HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

White County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% effective rate (varies by taxing district and municipal boundaries)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

White County, Georgia operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. The county follows Georgia's standard assessment practices, with properties assessed at 40% of fair market value for residential properties and varying percentages for other property types. Property owners in White County can expect effective tax rates that generally align with Georgia's statewide average of approximately 1%, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county.

The total tax rate you pay depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, municipal boundaries, and special service areas. Tax bills are mailed in August each year with payment due by November 15th. The county provides various tax credits that can reduce your tax liability, but most require annual application and are not automatically applied to your account.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundTBD*Basic county services, administration, public safety
School DistrictTBD*Local school operations and facilities
State School SupportTBD*State-mandated education funding
Bond Debt ServiceTBD*Payment on voter-approved bonds
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water authorities, other special services

*Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet available as of current data. Rates vary by specific location within White County based on which taxing districts serve your property. Contact the White County Tax Commissioner's office for current rates applicable to your specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in White 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 White 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 improvements that increase value, or changes in property classification. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June, and your property is assessed at 40% of market value with a total tax rate of 1.2%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately ($40,000 × 0.012) ÷ 12 × 7 months = $280 for the remainder of that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$2,000 (example)
  • Net Taxable Value: $118,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.2%): $1,416
  • Monthly Escrow: $118

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $240,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$2,000 (example)
  • Net Taxable Value: $238,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.2%): $2,856
  • Monthly Escrow: $238

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (40%): $400,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$2,000 (example)
  • Net Taxable Value: $398,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.2%): $4,776
  • Monthly Escrow: $398

*Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and eligibility verification. Actual rates vary by location within the county.

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 White County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill. The lender holds these funds in a separate account and pays your property taxes directly to White County when they become due in November.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase or decrease significantly, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking with the White County Tax Commissioner's office or reviewing your annual tax statement for payment confirmation.

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 White County? A: Property tax bills are mailed in August and payment is due by November 15th each year. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: White County offers various tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences, senior citizen credits, and disability credits. Most credits require annual application with the White County Tax Assessor's office. Applications are typically due by April 1st.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value, not the market value. This credit requires filing an application and only applies to your primary residence. It does not automatically reduce your property's assessed value.

Q: How often are properties assessed? A: White County conducts property assessments periodically, with full county-wide reappraisals occurring every few years. You will be notified if your property's assessed value changes.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessments through the White County Board of Assessors. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes, typically within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the White County Tax Commissioner's office for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

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

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within the county? A: Your total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties in different areas may have different combinations of these services.

Q: When is the filing period for property returns? A: The filing period for property returns in White County runs from January 1 to April 1 each year.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special district taxes fund services like fire protection, water systems, or other local improvements. These are added to your base county and school taxes based on your property's location within specific service boundaries.

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

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate