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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Walton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Walton 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
12.278 mills ($12.28 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by district with municipal and school taxes
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Walton County, Georgia operates on a property tax system that funds essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and general government operations. Property taxes are calculated using a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real and personal property, with assessments based on fair market value as of January 1st each year.

For the 2025 tax year, Walton County's millage rate is 12.278 mills, representing a significant increase from the previous rate of 10.413 mills. This translates to $12.278 per $1,000 of assessed value. However, actual tax rates vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and school district assessments that may apply to specific areas.

Property owners should note that Georgia does not have an assessment cap at the state level, though certain exemptions and credits may limit annual assessment increases for qualifying homeowners. The county mails tax bills in August with payment due by November 15th each year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Walton County Base12.278County operations, services, and general fund
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district millage (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity taxes (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, development authorities

Total Effective Rate Range: Approximately 12-25 mills depending on location

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within Walton County due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions including school districts, municipalities, and special service districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Walton 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 Walton County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, or significant improvements that increase assessed value.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a new home is completed and receives its certificate of occupancy in June, the owner would owe supplemental taxes from June through December at the current millage rate applied to the newly assessed value.

Example: A $100,000 addition completed in September would generate approximately $818 in supplemental county taxes (12.278 mills × $100,000 × 4 months remaining ÷ 12 months), plus any applicable school district and municipal taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits)
  • County Tax Rate: 12.278 mills
  • Annual County Tax: $3,683
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $307

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits)
  • County Tax Rate: 12.278 mills
  • Annual County Tax: $7,367
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $614

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits)
  • County Tax Rate: 12.278 mills
  • Annual County Tax: $12,278
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,023

Note: These calculations show county taxes only. Total property taxes will be higher when including school district, municipal, and special district taxes. Credits require separate application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays your tax bill directly to Walton County when due in November.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. Given Walton County's recent millage rate increase of 19.55%, property owners may see escrow payment adjustments in 2025. Your lender is required to notify you of any escrow changes and provide details on shortage or surplus amounts.

To verify your tax bill accuracy, review the annual tax statement mailed in August and compare it with your lender's escrow analysis. Contact your lender immediately if there are discrepancies, as errors can result in underpayment penalties or unnecessary overpayment of escrow funds.

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 Walton County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due November 15th. Tax bills are mailed in August. Partial payments are accepted throughout the year.

Q: What homestead credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Walton County offers a homestead exemption that was approved by voters in 2003. This credit requires application and is NOT automatic. Contact the Walton County Assessor's office for specific application requirements and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, not the actual market value. You must apply for this benefit - it does not apply automatically when you purchase a home.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Walton County Tax Commissioner's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the November 15th deadline.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Georgia requires annual assessments, but significant market value changes typically drive reassessment timing. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights.

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

Q: Why did my tax bill increase significantly this year? A: Walton County's millage rate increased by 1.87 mills (19.55% increase) for 2025. Additionally, rising property values contribute to higher tax bills even at stable rates.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners have appeal rights through the Walton County Board of Assessors. Appeal deadlines and procedures are outlined on your annual tax notice.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your total property tax includes county, school district, municipal (if applicable), and special district taxes. Rates vary significantly by location within Walton County.

Q: Are there other exemptions available besides homestead? A: Various exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, and other qualifying circumstances. All exemptions require application through the appropriate county office.

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 INCREASEwaltoncountyga.gov
02
County
News Flash • Walton County, GAwaltoncountyga.gov
03
Tax Doc
Why Your Taxes Change — Exemptions, Rates, and ...waltoncountyga.gov
04
Tax Doc
Derry M. Boyd Tax Commissioner 303 South Hammond ...waltoncountyga.gov
05
County
Probate Court | Walton County, GAwaltoncountyga.gov
06
County
Tax Assessor Information for Residents | Walton County, GAwaltoncountyga.gov
07
01 LC 28 0080 H. B. 626 - 1 - House Bill 626 Bylegis.ga.gov
08
County
News Flash • Walton County, GAwaltoncountyga.gov
09
Tax Doc
Pay Property Tax Online - Department of Revenue - Georgia.govdor.georgia.gov
10
County
Walton county land development code: chapter 7mywaltonfl.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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