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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dawson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Dawson 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
5.463 mills base rate (varies by special districts and municipal boundaries)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dawson County, Georgia operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property owners in Dawson County are subject to an annual property tax based on the assessed value of their real and personal property. The county adopted a millage rate of 5.463 mills for the 2025 tax year, representing a 1.92% increase over previous levels.

It's important to note that your actual property tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within Dawson County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations. These additional assessments can include school bonds, fire districts, and other special purpose levies that may apply to properties in certain areas of the county. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate with the Dawson County Tax Commissioner's office, as the effective rate can differ significantly based on these geographical factors.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Base County Levy5.463FY 2025 base property tax rate
School DistrictVariesAdditional assessment for local school funding
Municipal TaxesVariesCity taxes for incorporated areas
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts as applicable

Note: The 5.463 mill rate applies to the 2025 levy year as adopted by the Dawson County Board of Commissioners. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Properties located within incorporated cities or special taxing districts will have additional millage rates applied. Contact the Dawson County Tax Commissioner at (706) 344-3505 to determine the exact rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dawson 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 Dawson County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you purchase a home in Dawson County in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment ($150,000 difference) covering July through December. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($150,000 ÷ 1,000) × 5.463 mills × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $409.73. New construction projects are also subject to supplemental assessments once improvements are completed and added to the tax roll.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (40% of market): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$24,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,000
  • Annual Tax: $96,000 ÷ 1,000 × 5.463 = $524.45
  • Monthly Escrow: $43.70

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (40% of market): $240,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$24,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $216,000
  • Annual Tax: $216,000 ÷ 1,000 × 5.463 = $1,180.01
  • Monthly Escrow: $98.33

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (40% of market): $400,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$24,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $376,000
  • Annual Tax: $376,000 ÷ 1,000 × 5.463 = $2,054.09
  • Monthly Escrow: $171.17

Note: Homestead credit requires application and caps assessment increases. Additional special district taxes may apply based on property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

If you have a mortgage on your Dawson County property, your lender will likely require you to maintain an escrow account for property taxes. Your mortgage servicer collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill and holds these funds in escrow until tax payments are due. The servicer then pays your property taxes directly to Dawson County on your behalf.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their mortgage company has received and paid the correct tax amount by checking with the Dawson County Tax Commissioner's office. You can request escrow account statements from your lender and monitor payments online through the county's tax portal to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property tax returns due in Dawson County? A: Property tax returns must be filed between January 1st and April 1st for the current tax year. Personal property returns follow the same deadline. Beginning March 1, 2025, electronic filing becomes mandatory.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Dawson County offers a $60,000 homestead exemption from county ad valorem taxes for qualifying primary residences. This credit reduces your assessed value, not your market value. You must file an application with the Dawson County Tax Assessor's office - it is not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work exactly? A: The homestead credit provides two benefits: it reduces your taxable assessed value by up to $60,000, and it caps annual assessment increases to help protect against rapid property value growth. You must apply for this credit - it requires filing paperwork with the county.

Q: When are property taxes actually due and payable? A: Property tax bills for the 2025 tax year are typically due by December 20, 2025. Contact the Dawson County Tax Commissioner at (706) 344-3505 for specific due dates and payment options.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late property tax payments in Dawson County incur penalties and interest charges as prescribed by Georgia law. Interest begins accruing after the due date, and additional penalties may apply for extended delinquency.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Dawson County? A: Georgia law requires counties to maintain fair market values for all properties. Dawson County continuously updates assessments based on sales data, new construction, and market conditions. Property owners can appeal assessments through the county Board of Assessors.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Dawson County Tax Commissioner's office at (706) 344-3505 or visit their website for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Are there other tax credits available besides homestead? A: Georgia law provides various tax credits for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, and other qualifying circumstances. Each credit requires a separate application and has specific eligibility requirements. Contact the Dawson County Tax Assessor's office for available programs.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a city within Dawson County? A: Yes, properties located within incorporated municipalities pay additional city taxes on top of county taxes. Special districts for fire protection, water/sewer, or other services may also apply additional millage rates depending on your property's location.

Q: How do I find out what special districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Dawson County Tax Commissioner's office at (706) 344-3505 with your property address to determine all applicable tax rates and special district assessments 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
News Flashdawsoncountyga.gov
02
Tax Doc
Notice of Property Tax Increasedawsoncountyga.gov
03
County
Dawson County Board of Commissioners Vote to Maintain ...dawsoncountyga.gov
04
County
Tax Assessor | Dawson County, GAdawsoncountyga.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Returns and Payment - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
06
County
Assessment Forms | Dawson County, GAdawsoncountyga.gov
07
Homestead Exemption Applicationdawsoncountyga.gov
08
08 LC 34 1822 H. B. 1445 - 1legis.ga.gov
09
County
News Flash • Dawson County, GAdawsoncountyga.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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