property's assessed value, with the current millage rate set at 14.552 mills for the 2025 tax year. This translates to approximately $14.55 per $1,000 of assessed value after applicable exemptions.

It's important to note that actual tax rates can vary depending on your specific location within Clayton County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. Property owners should verify their exact millage rate based on their property's location, as some areas may have additional assessments for special services or municipal taxes that can affect the total tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Clayton County General Fund8.500Basic county services, administration, public safety
Clayton County School District6.052Public education funding and school operations
Total Base Rate14.552Standard rate for most county properties

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax levy year. The Clayton County Board of Education initially proposed a rate of 19.600 mills with a 0.26% increase, but the final confirmed rate was set at 14.552 mills. Properties located within incorporated municipalities or special service districts may have additional millage rates that increase the total tax burden. Contact the Clayton County Tax Assessor's office to confirm the exact rate applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clayton 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 property taxes in Clayton County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or tax status that occur after the main tax roll has been prepared. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, removal or denial of exemptions, and successful appeals that increase assessed value.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, it's calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the current tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in September and your total millage rate is 14.552 mills, your supplemental tax would be approximately $1,455 prorated for the remaining months of the fiscal year (roughly $727 for six months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Regular Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Regular Homestead Exemption: -$10,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $290,000
  • Annual Tax: $290,000 × 0.014552 = $4,220
  • Monthly Escrow: $352

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Double Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Double Homestead Exemption: -$14,000 (requires application and qualification)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $586,000
  • Annual Tax: $586,000 × 0.014552 = $8,528
  • Monthly Escrow: $711

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Veterans Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Veterans Exemption: -$121,812 (requires application and military service verification)
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $878,188
  • Annual Tax: $878,188 × 0.014552 = $12,780
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,065

Note: All exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Application deadlines and qualification requirements vary by exemption type.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clayton County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and maintains these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Clayton County when they become due on February 15th each year.

Lenders typically review and adjust escrow accounts annually based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value or exemptions. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or loss of exemptions, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statements and notify their lender immediately of any exemption applications or successful tax appeals that might reduce future tax obligations.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Clayton County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due by February 15th annually. Vehicle registration and ad valorem taxes are due by your birthday each year.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and do I need to apply? A: Clayton County offers Regular Homestead ($10,000 reduction), Double Homestead ($14,000 reduction), and Veterans Exemption ($121,812 reduction). All exemptions require application and are not automatic. Applications must be filed by April 1st to take effect for the current tax year.

Q: Does the Homestead exemption reduce my market value? A: No, homestead exemptions reduce your assessed value for tax calculation purposes and may include assessment increase caps tied to inflation rates. Under HB 581, there's also a floating homestead exemption that limits annual assessment increases to the rate of inflation.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Clayton County? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually, though Clayton County may not physically inspect every property each year. Reassessments are based on market conditions, sales data, and property improvements.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest are assessed on property taxes not paid by February 15th. Contact the Clayton County Tax Commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Clayton County offers online payment options for property taxes. Visit the Clayton County Tax Commissioner's website for secure online payment processing and current account information.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect can file an appeal with the Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors. Appeals must be filed within designated time periods following the issuance of tax notices.

Q: What if I live in a municipality within Clayton County? A: Properties within incorporated cities may have additional municipal taxes and special district assessments beyond the base county rate. Your total millage rate will reflect all applicable taxing authorities for your specific location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASEclayton.k12.ga.us
02
Tax Doc
Notice of Property Tax Increaseclayton.k12.ga.us
03
County
Estimate Property Tax Bill - Clayton County, Georgiaclaytoncountyga.gov
04
Real and Personal Property Forms and Applicationsdor.georgia.gov
05
County
Office Hours and Deadlines - Clayton County, Georgiaclaytoncountyga.gov
06
County
County Property Tax Facts Clayton | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
07
In the Know: House Bill (HB) 581claytoncountyga.gov
08
County
Exemptions - Clayton County, Georgiaclaytoncountyga.gov
09
Homestead Exemptionforestparkga.gov
10
Tax Doc
Pay Property Taxesgeorgia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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