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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Monroe County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Monroe 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), 16.171 mills for school district taxes
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Monroe County, Georgia operates on a millage-based property tax system that funds essential county services, schools, and local infrastructure. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable millage rate. For the 2025 tax year, Monroe County adopted a rollback rate of 16.171 mills to prevent inflationary increases, though this rate specifically applies to school district taxes.

Property tax rates in Monroe County vary by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district areas. The effective tax rate typically ranges around Georgia's state average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though your actual rate depends on your specific location and the combination of county, school, and any special district millage rates that apply to your property. Property owners should verify their specific tax district to determine their exact millage rate combination.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Monroe County Board of Education16.171School district operations and capital (FY 2025 rollback rate)
Monroe County GeneralTBDCounty operations and services
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts as applicable

Note: The 16.171 mill rate shown is specific to the Monroe County Board of Education for 2025. Total property tax rates vary significantly by location within Monroe County depending on which combination of taxing districts apply to your property. Contact the Monroe County Tax Assessor's office for your specific district's complete millage rate breakdown for the current levy year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Monroe 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 Monroe County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the January 1 assessment date but before the tax year ends, a supplemental tax bill is issued to capture the additional tax liability for the remaining portion of the tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplying by the applicable millage rate, then prorating for the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your total millage rate is 20 mills, your supplemental tax would be approximately $50 ([$50,000 × 0.020] × 6/12 months remaining).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Exemption: -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Tax Rate: 20 mills (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $5,960
  • Monthly Escrow: $497

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Exemption: -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Tax Rate: 20 mills (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $11,960
  • Monthly Escrow: $997

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Exemption: -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Tax Rate: 20 mills (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $19,960
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,663

Note: Homestead exemptions require application and are not automatic. Tax rates shown are estimates as actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within Monroe County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Monroe County property owners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their lenders. Mortgage companies collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pay property tax bills directly to Monroe County when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law.

Property tax bills in Monroe County are typically due between January 1 and April 1, and lenders usually pay these bills before the deadline to avoid penalties. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or millage rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and could require a shortage payment to bring the account current.

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 Monroe County? A: Property tax returns are due between January 1 and April 1 annually. Payment of taxes follows the same timeline.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The standard homestead exemption provides a $2,000 reduction in assessed value for county and school taxes. This requires an application filed by April 1st and is not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption reduces your property's assessed value by $2,000 for tax calculation purposes. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1 and file an application by April 1.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Monroe County offers online property tax payment options. Visit the Monroe County Tax Commissioner's website or contact their office for payment portal access.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late property tax payments in Georgia incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Monroe County Tax Commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Monroe County? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually, though not all properties are physically inspected each year. Assessment notices are mailed annually with appeal information.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Monroe County Board of Tax Assessors within the timeframe specified on your assessment notice, typically by a deadline in May or June.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my property tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Monroe County determines which special districts apply to your property, such as fire districts or municipal taxes, which can significantly affect your total millage rate.

Q: What other exemptions might I qualify for? A: Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, or veterans. Applications are required and must be filed with the county tax assessor's office by April 1.

Q: Where do I file applications for tax exemptions? A: All exemption applications should be filed with the Monroe County Board of Tax Assessors by April 1st of the year for which you're seeking the exemption.

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 INCREASEwaltoncountyga.gov
02
County
Monroe County Board of Education Adopts Rollback ...monroe.k12.ga.us
03
Tax Doc
My Thoughts on the Proposed Tax Increasemonroe.k12.ga.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Returns and Payment - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
County
County Property Tax Facts Monroe | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
06
Tax Doc
Pay Property Taxesgeorgia.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Homestead Exemptions - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
08
HB 581 Resource Centermonroe.k12.ga.us
09
Tax Doc
Proposed Tax Increase Explainedmonroe.k12.ga.us
10
State
Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Ideal Basic Industries ...nepis.epa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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