If you’re a property owner in Clayton County, Georgia, and believe your property tax assessment is too high, you have the right to appeal. This guide tells you who to contact, how to file, and what to expect throughout the appeal process.
How to Contact the Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors
The Board of Tax Assessors is your first point of contact for property valuation questions, assessment notices, and filing appeals.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | (770) 477-3285 |
| Website | claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor |
| Online Portal | Available on the Tax Assessor website (24/7 access) |
| Address | P.K. Dixon Annex 3, 4th Floor<br>121 South McDonough Street<br>Jonesboro, GA 30236 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed holidays) |
What the Board of Tax Assessors Can Help With
- Property record searches and current assessed values
- Understanding assessment methods and property valuations
- Filing property tax appeals (Form PT-311A)
- Appeal deadlines and procedures
- Informal review conferences
- Property characteristic corrections (square footage, bedroom count, etc.)
How to Contact the Clayton County Tax Commissioner
The Tax Commissioner handles tax billing, payments, and homestead exemption applications.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone (Property Tax) | (770) 477-3311 |
| Website | claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-commissioner |
| Address | Annex 3, 2nd Floor<br>121 South McDonough Street<br>Jonesboro, GA 30236 |
What the Tax Commissioner Can Help With
- Homestead exemption applications (deadline: April 1st)
- Property tax bill questions and payment information
- Tax delinquency inquiries
- Understanding how exemptions affect your taxable value
- Senior exemptions (age 65+, $4,000 with income restrictions)
- Disabled veteran exemptions (up to $121,812)
How to File a Property Tax Appeal
Critical Deadline
You have exactly 45 days from the date printed on your Annual Notice of Assessment to file your appeal. This deadline is strictly enforced by Georgia law.
For 2026, assessment notices are typically mailed in late April, making the expected deadline August 14, 2026 (check your specific notice date).
Important: The 45-day period begins from the date printed on your notice, not the date you receive it.
Three Ways to File Your Appeal
1. Online (Recommended)
- Where: claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor
- Benefits: Fastest method, available 24/7, instant confirmation with confirmation number
- What You’ll Need:
- Completed Form PT-311A (Uniform Appeal Form)
- Supporting evidence (comparable sales, photos, appraisals, repair estimates)
- Property parcel number
2. By Mail
- Form: PT-311A (available on the Tax Assessor website or Georgia DOR)
- Mail To: Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors, address above
- Recommendation: Use certified mail with return receipt for proof of submission
- Include: Completed form + all supporting documentation
3. In Person
- Where: Tax Assessor’s Office, 121 S. McDonough Street, Annex 3, 4th Floor, Jonesboro, GA 30236
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Bring: Completed Form PT-311A and all supporting evidence
How to Contact the Clayton County Board of Equalization (BOE)
The Board of Equalization is the first level of appeal after you file with the Board of Assessors.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Information | Available through the Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors at (770) 477-3285 |
| Website | claytoncountyga.gov/government/clerk-of-superior-court/board-of-equalization |
About the Board of Equalization
- Composed of Clayton County citizens trained to hear property tax appeals
- Reviews disputes regarding property value, uniformity, taxability, and exemptions
- Hearings are informal — both you and the assessor present evidence
- No attorney required (though you may bring one if you choose)
- This is the most common appeal method chosen by property owners
Your Appeal Options: Choosing the Right Path
When you file your appeal using Form PT-311A, you must select your preferred hearing method:
Option 1: Board of Equalization (Most Common)
- Best for: Most residential property owners
- Process: Informal hearing before citizen board members
- Cost: Free
- Contact: Through Tax Assessor’s Office
Option 2: Arbitration
- Best for: Valuation disputes where both parties agree to binding decision
- Process: Neutral arbitrator reviews evidence and makes final decision
- Cost: May involve fees
- Contact: Through Tax Assessor’s Office or Georgia DOR
Option 3: Hearing Officer
- Best for: Non-homestead properties valued over $500,000
- Process: Formal hearing before a qualified hearing officer
- Cost: May involve fees
- Contact: Through Tax Assessor’s Office
Option 4: Superior Court (After Initial Appeal)
- Best for: If you’re unsatisfied with the BOE, arbitration, or hearing officer decision
- Process: Formal court proceeding
- Deadline: Must file within 30 days of the initial decision
- Contact: Clayton County Superior Court Clerk
- Recommendation: Consider hiring a tax attorney
The Appeal Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Receive Your Annual Notice of Assessment
- Mailed in late April each year
- Shows your property’s assessed value
- Note the date printed on the notice — your 45-day appeal window starts here
Step 2: Review Your Property Record
- Visit claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor
- Use the online property search to find your parcel
- Check for errors in:
- Square footage
- Bedroom/bathroom count
- Lot size
- Year built
- Basement, garage, or other features
- Flag any errors — these can justify a lower valuation
Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect documentation to support your appeal:
- Comparable sales (recent sales of similar properties in your area)
- Professional appraisal (if available)
- Photos showing property condition, damage, or deferred maintenance
- Repair estimates from licensed contractors
- Income statements (for rental properties)
- Previous assessment notices showing value increases
Step 4: File Your Appeal (Within 45 Days)
- Complete Form PT-311A
- Submit online, by mail, or in person (see methods above)
- Select your preferred hearing option (BOE, Arbitration, or Hearing Officer)
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Step 5: Initial Review by Board of Assessors
After you file, the Board of Assessors will:
- Conduct an informal review of your appeal
- Possible outcomes:
- Agree with you and lower your assessed value (case closed)
- Schedule an informal conference to discuss your evidence
- Uphold the original appraisal and forward your case to your chosen hearing method
Step 6: Attend Your Hearing
- Board of Equalization: Informal hearing, present your evidence verbally
- Arbitration: Present evidence to neutral arbitrator
- Hearing Officer: More formal proceeding
Tips for your hearing:
- Organize your evidence clearly
- Prepare a short, focused verbal argument
- Bring multiple copies of all documents
- Be professional and factual
- Focus on comparable sales and property condition
Step 7: Receive the Decision
- You’ll receive written notification of the decision
- If you’re satisfied, the new assessed value applies
- If you’re unsatisfied, you can appeal to Superior Court within 30 days
How to Contact the Georgia Department of Revenue – Property Tax Division
For statewide property tax rules, appeal rights, and general information:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | dor.georgia.gov/property-tax |
| Appeal Form (PT-311A) | dor.georgia.gov/documents/property-tax-appeal-assessment-form-pt311a |
| Phone | (404) 417-2700 |
What Georgia DOR Can Help With
- Statewide property tax laws and regulations
- Appeal rights and procedures
- Homestead exemption information
- Downloadable forms (PT-311A and others)
- General property tax guidance
Understanding Clayton County Property Assessments
How Property is Assessed
- Assessment Rate: 40% of fair market value
- Example: If your home’s market value is $250,000, your assessed value is $100,000
- Assessment Cycle: Annual
- Notices Mailed: Late April each year
Current Tax Burden
- Median Effective Property Tax Rate: 1.44% (higher than national median of 1.02%)
- Assessed by: Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors
Available Exemptions
Contact the Tax Commissioner at (770) 477-3311 to apply for exemptions:
Homestead Exemption
- Deadline: April 1st each year
- Where to Apply: Clayton County Tax Commissioner’s Office
- Benefit: Reduces your taxable assessed value
Senior Exemption (Age 65+)
- Benefit: $4,000 exemption
- Restriction: Income limitations apply
- Contact: Tax Commissioner at (770) 477-3311
Disabled Veteran Exemption
- Benefit: Up to $121,812 exemption
- Contact: Tax Commissioner at (770) 477-3311
HB 870 Assessment Freeze (New for 2026–2030)
- Approved: November 2025 voter referendum
- Eligible: Disabled veterans, seniors, and other qualifying residents
- Benefit: Freezes assessed value (no increases during freeze period)
- Contact: Tax Commissioner for eligibility and application
Quick Reference: Contact Information
| Office | Phone | Website | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board of Tax Assessors | (770) 477-3285 | claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor | Appeals, property records, valuations |
| Tax Commissioner | (770) 477-3311 | claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-commissioner | Tax bills, payments, exemptions |
| Board of Equalization | Via Tax Assessor | claytoncountyga.gov/government/clerk-of-superior-court/board-of-equalization | First-level appeal hearings |
| Georgia DOR – Property Tax | (404) 417-2700 | dor.georgia.gov/property-tax | State laws, forms, general info |
Important Deadlines to Remember
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| File Property Tax Appeal | 45 days from date on Assessment Notice (typically August 14, 2026) |
| Apply for Homestead Exemption | April 1st each year |
| Appeal to Superior Court | 30 days from BOE/Arbitration/Hearing Officer decision |
Tips for a Successful Appeal
- Act quickly — the 45-day deadline is strict and non-negotiable
- File online for fastest processing and instant confirmation
- Gather strong evidence — comparable sales are the most persuasive
- Check your property record for errors (wrong square footage, bedroom count, etc.)
- Be organized — present your case clearly and professionally
- Document everything — keep copies of all forms, evidence, and correspondence
- Use certified mail if filing by paper (proves timely submission)
- Attend your hearing — if you don’t show up, your appeal will be dismissed
- Focus on facts — emotional arguments are less effective than data
- Consider professional help — for complex cases or high-value properties, a tax attorney or appraiser may be worth the investment
Common Reasons for Successful Appeals
- Comparable sales showing similar homes sold for less
- Property record errors (wrong square footage, features, condition)
- Significant damage or deferred maintenance not reflected in assessment
- Market decline in your neighborhood
- Over-assessment compared to similar properties
- Income-producing property with declining rental income
What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t miss the 45-day deadline — no exceptions are made
❌ Don’t file without evidence — unsupported appeals are rarely successful
❌ Don’t skip your hearing — your appeal will be dismissed
❌ Don’t rely on emotional arguments — focus on data and comparables
❌ Don’t assume the assessor is wrong — sometimes assessments are accurate
❌ Don’t wait until the last day — technical issues or mail delays can cause you to miss the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to file an appeal?
A: Filing an appeal with the Board of Assessors and Board of Equalization is free. Arbitration and Hearing Officer options may involve fees.
Q: Can I appeal if I didn’t receive a notice?
A: Contact the Board of Tax Assessors at (770) 477-3285 immediately. You may still have appeal rights.
Q: What if I just bought my home?
A: You can still appeal. Use your purchase price and closing documents as evidence if they reflect market value.
Q: Will appealing affect my homestead exemption?
A: No, your exemption status is separate from your assessed value appeal.
Q: Can I appeal every year?
A: Yes, you can appeal each year when you receive your Annual Notice of Assessment.
Q: What happens if I win my appeal?
A: Your assessed value will be reduced, resulting in lower property taxes. The decision typically applies for three years (freeze period).
Q: What if I lose my appeal?
A: You can appeal to Superior Court within 30 days of the decision.
Q: Do I need a lawyer?
A: No, most homeowners represent themselves successfully before the Board of Equalization. However, for complex cases or Superior Court appeals, legal representation is recommended.
Additional Resources
- Clayton County Government: claytoncountyga.gov
- Georgia Department of Revenue: dor.georgia.gov
- Property Tax Appeal Form (PT-311A): Download from Georgia DOR
- Clayton County Superior Court: For appeals beyond the Board of Equalization
Quick Action Checklist
- Check your Annual Notice of Assessment (mailed late April)
- Note the date on your notice (45-day deadline starts here)
- Review your property record online for errors
- Gather comparable sales data from your real estate agent or online sources
- Take photos of your property condition
- Get repair estimates if applicable
- Complete Form PT-311A
- File your appeal online, by mail, or in person (within 45 days)
- Keep copies of everything you submit
- Prepare for your hearing (organize evidence, practice your presentation)
- Attend your hearing on the scheduled date
- Review the decision and consider further appeal if necessary
This guide is based on information available as of 2026. Deadlines, procedures, and contact information may change. Always verify current information with the Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors at (770) 477-3285 or claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor.
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