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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Stephens County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Tax Rate
Base county rate plus municipal/district rates - varies by location within county
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Stephens County, Georgia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and administrative operations. Property taxes in Stephens County are based on the fair market value of real and personal property as of January 1st each year, with the county tax assessor determining assessed values annually.

For FY 2025, Stephens County has implemented a projected tax rate increase of 7.54% compared to the previous fiscal year. The actual tax rate you pay may vary depending on your location within the county, as different areas may be subject to additional special taxing districts or municipal levies. Property owners should expect effective tax rates that generally align with Georgia's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though specific rates depend on the combination of county, school district, and any applicable special district assessments in your area.

The county's property tax system requires annual filings and provides various tax credits for qualifying property owners, though these benefits are not automatically applied and require separate applications to be submitted by specific deadlines.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVariableBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariableLocal education funding
Special DistrictsVariableFire protection, library, development authorities
Total Effective Rate~1.0% (estimated)Combined rate varies by location

Note: Exact millage rates for FY 2025-2026 vary by specific location within Stephens County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. The 7.54% increase projection applies to the overall county levy. Contact the Stephens County Tax Assessor's office for precise rates applicable to your property's location and any special district assessments that may apply.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Stephens 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 Stephens County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchase of property at a value higher than the previous assessment, completion of new construction projects, major renovations or additions, and removal or addition of exemptions or credits. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the new assessed value, subtracting any applicable credits, applying the current tax rate, and prorating the amount based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year.

For example, if you purchase a home in September that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, a supplemental assessment would be issued for the increased value of $150,000, applied for the remaining months of the fiscal year (typically 9 months), resulting in an additional tax bill of approximately $1,125 (assuming a 1% effective rate).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,000 (estimated standard homestead)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Annual Tax (@ 1.0% rate): $2,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $248

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,000 (estimated standard homestead)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Annual Tax (@ 1.0% rate): $5,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $498

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,000 (estimated standard homestead)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Annual Tax (@ 1.0% rate): $9,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $832

Note: All tax credits shown require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates may vary based on special districts in your area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Stephens County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, holds these funds in escrow, and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due.

Escrow payments are typically collected with your monthly mortgage payment and adjusted annually based on actual tax bills and projected changes. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow analysis statements showing account activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your actual tax bill differs significantly from estimates, you may receive a refund or be required to pay additional amounts to cover shortfalls.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that payments are made timely by their lender and review annual statements for accuracy. You can monitor payment status through the Stephens County Tax Commissioner's office and should notify your lender immediately if you receive any delinquent notices, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using an escrow account.

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 Stephens County? A: Property tax returns must be filed between January 1 and April 1 annually with the Stephens County Tax Assessor's office. This deadline applies to the current fiscal year 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Stephens County offers various tax credits including homestead, senior citizen, disability, and veteran credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied. Applications must be submitted to qualify for benefits.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence and may provide a fixed dollar credit amount. This credit caps annual assessment growth rather than reducing market value. You must file an application with the county tax office, and applications can be made any time during the year up to April 1st of the first year you seek the exemption.

Q: When are property taxes assessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are mailed to property owners, and you have the right to appeal assessed values through a formal process with the County Board of Tax Assessors if you believe your assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Stephens County Tax Commissioner's office for current penalty rates and payment options if your taxes become delinquent.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Stephens County Tax Commissioner's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods for property tax bills.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties located within special taxing districts (fire protection, library districts, development authorities) may have additional assessments beyond the base county rate, resulting in higher total effective tax rates.

Q: What is the freeport exemption and how do I apply? A: Freeport exemptions may be available for certain business personal property. Applications should be made with the Board of Tax Assessors within the same time period that returns are due in the county (January 1 - April 1).

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
1 GF Rev & Exp FY25.xlsxstephenscountyga.gov
02
Tax Doc
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASEstephenscountyga.gov
03
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED ...stephenscountyga.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Commissionerstephenscountyga.gov
05
County
County Property Tax Facts Stephens - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
06
Homestead Exemptionsstephenscountyga.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homeowner's Tax Relief Grantstephenscountyga.gov
08
County
STEPHENS COUNTY, GEORGIAstephenscountyga.gov
09
County
STEPHENS COUNTY, GEORGIAstephenscountyga.gov
10
County
STEPHENS COUNTY, GEORGIAstephenscountyga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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