Reminder: First installment of property tax due August 15
From Commissioner Jeff Rader:
Claudia G. Lawson, DeKalb Tax Commissioner, would like to remind all DeKalb County taxpayers that the due date for the first installment of 2008 real estate and personal property taxes is Friday, August 15, 2008.
First installment taxes which are not received or postmarked by the August 15th deadline will incur a 5 percent late payment penalty which applies by law. It is very important to note that if your payment is mailed, the postmark or cancellation stamp from the United States Postal Service is the only accepted evidence of timely mailing, not an office postage meter date. As a reminder, delivery to the Post Office by the 15th does not guarantee a postmark of that date and it is highly recommended that taxpayers have their envelopes hand-stamped at the post office.
There is also a drop box located on the front of the Central office at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, which may be used for last minute drop-offs. Another convenient option is to pay property taxes by electronic check or credit card (2.5 percent service fee is charged) via the Internet at www.co.dekalb.ga.us/taxcommissioner, or by telephone via the Tax Commissioner’s Interactive Voice Response System at 404-298-4000. Walk-in customers to the Central, North or South satellite offices may pay by cash, check, debit card or credit card (2.5 percent service fee is charged).
If you filed an appeal with the Board of Tax Assessors, you were billed a temporary assessment, which is 85 percent of your original assessment. The final tax amount will be calculated when the appeal is resolved. If the appeal is resolved before November 15, an additional bill will be issued for the balance due, if the final assessed value is higher than your temporary assessment. A refund will be issued for any overpayments created due to an assessment value that is lower than your temporary assessment. Please note that taxes are due as billed even if the assessment is under appeal!
Under Georgia law, failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve property owners of their obligation to make payment on time. Property owners with questions or in need of a duplicate bill should contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office at 404-298-4000 or email proptax@co.dekalb.ga.us for assistance.