Confused by your Peachtree City property tax bill or trying to budget before you buy? You’re not alone. Between assessed values, millage rates, and exemptions, it can feel like a maze. In this guide, you’ll learn how taxes are calculated in Fayette County, which exemptions might lower your bill, what timelines to watch, and where to verify your numbers. Let’s dive in.
Property tax basics in Peachtree City
Your annual property tax bill often includes several parts. In Peachtree City, you may see taxes from the county government, the City of Peachtree City, the Fayette County Board of Education, and any special districts or voter-approved levies. Each authority sets its millage rate every year.
Keep in mind that some city services are billed separately from property taxes. Utility charges, stormwater, garbage collection, or other service fees may show up on different bills, so budget for those in addition to your ad valorem property taxes.
Assessed value and millage rates
Understanding two pieces unlocks your tax estimate: your assessed value and the millage rates that apply to your property.
The Georgia 40 percent rule
In Georgia, most real property is assessed at 40 percent of its fair market value. If your home’s market value is $300,000, the assessed value is typically $120,000. County revaluations can change assessed values, even if sale prices in your area seem steady. Always check the current assessed value with the Fayette County Board of Assessors.
Millage rates and your bill
A mill is one dollar of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Each taxing authority sets its millage annually. Your total property tax is the sum of each part:
- Tax for a jurisdiction = (Assessed value after exemptions × Millage rate) ÷ 1,000
- Total tax = Add up all jurisdictions on your bill
Quick example calculation
Here is an illustration to show the math. If market value is $300,000, assessed value at 40 percent is $120,000. If the combined millage were 30 mills, estimated tax would be (120,000 × 30) ÷ 1,000 = $3,600 per year. If a homestead exemption reduces the assessed value by $10,000, the new assessed value is $110,000 and tax would be $3,300. Savings would be $300. Use the current-year millage and your official assessed value for an accurate estimate.
Finding your numbers
Where to confirm assessed value
Look up your property with the Fayette County Board of Assessors. Review your assessment notice for the current year and note any recent revaluation.
Where to confirm millage rates
Check the latest millage set by each authority: Fayette County Board of Commissioners, the City of Peachtree City, and the Fayette County Board of Education. The Fayette County Tax Commissioner provides the actual bill and payment details.
Homestead and other exemptions
Exemptions reduce your taxable assessed value, which lowers your tax bill. Savings depend on the exemption amount and the millage rates that apply.
Common exemptions
- Basic homestead exemption for an owner-occupied primary residence
- Senior exemptions, including senior assessment freezes in some cases
- Disability exemptions
- Disabled veteran and certain surviving spouse exemptions
- School-only exemptions that apply to school millage
- Local option exemptions that may be adopted by the county or city
Verify which exemptions are available in Fayette County and whether Peachtree City offers any additional city-funded exemptions.
How to apply
- Confirm you occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1 for the tax year.
- Gather documents such as your deed, driver’s license, and a utility bill.
- Submit your application to the Fayette County Tax Commissioner or Board of Assessors as instructed. Many exemptions are one-time applications, but some require renewal.
- Meet local deadlines. If you miss a deadline, your exemption may not apply until the following year.
Buyer tips on exemptions
When you buy a home, the seller’s homestead exemption does not automatically transfer to you. After closing and once you establish the property as your primary residence, file your own homestead application. Ask the seller for the most recent tax bill to see what exemptions are currently on the property.
Timelines, notices, and appeals
Typical annual calendar
- January 1 is commonly the valuation and lien date for the tax year in Georgia.
- Assessment notices are mailed after the county updates values. Dates vary by county.
- Millage rates are set after budget adoption, often late summer or fall.
- Tax bills are usually mailed after millage is set. Due dates and penalties vary locally.
Always follow the dates on your notice and bill. Use the current-year schedule from Fayette County.
How to appeal your value
If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can appeal. Here is a practical flow:
- Read your assessment notice and note the appeal deadline.
- Gather comparables, recent appraisals, and evidence of property condition.
- File your appeal with the Board of Assessors or Board of Equalization by the deadline.
- Attend your hearing if required. You may appeal further to superior court if needed.
Paying your bill
The Fayette County Tax Commissioner collects property taxes and handles payment plans, penalties, and interest. You can often pay online, by mail, or in person. Many lenders escrow taxes with your mortgage. If you anticipate a problem paying on time, contact the Tax Commissioner early to discuss options.
Buyer and seller checklists
Buyer checklist
- Request current and prior-year tax bills from the seller.
- Verify the current assessed value and exemption status with the county.
- Do not rely on the seller’s exemptions for your budgeting. Apply for your own homestead after closing if eligible.
- Use current-year millage and your assessed value for estimates.
- Budget separately for utility or city service fees that are not on the tax bill.
Seller checklist
- Provide accurate, recent tax bills and note any special assessments.
- Resolve known tax liens before listing, if possible.
- Confirm any exemptions you still qualify for before closing changes ownership.
For both parties
- Ask whether a revaluation occurred recently or is scheduled soon.
- Clarify if any voted bonds or special district levies will affect next year’s bill.
Peachtree City specifics to verify
- Whether the City of Peachtree City levies a city millage and the current rate for that year
- Any special levies that appear on the property tax bill
- City utility or stormwater fees that are billed separately
- Fayette County’s most recent revaluation year and the next scheduled revaluation
Checking these items helps you avoid surprises and plan an accurate budget.
Budgeting tips for new owners
- Translate mills to an effective rate by dividing tax by your market value. This helps you compare neighborhoods.
- Expect changes the year after you buy, especially if the prior owner had exemptions you will not qualify for.
- If your lender escrows taxes, adjust your monthly budget after you apply for exemptions and receive the first bill in your name.
- Keep records of your assessment notices and tax bills for future appeals or refinancing.
Work with a local guide
Property taxes are local and change year to year. If you are buying or selling in Peachtree City, you deserve clear guidance tailored to your home and budget. Our team helps you read the bill, estimate taxes using current millage, spot exemptions you may qualify for, and time your move to avoid surprises. If you are ready to plan your next step, reach out to Intown Focus Realty for a conversation and Request Your Home Valuation.
FAQs
What appears on a Peachtree City property tax bill?
- You may see line items for Fayette County, the City of Peachtree City, the Fayette County Board of Education, and any special districts or voted levies. Review the millage breakdown on the bill.
How is assessed value calculated in Georgia?
- Most real property is assessed at 40 percent of fair market value. Counties may update values through revaluations. Confirm the current assessed value with the Fayette County Board of Assessors.
When do homestead exemptions start in Fayette County?
- You typically must occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1 and file by the local deadline. If approved, it applies to that tax year as directed by county rules.
Do seller homestead exemptions transfer to the buyer?
- Usually no. After closing, you must apply for your own homestead exemption once you establish the property as your primary residence.
How can I estimate taxes on a home I want to buy?
- Use 40 percent of your target price as the assessed value, subtract any exemptions you expect to qualify for, then apply current-year millage rates from each authority. Do not rely on the seller’s bill.
What if I miss the property tax payment deadline?
- Contact the Fayette County Tax Commissioner as soon as possible. Penalties and interest can apply, and payment options may be available if you act early.
