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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Stewart County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Stewart 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 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing district within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Stewart County, Georgia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Stewart County are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property, with the county following Georgia's state-mandated assessment practices.

The effective property tax rate in Stewart County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, but generally ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.2% of assessed value. The 2025 tax year has seen a notable increase, with the Stewart County Board of Education implementing a 1 mill increase (9.91% increase) in school property taxes. Property owners should note that their actual tax rate depends on which municipal boundaries and special districts their property falls within, as these additional levies can significantly impact the total tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Stewart County General~15.0County government operations, services
Stewart County Schools~11.1School district levy (increased by 1 mill for 2025)
State of Georgia~0.25State property tax levy
Total Base Rate~26.35Base millage before special districts

Rates shown are estimates for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and may vary by specific location within Stewart County. The school district rate reflects the 9.91% increase (1 mill) approved for 2025. Additional special district assessments may apply depending on property location, including municipal taxes for incorporated areas. Contact the Stewart County Tax Assessor's office for exact rates applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Stewart 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 Stewart County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes in property ownership, value, or use that occur after the annual assessment roll has been completed. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property sales that reveal significant value changes, or property improvements that weren't captured in the original assessment.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the tax is calculated by applying the current millage rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in July and the total millage rate is 26.35 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,318 ($100,000 × 0.02635 × 6/12 months), payable in addition to the original annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$15,000 (county) -$15,000 (school) = $270,000 taxable
  • Annual Tax: $270,000 × 0.02635 = $7,115
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$593

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$15,000 (county) -$15,000 (school) = $570,000 taxable
  • Annual Tax: $570,000 × 0.02635 = $15,020
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,252

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$15,000 (county) -$15,000 (school) = $970,000 taxable
  • Annual Tax: $970,000 × 0.02635 = $25,560
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,130

Note: Homestead credits require annual application and only apply to owner-occupied primary residences. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, or other qualifying circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Stewart County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. Stewart County property taxes are typically paid in two installments: the first due in January and the second due in July.

Lenders usually pay the tax bills directly to Stewart County when they become due, using funds from the escrow account. Property owners should receive annual escrow statements showing the account activity and any adjustments needed based on actual tax bills versus estimates. If your property taxes increase significantly (such as the 2025 school tax increase), your lender may require an immediate escrow shortage payment or spread the shortage over 12 months, increasing your monthly payment.

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 Stewart County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property tax returns are due April 1st annually. Tax payments are typically due in two installments: first installment in January and second installment in July of the tax year.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Stewart County offers the standard Georgia homestead credit of $15,000 off county taxes and $15,000 off school taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. This credit requires application with the Tax Assessor's office and must be filed by April 1st following the year you become eligible.

Q: Does the homestead credit reduce my home's value? A: No, the homestead credit reduces your taxable assessed value for tax calculation purposes only. It also caps annual assessment increases to protect against rapid value growth, but does not change your property's actual market value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Stewart County? A: Georgia law requires counties to assess properties annually, but Stewart County typically conducts comprehensive reappraisals every 3-5 years with annual adjustments for market changes.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Interest begins accruing after the due date, and additional penalties may apply for significantly delinquent payments.

Q: Can I pay my Stewart County property taxes online? A: Contact the Stewart County Tax Commissioner's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my 2025 tax bill increase significantly? A: The Stewart County Board of Education approved a 1 mill increase (9.91% increase) in school property taxes for 2025, which affects all property owners in the school district.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or veterans? A: Georgia offers various additional credits for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying groups. These require separate applications with specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Contact the Stewart County Tax Assessor's office for details and application forms.

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 Increasestewart.k12.ga.us
02
County
STEWART COUNTY, GEORGIAstewartcountyga.gov
03
Tax Doc
Current Tax Digest and 5 Year History of Levy Calculatedstewartcountyga.gov
04
March, 2020 meetingsstewartcountyga.gov
05
financial report for the fiscal year ended december 31, 2021stewartcountyga.gov
06
County
County Property Tax Facts Stewart | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
07
DEADLINE TO FILE: APRIL 1, 2026bartowcountyga.gov
08
County
news release on homestead exemption from bartow county ...bartowcountyga.gov
09
15 LC 28 7409 H. B. 356 - 1legis.ga.gov
10
WordPerfect Office Documentstewartcountyga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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