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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Heard County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Heard 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
Approximately 1% of assessed value (varies by district and municipal boundaries)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Heard County, Georgia operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including public education, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are administered by the Heard County Tax Commissioner's office and are based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county. The Georgia Department of Revenue sets statewide guidelines, but local tax rates are determined by county commissioners and school boards.

Property tax rates in Heard County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. The effective tax rate typically ranges around Georgia's state average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates depend on your specific location and applicable special assessments. Property is assessed annually, and tax bills are calculated by applying the millage rate to the net taxable assessed value after any applicable tax credits or exemptions are deducted.

All property owners should note that tax credits and exemptions are not automatically applied - they require separate applications and must be filed by specific deadlines to be effective. The county uses these property tax revenues to maintain schools, roads, public safety services, and other essential government functions that benefit all residents.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: Specific tax rates for the current levy year are not yet available from Heard County. The following structure represents typical components:

ComponentEstimated Rate (mills)Description
County OperationsVariesGeneral county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictVariesHeard County School District operations and facilities
State EducationVariesState-mandated education funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer authorities (location-dependent)

Important Notes:

  • Tax rates are expressed in mills (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value)
  • Rates vary significantly by location within Heard County due to special taxing districts
  • Current rates for the 2025 tax year should be verified with the Heard County Tax Commissioner's office
  • Some areas may have additional assessments for fire protection districts or other special services
  • Final tax bills reflect the combined millage rate for all applicable taxing authorities in your specific location
Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Heard 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 Heard County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include property sales that result in reassessment at current market value, completion of new construction or major improvements, and changes in property use that affect its tax classification.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between the original tax assessment and the new assessment, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a property sells in June and is reassessed at a higher value, the new owner would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December at the increased assessment amount.

Example: A property originally assessed at $250,000 sells in August for $350,000. If the county reassesses the property at the sale price, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $100,000 increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining 5 months of the tax year (August through December). This supplemental amount would be in addition to any regular property tax bill and is typically due within 30 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

The following examples assume typical Georgia assessment practices and estimated rates. Actual calculations will vary based on your property's location within Heard County and applicable special district taxes.

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of fair market value in GA)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 25 mills): $7,450
  • Monthly Escrow: $621

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 25 mills): $14,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,246

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 25 mills): $24,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,079

Note: All tax credits require separate application and approval. Rates shown are estimates - contact the Heard County Tax Commissioner for current millage rates specific to your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Heard County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due on December 1st each year.

Lenders typically collect escrow payments based on the previous year's tax bill plus a cushion amount allowed by federal regulations. When your annual tax bill is issued, your lender will pay it from your escrow account. If there's a shortage due to increased taxes, you may need to make up the difference or have your monthly escrow payment adjusted. Conversely, if there's an overage, you may receive a refund or credit toward future payments.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement from your lender and verify that property taxes are being paid correctly and on time. You can contact the Heard County Tax Commissioner's office to confirm that your taxes have been received if you have any concerns about payment timing or amounts.

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 Heard County? A: Property taxes are due annually on December 1st. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges that accrue monthly.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Heard County offers homestead exemptions that can reduce your taxable assessed value. These require a separate application filed with the county tax assessor's office. The standard homestead exemption must be applied for by April 1st of the tax year. Contact the tax assessor's office for current exemption amounts and application forms.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption reduces your property's assessed value for tax purposes, not the market value. For example, a $2,000 homestead exemption on a $300,000 home means you pay taxes on $298,000. You must apply for this exemption - it is not automatic.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Georgia law requires annual reassessments, but Heard County may reassess on a different cycle. Contact the county tax assessor for the current reassessment schedule. Property sales typically trigger immediate reassessment at market value.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Heard County Board of Tax Assessors within 45 days of receiving your tax notice. The board reviews appeals and makes determinations on property values.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Tax Commissioner's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you cannot pay by the December 1st deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many Georgia counties offer online payment options. Check the Heard County Tax Commissioner's website or contact their office to confirm available electronic payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Heard County? A: Different areas of the county may be served by special taxing districts such as fire districts, municipal services, or special assessment areas. Your total tax rate includes all applicable district taxes 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
County
County Property Tax Facts Heard - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
02
County
HEARD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - Open Georgiaopen.ga.gov
03
Fiscal Year 2025apachecountyaz.gov
04
Tax Doc
Pay Property Taxesgeorgia.gov
05
Appealing Your Assessmentfultoncountyga.gov
06
Alpharetta Georgia Home Pagealpharetta.ga.us
07
23 LC 47 2101/AP H. B. 395 - 1gov.georgia.gov
08
2023 Signed Legislationgov.georgia.gov
09
Tax Doc
Pay Property Tax Online - Department of Revenue - Georgia.govdor.georgia.gov
10
County
HEARD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATIONaudits.ga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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