HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - base county rate plus municipal and school district levies, typically ranges 1.2% to 1.8% of assessed value
1st Due
Jan 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Georgia operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential county services including public safety, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and other municipal operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real and personal property within the county, with the final tax rate set annually by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

The effective property tax rate in Washington County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district levies. Property owners should note that their actual tax rate may differ from the base county rate depending on which special districts serve their property, such as fire districts, water authorities, or municipal services. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires property tax returns to be filed annually, and various tax credits are available to qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County LevyTBDGeneral county operations, public safety, infrastructure
School DistrictTBDLocal school funding (varies by district)
Municipal ServicesVariesCity services (if applicable to property location)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer authorities, other local services

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Washington County have not yet been finalized by the Board of Commissioners. Rates are set annually and vary by specific location within the county based on which taxing districts serve the property. Contact the Washington County Tax Assessor's office for current rate information and to determine which districts apply to your specific property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jan 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Washington County may be assessed when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase the assessed value of a property during the tax year. These supplemental assessments are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property owner completes a home addition valued at $50,000 in September, they would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment covering October through the end of the fiscal year. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 × applicable tax rate × remaining months in fiscal year ÷ 12 months). Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the assessment change being processed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: (limits assessment increases to 10% annually)*
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: ~1.0% (pending 2025 rates)
  • Annual Tax: ~$3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: (limits assessment increases)*
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: ~1.0% (pending 2025 rates)
  • Annual Tax: ~$6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: (limits assessment increases)*
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: ~1.0% (pending 2025 rates)
  • Annual Tax: ~$10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$833

*Homestead and other tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Credits limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

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 Washington County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly tax payments along with principal, interest, and insurance, then pays the annual tax bill directly to Washington County when due. Escrow payments are typically calculated by dividing the previous year's tax bill by 12 months, with adjustments made annually based on actual tax bills.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has received and paid their tax bill by checking with the Washington County Tax Commissioner's office. If tax bills are not paid timely due to lender error, property owners remain ultimately responsible for the taxes and any penalties. The escrow account is typically analyzed annually, and borrowers may receive refunds if the account is overfunded or additional payments may be required if underfunded.

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 Washington County? A: Property tax returns must be filed between January 1 and April 1 each year. Late returns incur penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead tax credits are available to qualifying homeowners and require a separate application. Visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website at https://dor.georgia.gov/lgs-homestead-application-homestead-exemption or contact the Washington County Tax Assessor's office for applications and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual increases in your home's assessed value for tax purposes, typically capping increases at 10% per year. This credit does not reduce your property's market value but limits assessment growth. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic.

Q: When are property taxes due and what are the penalties for late payment? A: Property tax bills are typically due by December 20th each year. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Washington County Tax Commissioner for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Washington County? A: Georgia law requires properties to be assessed annually. Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Washington County Board of Tax Assessors during the designated appeal period.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property tax bill may include charges from multiple taxing authorities such as the county, school district, municipalities, and special service districts. The specific districts that apply depend on your property's location within the county.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment by filing a petition with the Washington County Board of Tax Assessors during the designated appeal period, typically within 45 days of receiving the assessment notice.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Documents Center | City of Washington, GAwga.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Millage Rates | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
03
County
Washington County Proposed Budget FY 2025-26 Questions ...washingtoncountyor.gov
04
County
County Property Tax Facts Washington | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
05
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQwashingtoncountyga.gov
06
County
Tax Commissioner | Washington County, GAwashingtoncountyga.gov
07
Various Forms which can be printed from the ...washingtoncountyga.gov
08
Tax Doc
Pay Property Tax Online - Department of Revenue - Georgia.govdor.georgia.gov
09
required supplementary information other thanwashingtoncountyga.gov
10
Tax Doc
Pay Property Taxesgeorgia.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