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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Houston County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Houston 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
8.501 mills (2025 tentative rate), varies by location within county due to municipal and special district overlays
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Houston County, Georgia operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services. The county's tax system is administered by the Houston County Tax Commissioner's office, located at the Houston County Annex on Carl Vinson Parkway in Warner Robins.

Property tax rates in Houston County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. The 2025 tentative millage rate is set at 8.501 mills, representing an 11.18% increase from the previous year. Your actual effective tax rate will depend on your specific location within Houston County and any applicable tax credits for which you qualify and apply. Most tax credits require a separate application and are not automatically applied to your property tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund8.501*Basic county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictVariesPublic education funding (rate varies by school district)
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer authorities, other special services

*Tentative rate for FY 2025, subject to final approval by Houston County Board of Commissioners

Note: The total millage rate for your property depends on your specific location within Houston County. Properties may be subject to additional assessments from municipalities (Warner Robins, Perry, Centerville), school districts, and special service districts. Contact the Houston County Tax Commissioner at (478) 542-2115 for your specific total millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Houston 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 Houston County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the January 1 assessment date. When these events happen, the Tax Commissioner's office calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessed value for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in Houston County on July 1st (halfway through the tax year), you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value from July through December. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current millage rate, and prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. This ensures that all property owners pay their fair share of taxes based on when they owned assessable property during the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (40% of market value = $120,000)
  • Less: Standard Homestead Exemption: $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $118,000
  • Annual Tax (8.501 mills): $1,003
  • Monthly Escrow: $84

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (40% of market value = $240,000)
  • Less: Standard Homestead Exemption: $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $238,000
  • Annual Tax (8.501 mills): $2,023
  • Monthly Escrow: $169

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (40% of market value = $400,000)
  • Less: Standard Homestead Exemption: $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $398,000
  • Annual Tax (8.501 mills): $3,383
  • Monthly Escrow: $282

Note: These examples use the base county rate only. Actual rates include school district, municipal, and special district taxes. Homestead exemption requires application and approval. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Houston County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected monthly through an escrow account managed by their mortgage lender. Your lender estimates your annual property tax liability and divides it by 12, adding this amount to your monthly mortgage payment. The lender holds these funds in escrow and pays your property taxes directly to Houston County when they become due.

Property taxes in Houston County are typically due in two installments, though payment schedules may vary. Your mortgage company will receive tax bills and notices directly from the Houston County Tax Commissioner's office. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct mailing address and parcel information to ensure timely payment. You can verify that your taxes have been paid by checking the Houston County Tax Commissioner's online portal or calling their office. If you believe there's an error in your escrow analysis or tax payment, contact your lender immediately to resolve any discrepancies before penalties accrue.

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 tax returns due in Houston County? A: Property tax returns must be filed between January 1 and April 1 each year with the Houston County Tax Commissioner's office. This deadline applies to the current tax year assessment period.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Houston County offers several tax credits including the Standard Homestead Exemption ($2,000), Senior Citizens exemptions, and Disabled Veterans exemptions. All credits require a separate application - they are NOT automatic. Applications are available at the Houston County Tax Commissioner's office or online.

Q: How does the Homestead exemption work? A: The Standard Homestead Exemption provides a $2,000 reduction in assessed value for your primary residence. Additionally, Georgia's Homestead exemption caps assessment increases, limiting how much your assessed value can grow year-over-year. You must file an application to receive this benefit.

Q: When are property taxes assessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring. You have 45 days from the postmark date to file an appeal with the Houston County Board of Assessors if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Houston County charges interest and penalties on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Tax Commissioner's office at (478) 542-2115 for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Houston County offers online property tax payments through their official website. You can also pay in person at the Houston County Annex at 200 Carl Vinson Parkway, Warner Robins, GA 31088.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Houston County based on special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, school districts, and fire districts. Two properties on the same street may have different total millage rates depending on which services they receive.

Q: Do I need to file a return if I have a mortgage company paying my taxes? A: If you own real property in Houston County as a Georgia resident, you may need to file a property tax return regardless of how your taxes are paid. Contact the Tax Commissioner's office to determine your filing requirements.

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 INCREASEhoustoncountyga.gov
02
Tax Doc
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASEhoustoncountyga.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025- Notice of Property Tax Increase Press Release.pdfhoustoncountyga.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Returns and Payment - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Commissionerhoustoncountyga.gov
06
20 LC 47 0589 H. B. 1247 - 1legis.ga.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions in Georgiahoustoncountyga.gov
08
County
Houston County: Homehoustoncountyga.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Homestead Exemptions - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
10
Motels • Apartment Complexes • Short-Thoustoncountyga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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