HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Seminole County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate, varies by district with additional assessments for school bonds and fire districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Seminole County, Georgia operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these vital community services. The county follows Georgia's statewide property tax framework, with an approximate base rate around 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates in Seminole County differ across neighborhoods due to special taxing districts, school district boundaries, and municipal service areas. The county board of commissioners sets the base county rate annually, while additional assessments may apply for school bonds, fire districts, and other special services. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location, as rates can vary meaningfully even between adjacent properties in different districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundTBDSet annually by county commissioners for FY 2025
School DistrictTBDVaries by school district boundaries within county
Fire ProtectionTBDMay vary by fire district coverage area
Special AssessmentsTBDBonds, infrastructure, varies by location

Note: The exact tax rates for FY 2025 have not yet been finalized by the Seminole County Board of Commissioners. Rates are typically set during the county's annual budget process and can vary significantly by special taxing district within the county. Property owners should contact the county tax assessor's office for their specific rate once finalized.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Seminole 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 Seminole County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use outside the regular annual assessment cycle. Common triggers include property sales that result in a reassessment at current market value, completion of new construction or major improvements, and changes in property use classification. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, the county may issue a supplemental assessment based on the higher value for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated on the $150,000 difference in assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate and the fraction of the year remaining.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.0% (estimated, varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$250

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.0% (estimated, varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits: Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: ~1.0% (estimated, varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: ~$10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$833

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Homestead credits limit assessment increases rather than reducing current market value. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts within Seminole County.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Seminole County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay your property taxes when due, typically by the October 15 annual deadline. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing account activity and any adjustments needed.

Property tax bills are generally mailed in late summer, and lenders receive copies to verify escrow payment amounts. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payments accordingly. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements carefully and can request to pay property taxes directly if they meet certain loan-to-value requirements and have approval from their lender.

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 Seminole County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025 are typically due by October 15, 2025. Online payment options are available through the county's website.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Georgia offers various tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences, senior citizen credits, and disability credits. All credits require application and are NOT automatic. Contact the county tax assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps the annual increase in assessed value for your primary residence, rather than reducing the current market value. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic. Applications must be filed by April 1st of the first year you want the credit to take effect.

Q: How often are properties assessed? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually, though practical assessment cycles may vary. The county must send annual assessment notices with information on filing appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest are imposed on property taxes not paid by the October 15 deadline. Contact the county tax commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Seminole County offers online property tax payment options. Visit the county's official website or contact the tax commissioner's office for payment portal access.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Tax rates differ based on special taxing districts, school district boundaries, municipal services, and fire protection districts. Your specific location determines which combination of these services and their associated tax rates apply to your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the county board of tax assessors. Appeal deadlines and procedures are included in the annual assessment notice mailed to property owners.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
FY2025 ADJUSTED HOME INCOME LIMITShuduser.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Millage Rates | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
03
2025 Signed Legislationgov.georgia.gov
04
County
County Property Tax Facts Seminole - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
Real and Personal Property Forms and Applicationsdor.georgia.gov
06
Tax Doc
Pay Property Taxesgeorgia.gov
07
Tax Doc
Pay Property Tax Online - Department of Revenue - Georgia.govdor.georgia.gov
08
County
Seminole County Board of Education - Donalsonville, Georgiaaudits.ga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate