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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Johnson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Johnson 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 taxing district and municipal boundaries
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Johnson County, Georgia operates under the state's property tax system where property taxes are the primary funding source for local government services, including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and other essential county services. Property owners in Johnson County can expect effective tax rates that generally align with Georgia's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county due to different special taxing districts and municipal boundaries.

The county assesses property at 40% of fair market value, following Georgia state law. Your actual tax burden will depend on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property location, as rates differ between areas served by different school districts, municipal services, and special assessment districts. Unlike some Georgia counties, Johnson County does not offer local homestead exemptions, but residents can apply for statewide homestead exemptions that help limit assessment increases over time.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available data for Johnson County, specific tax rates for the current levy year are not publicly available in the research data. Property owners should contact the Johnson County Tax Commissioner's office directly for current rates, as these vary by location within the county.

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundContact CountyFunds county operations, services
School DistrictContact CountyVaries by school district serving your area
Municipal (if applicable)Contact CountyOnly applies within city limits
Special DistrictsContact CountyFire districts, other special assessments

Note: Rates shown apply to the current fiscal year and are expressed in mills (per $1,000 of assessed value). Your total rate depends on which combination of taxing jurisdictions serve your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Johnson 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 Johnson County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These are separate from your regular annual property tax bill and are calculated from the date of the change through the end of the current tax year.

Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding improvements like pools or additions, or subdividing property. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in June that has a higher assessed value than the previous assessment, you would receive a supplemental bill covering June through December for the additional tax amount.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $2,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $118,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1% rate): $1,180
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $98

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $240,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $2,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $238,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1% rate): $2,380
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $198

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $400,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $2,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $398,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1% rate): $3,980
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $332

Note: Homestead exemptions require application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Johnson County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds in a separate escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Johnson County when they become due, typically by December 1st annually.

Lenders are required to analyze your escrow account annually and provide you with an escrow analysis statement showing the account activity and any required payment adjustments. If your property taxes increase due to higher assessments or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. Conversely, if you qualify for new tax credits or your assessment decreases, your escrow payment may decrease. You have the right to request escrow account information and payment records from your lender at any time, and you should verify that payments are made timely to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Johnson County? A: Property taxes are typically due annually by December 1st. Contact the Johnson County Tax Commissioner's office to confirm the current year's specific deadline.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available? A: Johnson County offers no local homestead exemptions, but you can apply for statewide homestead exemptions through the county. These must be applied for and are not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Georgia's homestead exemption provides a $2,000 reduction in assessed value and caps assessment increases to protect against large jumps in property value. You must file an application - it's not automatic.

Q: When do I need to apply for exemptions? A: Applications for homestead and other exemptions typically must be filed by April 1st, though specific deadlines may vary. Contact the Johnson County Tax Assessor's office for current deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Georgia properties are reassessed periodically, but the schedule varies by county. Contact Johnson County's Tax Assessor for the current reassessment schedule.

Q: Can I appeal my assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal your property assessment if you believe it's too high. Appeals must typically be filed within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments accrue interest and penalties. Contact the Johnson County Tax Commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many Georgia counties offer online payment options. Check with the Johnson County Tax Commissioner's office for available payment methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Johnson County determines which special taxing districts apply to your property, such as school districts and fire districts, which can significantly affect your total tax rate.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax bill? A: You can contest supplemental taxes through the same appeal process as regular assessments. Contact the Tax Assessor's office promptly if you believe there's an error.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announces ...dekalbcountyga.gov
02
Tax Doc
press release announcing a proposed property tax increaseclarkstonga.gov
03
Newsclay.k12.ga.us
04
Tax Doc
DOR Extends Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Helenedor.georgia.gov
05
Tax Doc
Pay Property Taxesgeorgia.gov
06
Georgia.govgeorgia.gov
07
County
County Property Tax Facts Johnson - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
08
IRVIN J. JOHNSONdoravillega.us
09
Tax Doc
DeKalb Tax Commissioner Reminds Local Residents to ...dekalbcountyga.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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