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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McDuffie County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McDuffie County, GA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate plus additions, varies by special taxing districts within county
1st Due
Apr 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McDuffie County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies depending on location within the county due to different special taxing districts.

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners announced plans to increase the 2025 property tax rate by 2.43% over the rollback rate. Georgia's statewide average effective property tax rate is approximately 1%, but actual rates in McDuffie County depend on your specific location and which special districts serve your property. Property taxes are due annually by April 1st, and most homeowners pay through mortgage escrow accounts that distribute payments throughout the year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundTBDBasic county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictTBDLocal education funding and school operations
School BondsTBDDebt service for school construction and improvements
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer, other local services
Total Estimated RateTBDCombined rate after 2.43% increase for FY 2025

Note: Final tax rates for FY 2025 are pending approval by the McDuffie County Board of Commissioners. Rates vary by location within the county based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the McDuffie County Tax Assessor's Office for your specific rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Apr 1
Delinquent after Dec 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 McDuffie County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, or ownership transfers that remove previous exemptions or credits.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it's calculated as the difference between the new annual tax amount and any taxes already paid for that tax year, prorated for the remaining months. For example, if new construction adds $50,000 to your assessed value in January and your total tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe an additional $600 in supplemental taxes for that year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $4,000 reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.2% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: ~$3,552
  • Monthly (with escrow): ~$296

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $4,000 reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $596,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.2% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: ~$7,152
  • Monthly (with escrow): ~$596

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $4,000 reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $996,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.2% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: ~$11,952
  • Monthly (with escrow): ~$996

Note: Credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the McDuffie County Tax Assessor's Office for current rates and available credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McDuffie County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to your annual tax bill divided by 12, plus a small cushion for rate increases. The lender pays your property taxes directly to McDuffie County before the April 1st deadline.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase significantly due to rate changes or assessment increases, your monthly payment may rise. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing payments made on your behalf and any adjustments to your monthly collection amount. Always verify that your lender has made the payment by checking with the McDuffie County Tax Commissioner's office, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time.

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

When are property taxes due in McDuffie County? Property taxes for FY 2025 are due by April 1, 2025. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges.

What homestead credits are available and how do I apply? Senior citizens age 65 and older may qualify for a $4,000 homestead credit if their household income doesn't exceed $10,000. Additionally, residents age 62 and older may qualify for school tax credits. All credits require separate applications through the McDuffie County Tax Assessor's Office before April 1st.

How does the homestead credit work? The homestead credit provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax bill, not your assessed value. For example, a $4,000 credit reduces your actual tax owed by $4,000. You must apply annually and meet income requirements.

How often are properties reassessed in McDuffie County? Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually at fair market value. The McDuffie County Tax Assessor's Office reviews property values each year, with physical inspections conducted periodically.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Assessment appeals must be filed with the McDuffie County Board of Assessors within 45 days of receiving your tax notice. Contact the Tax Assessor's Office for appeal forms and procedures.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late payments incur interest and penalties as prescribed by Georgia law. Contact the McDuffie County Tax Commissioner's Office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Can I pay property taxes online? Many Georgia counties offer online payment options. Contact the McDuffie County Tax Commissioner's Office to verify available payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Why did my tax bill increase if I didn't make improvements? Tax increases can result from higher assessed values due to market appreciation, increased tax rates, loss of credits or exemptions, or additional special district assessments in your area.

Do special districts affect my tax rate? Yes, your location within McDuffie County determines which special districts serve your property, such as fire districts or school districts, each with their own tax rates added to the base county rate.

What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? Unpaid property taxes become a lien against your property and may eventually result in tax sale proceedings. Contact the McDuffie County Tax Commissioner immediately if you're unable to pay by the due date to discuss payment arrangements.

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