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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Screven County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Screven 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% base rate plus district additions - varies significantly by location within county
1st Due
Apr 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Screven County, Georgia operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes are based on assessed values determined by the Screven County Tax Assessor, with the Georgia base rate typically around 1% of assessed value. However, actual tax rates in Screven County vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, school district boundaries, and municipal service areas.

Property owners in Screven County are required to file property tax returns between January 1 and April 1 annually, with the filing deadline of April 1. The effective tax rate range varies depending on your specific location within the county and which special districts apply to your property. Tax rates are set annually by the Screven County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education, making it important to check current rates each year as they can fluctuate based on budget requirements and property value changes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralTBDGeneral county operations, public safety, infrastructure
School DistrictTBDScreven County School District operations
State EducationTBDState-mandated education funding
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariesMunicipal services, drainage, lighting districts

Note: FY 2025-2026 tax rates are set annually by the county commissioners and school board. Exact millage rates vary by specific location within Screven County due to different special taxing districts. Contact the Screven County Tax Commissioner's office for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Screven 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 Screven County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. When property changes hands or improvements are completed, the county assessor determines if additional taxes are owed based on the change in assessed value from the original assessment.

For example, if you purchase a home in Screven County in August that was previously assessed at a lower value, or if you complete a home addition, you may receive a supplemental tax bill. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. This ensures that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions rather than outdated assessments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $2,000 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $3,576
  • Monthly Escrow: $298

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $2,000 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $7,176
  • Monthly Escrow: $598

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $2,000 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $11,976
  • Monthly Escrow: $998

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit future assessment increases and must be filed with the county. Actual rates vary by location within Screven County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Screven County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. The lender holds these funds in escrow and pays your property taxes directly to Screven County when due. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and may require a cushion of 2-6 months of payments to ensure adequate funds.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing tax payments made and any adjustments needed to your monthly payment. Since Screven County property tax bills are typically issued in late summer/fall with payment due dates varying, it's important to verify your lender is making timely payments. You can check payment status through the Screven County Tax Commissioner's office online portal or by phone. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making payments directly to the county by the specified due dates.

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 tax returns due in Screven County? A: Property tax returns must be filed between January 1 and April 1, with April 1 being the final deadline for FY 2025-2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Screven County offers homestead tax credits, disabled veteran credits, and senior citizen credits. All require separate applications filed with the Tax Assessor's office - none are automatic. Applications must be filed by April 1 for the current tax year.

Q: How does the homestead tax credit work? A: The homestead tax credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence and provides some assessment reduction. You must apply with the county and it's not automatically granted. The credit helps cap how much your assessment can grow each year.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Screven County? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually, though Screven County may conduct more detailed reappraisals on rotating schedules. You can appeal assessments through the Board of Equalization if you believe your assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments in Screven County incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Tax Commissioner's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you're behind on payments.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many Georgia counties offer online payment options. Check the Screven County Tax Commissioner's website or call their office to confirm available online payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Screven County? A: Different areas of Screven County fall under various special taxing districts for services like fire protection, municipal services, or special assessments. Your total tax rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I find out which special districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Screven County Tax Assessor's office with your property address to determine which special taxing districts apply to your specific location and the associated rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
HB 916 FY2025 HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE A ...legis.ga.gov
02
FY2025 ADJUSTED HOME INCOME LIMITShuduser.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Property Tax Digest and 5 Year History of Levyscreven.k12.ga.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Returns and Payment - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
County
Screven County, GAscrevencountyga.gov
06
City Council Work Session Meeting 02/02/2025jesupga.gov
07
County
County Property Tax Facts Screven | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
08
Tax Doc
Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Exemptionveterans.georgia.gov
09
GAC - Subject 560-11-2 SUBSTANTIVE REGULATIONSrules.sos.ga.gov
10
15 LC 28 7409 H. B. 356 - 1legis.ga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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