How to Appeal Property Tax Increase in DeKalb County, Georgia
Many homeowners in DeKalb County, Georgia, assume that their property tax assessment is final. However, if your property taxes have increased significantly, you have the right to appeal the assessment and potentially lower your tax bill.
Unfortunately, many residents are unaware that they can appeal unfair property tax increase, often assuming that the local government always gets it right. Here’s how you can take control and address concerns if your property taxes seem too high.
📌 Table of Contents
- Why Do Property Taxes Increase?
- How to Appeal a Property Tax Assessment in DeKalb County
- DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department Contact Information
- Should You Hire a Professional to Help?
- Final Thoughts
1. Why Do Property Taxes Increase?
Property taxes in DeKalb County are based on your home’s assessed value, determined by the local tax assessor. Your tax bill may increase if:
- The assessor overestimated your home’s value based on outdated or inaccurate information.
- Your home was misclassified (e.g., recorded as having extra square footage or finished rooms you don’t have).
- There was a countywide reassessment, increasing property values across the board.
- Your local government raised tax rates to cover budget shortfalls.
💡 Key takeaway: If your property value was assessed too high, you may be paying more taxes than you should.
Check out this article if you don’t know what property taxes are.
2. How to Appeal a Property Tax Assessment in DeKalb County
If you believe your property tax assessment is incorrect, follow these steps to appeal it:
✅ Step 1: Review Your Property Record
Visit the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department’s website, Tax Commissioner’s website or office to request a copy of your property record. Check for errors such as:
- Incorrect square footage
- Extra rooms that don’t exist
- Misclassified property type (e.g., assessed as commercial instead of residential)
Even a small mistake could inflate your property taxes.
✅ Step 2: Compare Your Assessment to Similar Homes
Check the property tax assessments of similar homes in your neighborhood (same size, age, and condition).
- If their tax values are lower than yours, you may have a case for appeal.
- If your home’s value increased significantly more than similar homes, something may be off.
Most tax assessor websites allow you to search public records for this information.
✅ Step 3: Gather Evidence for Your Appeal
To strengthen your case, collect:
- Recent home sales data (from real estate websites or a local realtor)
- Photos proving your home’s condition (if it’s being overvalued)
- Past tax assessments showing an unjustified spike in your home’s value
The more solid evidence you have, the better your chances of winning your appeal.
✅ Step 4: File an Appeal Before the Deadline
In DeKalb County, you have 45 days from the date on your Annual Assessment Notice to file an appeal. Appeals can be filed:
- Online through the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department’s portal.
- In person at the Property Appraisal Department office.
- By mail using an appeal form or by writing a letter stating your intent to appeal.
Ensure your appeal is received within the 45-day window; otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the next year to challenge your tax bill.
✅ Step 5: Attend the Hearing (If Required)
After filing your appeal, you may need to present your case before the Board of Equalization (BOE) or a hearing officer.
- Stay calm, professional, and factual.
- Present your evidence clearly, focusing on errors and unfair valuation.
- If approved, your property tax bill will be adjusted accordingly.
3. DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department Contact Information
For assistance or to file a property tax appeal, contact:
DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department
325 Swanton Way
Decatur, GA 30030
- Phone: (404) 371-0841
- Chief Appraiser: Calvin C. Hicks, Jr.
- Phone: (404) 371-2468
- Email: [email protected]
- Assistant Chief Appraiser: Donna Rosser
- Phone: (404) 371-2522
- Email: [email protected]
For Board of Equalization hearings:
- Phone: (404) 371-2451
- Fax: (404) 795-1041
Website:
4. Should You Hire a Professional to Help?
If the appeals process feels overwhelming, you might consider hiring:
- A real estate attorney who specializes in tax appeals.
- A property tax consultant (they often work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win).
While professionals charge fees, a successful appeal could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.
5. Final Thoughts
You DO NOT have to accept an unfair property tax increase! Many homeowners overpay simply because they don’t realize they have a voice in the process.
By reviewing your assessment, gathering evidence, and filing an appeal, you can take control of your property taxes and potentially lower your bill.
📢 Take Action: If your tax bill just went up, don’t assume it’s correct—challenge it today!
Have you ever appealed a property tax increase in DeKalb County? Share your experience in the comments! ⬇️