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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lanier County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lanier 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
Rate set annually by county commissioners (exact 2025 rate TBD)
1st Due
Jan 1
2nd Due
Apr 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lanier County, Georgia operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Lanier County are subject to Georgia's annual property tax filing requirements, with tax returns due between January 1 and April 1 each year to the county tax commissioner.

The property tax system in Lanier County follows Georgia's standard assessment practices, with properties typically assessed at fair market value. Tax rates are set annually by the county commissioners, meaning the exact rate for 2025 has not yet been determined as of this guide's publication. Property owners should note that actual tax rates may vary depending on their location within the county due to special taxing districts, and the Lanier County Tax Commissioner collects taxes for multiple entities including the school district, retaining a 2.5% collection fee from taxes collected.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundTBDSet annually by county commissioners for FY 2025
School DistrictTBDEducational services and facilities
State EducationVariesState-mandated education funding
Special DistrictsVaries by LocationAdditional assessments based on property location

Note: The 2025 tax rates have not yet been determined by Lanier County commissioners. The 2024 rates are available through the Georgia Department of Revenue website. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts within the county, so properties in different areas may have different total tax rates depending on applicable special assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lanier County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jan 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Apr 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Lanier County are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these changes occur after the annual assessment but before the tax year ends, a supplemental tax bill is issued to account for the difference in tax liability.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year from when the change took effect. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in January and increases the assessed value accordingly, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that additional $100,000 of assessed value for the remaining months of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated at 1.0%): $2,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $248

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated at 1.0%): $5,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $498

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated at 1.0%): $9,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $832

Note: These calculations use estimated rates. Actual rates vary annually and by location within the county. Homestead exemptions require application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lanier County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers, collecting monthly payments as part of the mortgage payment to cover annual property tax obligations. The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and pays the tax bill directly to the Lanier County Tax Commissioner when due.

Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential tax increases. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making timely payments, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations even when using escrow services. The Lanier County Tax Commissioner provides verification services for lenders and property owners to confirm payment status and outstanding obligations.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property tax returns due in Lanier County? A: Property tax returns must be filed with the Lanier County Tax Commissioner between January 1 and April 1 each year, as required by Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 48-5-18).

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Lanier County offers statewide homestead exemptions, but no local homestead exemptions are available. All homestead exemptions require application and are not automatic. These exemptions reduce assessed value rather than providing tax credits.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of your primary residence by a set amount (typically $2,000 for the basic exemption). Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, or veterans, but each requires a separate application.

Q: When are property taxes due and what are the penalties for late payment? A: Property tax payments are typically due by the same April 1 deadline as the filing requirement. Late payment penalties and interest apply to overdue accounts according to Georgia state law.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lanier County? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually at fair market value. Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the county board of equalization.

Q: Are there special tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Yes, additional exemptions are available for seniors and disabled persons, but these require separate applications and income qualifications. Contact the Lanier County Tax Assessor's office for specific requirements and application forms.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Lanier County Tax Commissioner's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special taxing districts within Lanier County may impose additional taxes for specific services or improvements. Your total tax rate depends on which special districts your property is located within, and these can vary significantly across different areas of the county.

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 Lanier - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Millage Rates | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
03
County
Long County Board of Commissionerslongcountyga.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Returns and Payment - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
Real and Personal Property Forms and Applicationsdor.georgia.gov
06
County
Rule 560-11-2-.56. Review of County Tax Digest ...rules.sos.ga.gov
07
LGS-Homestead - Application for Homestead Exemptiondor.georgia.gov
08
15 LC 28 7409 H. B. 356 - 1legis.ga.gov
09
County
Lanier County Board of Education - Open Georgiaopen.ga.gov
10
County
LANIER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - Open Georgiaopen.ga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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