The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to maintain the county’s property tax rate at 6.95 mills, and most homeowners will not see an increase in the amount paid to the county despite rising home values because of the value offset exemption.
The value offset exemption freezes the taxable value of homeowners’ properties the year they become eligible, which is the first Jan. 1 they own and live in their homes. It applies to the home and up to five acres of land.
However, commercial land owners and those who own rental properties could see a tax increase because the value offset does not apply to them.
Ray Lunsford and his wife, who own six rental properties in the county, told Gwinnett commissioners during a public hearing on Tuesday that keeping the millage rate the same would cause rent increases for their tenants.
“These people who live in these rental properties, all of them are on fixed incomes,” he said.
Lunsford wanted to avoid having to tell his tenants that they would be getting another tax increase, as he did three years ago, he said.
“Because I can’t afford to pay it, they’re going to have to pay it,” he said.
Property owners who are eligible for the homestead exemption automatically get the value offset exemption.
This year, those who are qualified for the homestead exemption, are eligible for the state’s homestead tax relief grant. Gov. Brian Kemp and state legislatures approved the grant that provides a credit on tax bills, for those who qualify for the homestead exemption, equivalent to an $18,000 reduction in assessed value.
“We estimate the credit for the average Gwinnett homestead at $143 for the county portion of their taxes,” Buffy Alexzulian said at Tuesday’s public hearing.
Property taxes are based on the millage rate set by the county government, schools and cities. One mill equals a dollar tax per $1,000 of assessed property value.
In June, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that maintaining the millage rate will generate an additional $18.5 million in revenue compared to what the county budgeted in January, according to Alexzulian, with rental and commercial property owners mostly paying the difference.
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said, although she hears resident’s concerns about housing affordability, it is also to remember the millage rate help fund county services.
“Holding the rate the same as last year allows us to continue delivering the high-quality services residents expect and deserve while avoiding placing an undue burden on Gwinnett homeowners facing a tight economy,” Love Hendrickson said.
Property tax bills will be mailed in August and payments will be due in October, county officials said.
FAQs
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center's Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia, on July 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 6.950 mills, an increase of 0.392 mills.
Did Gwinnett County property taxes go up? ›
The millage rate held steady at 6.95 mills, the same it has been since 2020. It is above the rollback rate of 6.5, resulting in a 6.92% property tax increase for Gwinnett County residents.
How do I fight property tax increase in Georgia? ›
Disputing an Official Assessment
You may file an appeal either with the Georgia Tax Tribunal or in the appropriate superior court within 30 days from the issued date on the official assessment.
What is the tax rate in Gwinnett County, GA? ›
What is the sales tax rate in Gwinnett County? The minimum combined 2024 sales tax rate for Gwinnett County, Georgia is 6%. This is the total of state and county sales tax rates. The Georgia state sales tax rate is currently 4%.
Do my property taxes go down when I turn 65 in Georgia? ›
A homeowner 65-years-old or older who applies may receive the double homestead exemption. This exempts up to $4,000 of the assessed value of the home from state and county property taxes. Property Tax Deferral.
How are property taxes calculated in Gwinnett County? ›
A mill is $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Taxes are calculated by taking the assessed value, less exemptions, and multiplying the result by the millage rate.
Which county in GA has the highest property taxes? ›
Those who reside in Fulton and Gwinnett paid the highest property tax in all of the Georgia counties assessed by Attom last year, with taxes on average of $6,931 in Fultton and $4,276 in Gwinnett.
What county has the highest property tax? ›
U.S Counties with highest property taxes
- Nassau County, New York: $567,200.
- New York County, New York: $1,029,900.
- Putnam County, New York: $383,300.
- Rockland County, New York: $471,000.
- Suffolk County, New York: $435,000.
- Westchester County, New York: $583,600.
- Falls Church city, Virginia: $895,000.
The 2024 total property tax millage rate for property owners in unincorporated Gwinnett County will be 14.71. The millage rates for special service districts and countywide levies for recreation and economic development also remain unchanged from last year.
What is the best evidence to protest property taxes? ›
Compare Local Properties
One of the best ways to gather evidence that your property assessment was inaccurately done by the municipality is to look at some of the similar homes you have in your area.
A homestead exemption can give you tax breaks on what you pay in property taxes. A homestead exemption reduces the amount of property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence. You must file with the county or city where your home is located.
How can I lower my local property taxes? ›
- Ask for Your Property Tax Card. ...
- Don't Build. ...
- Limit Curb Appeal. ...
- Research Neighboring Homes. ...
- Allow the Assessor Access to Your Home. ...
- Walk the Home With the Assessor. ...
- Look for Exemptions. ...
- Appeal Your Tax Bill.
You must be 65 years old as of January 1 of the application year or 100% totally and permanently disabled and must occupy your residence within the Gwinnett County School District. There is an income limit, and you must provide documentation of your income for the prior year.
What is the exemption for property tax in Gwinnett County? ›
S1R - Regular Homestead Exemption
No age or income limit. For all property owners who occupy the property as of January 1 of the application year. Includes $10,000 off the assessed value on County, $4,000 off school, and $7,000 off recreation.
How much does homestead exemption save in Georgia? ›
The standard homestead exemption in Georgia is $2,000. This $2,000 is deducted from the 40% assessed value of the homestead.
What will the tax rate be in 2023? ›
There are seven federal income tax rates in 2023: 10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent, and 37 percent. The top marginal income tax rate of 37 percent will hit taxpayers with taxable income.
Which county has the highest property taxes in Georgia? ›
Those who reside in Fulton and Gwinnett paid the highest property tax in all of the Georgia counties assessed by Attom last year, with taxes on average of $6,931 in Fultton and $4,276 in Gwinnett.
How to calculate GA property tax? ›
How to Figure Tax: The assessed value (40 percent of the fair market value) of a house that is worth $100,000 is $40,000. In a county where the millage rate is 25 mills the property tax on that house would be $1,000; $25 for every $1,000 of assessed value or $25 multiplied by 40 is $1,000.
