What property is taxable?
All types of property, both real (real estate) and personal (boats, motors, airplanes, business inventories, machinery and equipment) are taxable. All motor vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes are also taxable. In Georgia, real, personal and mobile home property taxes are based on a January 1st digest with the owner of record on January 1st being responsible for that year's taxes.

Where do I file a Property Tax Return?
In accordance with Georgia law, all property held and subject to taxation on January 1st of the tax year, shall be returned by the owner to the Tax Assessor's Office between January 1st and April 1st of each year.

Who determines the Fair Market Value and Assessed Value of Property?
The Fair Market Value and Assessed Value of Real Estate, Personal Property and Mobile Homes are set by the Tax Assessor's Office. Motor Vehicle values are set by the State.

If you have received a tax assessment notice you may object to the new value by completing a notice of appeal that will be provided you, upon request, by the tax assessors office. The appeal must be based on one or more of the following:

1.The assessed value is more than you would expect to receive should you decide to sell your property on the open market.

2.  The assessed value is greater than that levied against property similar to yours.

3. You feel your property should be exempt from property taxes. The appeal must be delivered to the tax office or postmarked not later than forty-five days following the mailing date of the assessment notice.

At any time you feel that the assessed value on your property exceeds market value you should come to the Tax Assessors office between  January 1 and  April 1 and ask to make a return. This will require the Board of Assessors to reconsider the assessed value of your property and give you a written response (assessment notice) on their decision. Again, should you disagree with the boards decision, the above described appeal procedure is available to you.

These cases are referred to the Board of Equalization, an independent, three-person board of Wilkinson County property owners appointed by the Wilkinson County Grand Jury to hear appeals at no cost to the property owner. You may elect to resolve the question of value through arbitration, however, you should become totally familiar with the process and related expense of this process prior to making your choice. Details of the arbitration procedure are available through the Tax Assessors office and on the Dept. of Revenue web-site.

What if I bought or sold my property this year?
In accordance with State law, tax bills are mailed to the owner of record as of January 1st of each year. 

What are the eligibility requirements for a Homestead Exemption?
The homestead of each resident of the State of Georgia actually occupied as a residence and homestead on January 1 of the tax year, may be exempted from certain Ad Valorem taxation provided the exemption is returned and claimed in the manner prescribed by law and approved by the County Board of Assessors.

How do I file for a Homestead Exemption?
All exemptions must be filed with the Tax Assessor's Office, Wilkinson County Courthouse  between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. You must file between January 1st and June 1st of each year. 

Failure to make application within the prescribed time frame constitutes a waiver of the exemption for that year. Georgia law does not provide for extension of time for filing. All exemptions once approved, are automatically renewed each year until eligibility changes.

Are increased homestead exemptions available for retired senior citizens?

Additional exemptions are available to home-owners who, on  January 1, are sixty-two years of age or older, if the applicant meets certain income requirements. A second but smaller increase is available at age sixty-five. In all cases, the additional benefits are not automatic but must be applied for.

Are other exemptions/tax reductions available to taxpayers?

Privately owned agricultural property may qualify for reduced property valuations under the agricultural preferential and/or the conservation use programs. The assessors office will assist you in determining if you qualify and in selecting the program that is to your best advantage. Applications to enter either of these programs must be completed between January 1 and April 1.

When does the Board of Assessors meet?

Assessors meet in the assessors office on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 9:30 A.M. Meetings are open to the public, however, if you wish to be placed on the agenda you are asked to notify the office at least one week in advance.

Where may I find additional information on these and other tax topics?

See web-site:   www2.state.ga.us/departments/dor/ptd