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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Oglethorpe County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Oglethorpe 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
1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value (varies by location and taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Oglethorpe County, Georgia operates on an annual property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services, public education, and local government operations. Property owners in Oglethorpe County pay taxes based on the assessed value of their property, which is determined by the county's tax assessor and collected by the Tax Commissioner's office. The county follows Georgia's standard assessment practices, with properties typically assessed at approximately 40% of fair market value.

Property tax rates in Oglethorpe County vary by location within the county due to different taxing jurisdictions and special districts. The total effective tax rate generally ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and applicable taxing districts. Major components include county operations, school district taxes, and various special assessments. It's important to note that your exact tax rate depends on which municipality (if any) and special taxing districts serve your property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General FundTBD*Basic county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictTBD*Oglethorpe County School District operations and facilities
State School Tax~0.25 millsStatewide education funding
Municipal TaxVariesAdditional tax for incorporated areas (Crawford, Lexington, etc.)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, development authorities as applicable

*Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Oglethorpe County have not been finalized by the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education. Final rates are typically set in summer/early fall. Contact the Oglethorpe County Tax Commissioner's office or check the county website for current levy year 2025-2026 rates. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within incorporated municipalities (Arnoldsville, Crawford, Lexington, Maxeys) versus unincorporated areas.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Oglethorpe 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 Oglethorpe County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations, property transfers, or changes in property classification. When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the current tax rate applied to the increased assessed value for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition that is assessed at $40,000 (40% assessment ratio) in March, and your area's total tax rate is 25 mills, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $1,000 ($40,000 × 0.025) prorated for the remaining 9 months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $750. The Tax Commissioner's office will issue a separate supplemental tax bill that follows the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $118,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 25 mills): $2,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $246

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $240,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $238,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 25 mills): $5,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $496

Example 3: $1,000,000 Market Value Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $400,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $398,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 25 mills): $9,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $829

Note: Tax rates used are estimates. Actual rates vary by taxing district. Homestead and other credits require separate application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Oglethorpe County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. This amount is collected along with your mortgage payment and held in a separate account.

Property taxes in Oglethorpe County are due by October 31st each year. Your lender will typically pay the tax bill directly to the Tax Commissioner's office before the due date using funds from your escrow account. Lenders usually pay in early October to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. You should receive a copy of the tax bill and payment confirmation from your lender. It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement and notify your lender of any significant changes to your property that might affect your tax assessment.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Oglethorpe County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due by October 31st annually. Payments can be made online at OglethorpeCountyPay.com or by mail to the Tax Commissioner's office.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Georgia offers several tax credits including the basic Homestead Credit, Senior Citizens Credit, and Disabled Veterans Credit. These are tax credits (not exemptions) that reduce your tax bill and require separate application - they are not automatic. Contact the county assessor's office for applications and specific eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps the increase in your home's assessed value for tax purposes, helping provide predictability in tax bills. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic and must be renewed periodically.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually, though not all properties receive physical inspections each year. The county assessor uses sales data, market trends, and periodic inspections to maintain current assessments.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The Tax Commissioner's office encourages payment of outstanding balances as soon as possible to avoid additional fees and potential tax lien procedures.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners have the right to appeal their assessment. Appeals typically must be filed by a specific deadline after assessment notices are mailed. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: Are there different tax rates within Oglethorpe County? A: Yes, tax rates vary depending on whether your property is in incorporated areas (Crawford, Lexington, Arnoldsville, Maxeys) versus unincorporated county areas, and which special taxing districts serve your location.

Q: Where can I pay my property taxes online? A: Oglethorpe County property taxes can be paid online at OglethorpeCountyPay.com. You can also pay by mail or in person at the Tax Commissioner's office.

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
Commissioners - Press Release - Property Tax Increasemaconcountyga.gov
02
2025 Signed Legislationgov.georgia.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Millage Rates | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
04
County
TC PT Delinquent Taxes | oglethorpecountyoglethorpecountyga.gov
05
County
County Property Tax Facts | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
06
GAC - Rule 265-7-.05. Date of Filing Feerules.sos.ga.gov
07
County
County Property Tax Facts Oglethorpe - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
08
25 LC 44 3134/AP House Bill 806 (AS ...gov.georgia.gov
09
County
Oglethorpe County Board of Educationaudits.ga.gov
10
County
joint city-county comprehensive plan 2005-2025dca.georgia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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