“Property values have drastically fallen while tax assessments have remained high.” said Hamrick. “This is a clear indicator that the system is broken. I have co-sponsored this legislation because the people of Georgia deserve a fair and efficient system.” 

Changes to the assessment and appeals system include year-round assessment appeals, all comparable sales including foreclosures and banks sales must be applied, and the “view factor” will be eliminated as a way to determine value. The proposed changes to assessments and appeals relieve burdens from property owners, but also achieve efficiency for the process and for county governments. 

Property Tax Assessment & Appeals Reform Highlights

Year-round property assessment appeals 

Every property shall receive notice of assessment every year 

Statewide uniformity of assessment notice & appeal forms 

Sales price of “Arms-Length” transactions shall be maximum assessed value for following tax period 

Tax assessor shall apply all comparable sales including foreclosures and bank sales 

Allow counties to accept payment plans for property taxes 

Allow for Commercial Appraisers to substitute for Board of Equalization on Commercial properties 

Establish time limits for assessor action in response to appeals 

Department of Revenue shall update assessor guidelines and training no less than once every five years and all info shall be placed online 

View Factor shall not be used to determine value 

Unanimous vote by Board of Equalization members required to increase assessed value 

Current Use and not “Highest and Best” value shall be used to determine current assessed value 

# # # 

Sen. Bill Hamrick serves as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. He represents the 30th Senate District which includes portions of Carroll, Douglas, and Paulding counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0036 or via e-mail at bill.hamrick@senate.ga.gov.