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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Columbia County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Columbia 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
25.6967 mills for unincorporated areas (varies by municipality and special districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Columbia County, Georgia operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property as of January 1st each year, with Georgia's state-mandated assessment ratio of approximately 40% of fair market value for residential properties.

The county's effective tax rate varies by location within Columbia County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations. Property owners in unincorporated areas currently face a millage rate of 25.6967 mills, though rates differ for incorporated areas and properties subject to additional special assessments. Most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property tax bill.

Tax bills are typically mailed after a 45-day appeal period, with payments due by November 15th annually. The county offers various homestead and other tax credits to qualifying property owners, but these must be applied for at the Columbia County Tax Commissioner's office in Evans.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariableGeneral county operations and services
School DistrictVariableLocal school funding (varies by district)
StateVariableState-mandated millage
Total Unincorporated25.6967FY 2024 rate for unincorporated Columbia County
Municipal RatesVariableAdditional rates apply within city limits
Special DistrictsVariableFire districts, water/sewer districts as applicable

Note: These rates apply to the 2024 tax year (collected in 2025). Final 2025 millage rates are set annually by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and may vary from previous years. Properties within incorporated municipalities (Evans, Grovetown, Harlem, etc.) may have different total rates due to city millage. Special taxing districts for fire protection, lighting, or other services may add additional millage to specific properties.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Columbia 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 Columbia County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or property improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date. When these events happen, the county assessor determines the additional assessed value and applies the current year's tax rate to calculate supplemental taxes owed.

For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously undervalued, or complete a home addition mid-year, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering the period from the change date through the end of the tax year. The calculation is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. Supplemental bills are typically issued after the property change is processed and are due within 30 days of mailing, separate from the regular November 15th due date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (with Standard Homestead Credit)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $120,000
  • Less Standard Homestead Credit: -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $118,000
  • Annual Tax (25.6967 mills): $3,032
  • Monthly Escrow: $253

Example 2: $600,000 Home (with Standard Homestead Credit)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $240,000
  • Less Standard Homestead Credit: -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $238,000
  • Annual Tax (25.6967 mills): $6,116
  • Monthly Escrow: $510

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (No Credits Applied)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $400,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $400,000
  • Annual Tax (25.6967 mills): $10,279
  • Monthly Escrow: $857

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Rates shown are for unincorporated Columbia County and may vary by location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Columbia County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus homeowners insurance and any applicable PMI. These funds are held in a separate account and used to pay your property taxes when due on November 15th.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses and may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. If your escrow account has a shortage, you may receive a bill for the deficit or see increased monthly payments. Conversely, overages may result in refunds or reduced monthly payments. Property owners can verify their tax payments and amounts through the Columbia County Tax Commissioner's office and should review their annual escrow statements to ensure accuracy.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Columbia County? A: Property taxes are due November 15th annually. For the 2024 tax year, taxes are due November 15, 2025.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Standard Homestead Exemption provides $2,000 off your assessed value and is available to all qualifying homeowner residents. Applications must be filed by April 1st at the Tax Commissioner's office at 630 Ronald Reagan Drive, Evans, GA 30809, Building C. This is not automatic and requires annual verification of residency and ownership.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit reduces your assessed value by $2,000 and may also cap annual assessment increases. It does not reduce your home's market value, only the taxable assessed value for property tax calculations.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: You have a 45-day appeal period after assessment notices are mailed. Contact the Columbia County Board of Tax Assessors at P.O. Box 498, Evans, GA to initiate an appeal.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments after November 15th incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Tax Commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Columbia County Tax Commissioner's office at (706) 312-7400 for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Do I owe different rates if I live in a city within Columbia County? A: Yes, properties within incorporated municipalities like Evans, Grovetown, or Harlem may have different total millage rates due to additional city taxes and varying service districts.

Q: How is personal property taxed in Columbia County? A: Tangible personal property (business equipment, etc.) requires filing form PT-50P with the Board of Tax Assessors. Contact the Assessor's Office at P.O. Box 498, Evans, GA for specific requirements and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Property Detail - Columbia Countycolumbia.floridatax.us
02
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQcolumbiacountyga.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Calculation Process & Tax Worksheetcolumbiacountyga.gov
04
County
Personal Property | Columbia County, GAcolumbiacountyga.gov
05
Tax Doc
PT-50M Marine Personal Property Tax Return and Schedulescolumbiacountyga.gov
06
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONScolumbiacountyga.gov
07
County
Tax Exemptions | Columbia County, GAcolumbiacountyga.gov
08
Homestead Exemption Applicationservices.columbiacountyga.gov
09
Tax Doc
The Board of Tax Assessors is required to issue a notice ofcolumbiacountyga.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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