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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Terrell County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate, varies by location due to special districts and municipal assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Terrell County, Georgia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services, including public safety, road maintenance, emergency services, and general government operations. Property taxes in Terrell County are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property, with the county responsible for assessment, billing, and collection processes.

The effective property tax rate in Terrell County typically ranges around Georgia's base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to various special taxing districts, school district levies, and municipal assessments. Property owners should expect their total tax bill to reflect not only the base county levy but also additional assessments for services like schools, fire protection districts, and other local improvement districts that may apply to their specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVaries by districtBasic county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding, educational services
Fire ProtectionVaries by districtFire and emergency services (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVaries by locationDrainage, lighting, or other local improvements

Note: Tax rates shown apply to the current fiscal year and are expressed in mills (per $1,000 of assessed value). Actual rates vary significantly by location within Terrell County due to overlapping special taxing districts. Contact the Terrell County Tax Assessor's office for specific rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Terrell 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 Terrell County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, changes in property ownership, or corrections to the original assessment that result in a higher taxable value.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in March, the supplemental tax would cover the additional tax liability from March through the end of the fiscal year. Property owners typically receive a separate supplemental tax bill with its own due date, usually 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Tax Rate: ~10 mills (1%)
  • Annual Tax: $2,980
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $248

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Age 65 Credit Applied: -$4,000 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $594,000
  • Tax Rate: ~10 mills (1%)
  • Annual Tax: $5,940
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $495

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Tax Rate: ~10 mills (1%)
  • Annual Tax: $9,980
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $832

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Terrell 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 liability and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment, which is collected along with your principal and interest payment.

Lenders typically pay property taxes on your behalf before the due dates: May 1st for the first installment, November 1st for the second installment, with final payment due by December 31st. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from Terrell County and should pay them from your escrow account. You'll receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments, and any shortage or surplus will be addressed through adjusted monthly payments or refunds. It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payments are made.

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 Terrell County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in installments: first installment by May 1st, second installment by November 1st, with final payment due by December 31st.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Terrell County offers the statewide homestead tax credit that caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit must be applied for annually and is not automatic. Contact the County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or disabled veterans? A: Yes, Terrell County offers age 65 credits, elderly credits, and disabled veteran credits. All require separate applications with documentation proving eligibility. These are tax credits that reduce your tax bill, not exemptions that reduce assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Terrell County? A: Properties are subject to annual assessment review, though major reassessments may occur periodically. The County Assessor's office determines assessed values based on fair market value.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. After December 31st, unpaid taxes become delinquent and additional penalties apply, potentially leading to tax lien procedures.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total property tax bill includes county taxes plus any applicable special district assessments based on your property's location, such as school districts, fire districts, or improvement districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Terrell County Board of Tax Assessors. Appeals typically must be filed within specified time periods after assessment notices are mailed.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
TERRELL COUNTY, GEORGIA Dawson, ...terrellcountyga.gov
02
Tax Doc
2014 Audit, Tax Commissioner Letterterrellcountyga.gov
03
County
H:\bill\bill\Terrell County 2016.wpdterrellcountyga.gov
04
County
County Property Tax Facts Terrell - Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
Tax Doc
2016 Tax Digestterrellcountyga.gov
06
LGS-Homestead - Application for Homestead Exemptiondor.georgia.gov
07
County
H:\bill\bill\Terrell County 2014.wpdterrellcountyga.gov
08
County
H:\bill\bill\Terrell County 2015.wpdterrellcountyga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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