Tax Bills

Tax Bills are mailed to the owner of record as of January 1st of that tax year. If property has been sold during the tax year and if that information has been received (via the Clerk of Superior Court from a deed transfer) a tax bill will be mailed to the “new” owner also.

The Tax Commissioner's Office cannot guarantee receipt of a tax bill. Interest, penalty and costs apply if not paid by the due date.

Due Date

Generally, Decatur County property taxes are due by December 20. Mobile home bills are due by April 1. Please note the due date on the tax bill as it may possibly change. If taxes are not paid on the property, it may be levied upon and ultimately sold.

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, you will have the next business day to pay property taxes in the office.

Paying by Mail

If mailing, payments must be postmarked by the due date to avoid interest.

Please include payment stub and/or write bill number on the check.

If a receipt is desired, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Property Sold

If you receive a property tax bill for a piece of property that you have sold you will need to forward the bill to the new owner. If our office has acquired the "new owner' information we have sent them a bill also.

Georgia law requires that the lien (FiFa) is to be recorded in the January 1 owner's name unless the Tax Commissioner's Office has been presented with a contract (closing statement) within 90 days from the due date that proves the new owner is responsible for payment of the taxes.

Therefore, if you sell a piece of property and the taxes were pro rated at closing you must bring a copy of your closing statement to the Tax Commissioner's Office within 90 days from the due date. If we receive this closing statement we can then record the lien in the new owner's name if the taxes remain unpaid.

Liens(FiFa)

If taxes remain unpaid, a tax lien (FiFa) will be recorded on the General Execution Docket (GED) in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court. A lien remains on your credit record for a minimum of seven (7) years.