Can I prepay property taxes?
No, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 48-5-134, property taxes cannot be collected until the Tax Digest has been approved. The Tax Digest is normally approved in mid to late July each year.
When will I receive a property tax bill and when is payment due?
Property tax bills are mailed by August 15 and payment is due on or before October 15. If you do not receive a bill by August 30, you can obtain a copy from this website.
For more information, visit our Property Taxes Overview page.
How can I pay my property taxes?
You can pay your property taxes online, by mail, in person, drop box, or via phone.
- Visit our Pay Property Taxes page to pay online. Fees may apply. Cobb County does not retain any portion of the fees.
- Mail payments to PO Box 100127, Marietta, GA 30061
- Pay in person at our Property Tax Main office located at 736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30068 (just a mile outside of the Square) or at one of the following Government Service Centers:
- East Cobb Government Service Center at 4400 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068
- South Cobb Government Service Center at 4700 Austell Rd, Austell, GA 30106
- Drop your payment in one of our convenient drop boxes located outside the front entrance of our Property Tax Main office at 736 Whitlock Ave or inside at one of the Government Service Centers listed above.
- Pay by phone toll-free at 1-866-PAYCOBB (729-2622). Fees may apply. Cobb County does not retain any portion of the fees.
Notice regarding payments made by check or e-check: This office may charge a returned check fee in the amount of $30.00 or 5%, whichever is greater, plus any banking charges incurred pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 13-6-15.
Do you accept or acknowledge postmarks as timely filing for exemptions or payment of property taxes?
Yes, we honor mail with a U.S. Government Post Office postmark dated by midnight of the payment/filing deadline. Metered or kiosk postage dates are not accepted as proof of timely filing.
Is there a penalty charge for late payment?
Taxes not paid by the due date will accrue a 5% penalty plus additional interest each month until paid in full.
Can the interest and penalty be waived since I did not receive a bill?
No. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve you of the responsibility to make payment by the due date. If you did not receive a tax bill, a copy of your bill is available on this website or you may contact our office through this website, by phone or visit one of our locations to obtain a copy of your bill.
Does the Tax Commissioner's Office accept partial payments?
Yes. We will accept partial payments on your bill until paid in full. However, penalty and interest will accrue on the unpaid balance after October 15. You must call our office at 770-528-8600 to make payment arrangements.
For more information, visit our Delinquent Taxes page.
If I did not own my home for the full year, can my taxes be prorated?
No, the Tax Commissioner does not prorate taxes or become involved in the proration of taxes between a seller and buyer. Taxes are calculated for the entire year. Liability for taxes is established during the closing of the sale of property; generally speaking, the purchaser assumes this liability. Your closing paperwork will reflect who is responsible for the payment of taxes. Since taxes legally attach to the property, the current owner should ensure that taxes are paid.
My mortgage company pays my tax bill; can you mail my bill to the mortgage company?
If taxes are paid from an escrow account and the mortgage company notifies this office, the tax bill is sent to both the homeowner and the mortgage company; however, it remains the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the bill is paid. If your mortgage company has recently changed and not reflected accurately on the top of your bill, you should send a copy of the bill to the new company.
Can I pay my taxes without a tax bill coupon?
Yes. Note the parcel ID number on your check or money order. You can also view and print a copy of your bill by visiting our Pay Property Taxes page on this website.
I recently got married or divorced, how do I update the information on my homestead exemption?
You must reapply for any exemptions if a name changes or change of ownership occurs due to marriage, death or divorce. A copy of a recorded deed, marriage certificate or divorce decree must be provided.
How can I change my mailing address on my tax bill?
You can complete our online change of address form. You can also download the form and email or mail the form to our office.
I closed my business or no longer own personal property (boat, airplane, business inventory, equipment, furniture and fixtures). Do I have to pay taxes?
If the business closed or the property was sold after January 1 in the current tax year, the tax is due. Taxes are assessed as of January 1 for the entire tax year. If the property closed or sold, you must notify the Board of Assessors at (770) 528-3100.
How do I qualify for Homestead Exemption?
Visit our Homestead Exemptions page for information on how to qualify and apply.
When does a Fi. Fa. (Tax Lien) go on the property?
After the last day of payment of taxes the Tax Commissioner will notify the taxpayer in writing that the taxes are outstanding and unless paid within thirty (30) days, an execution (Fi. Fa.) may be issued in accordance with O.C.G.A. 48-3-3.
When, where and what time is the tax sale?
Tax sales are held on the first Tuesday of each month in which a sale is planned. If the first Tuesday falls on a holiday, the sale will take place on the first Wednesday.
Tax sales take place on the Superior Courthouse steps at Flournoy Park in Marietta, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST.
Further information on our tax sales is available in our Tax Sale Booklet.
When and where do you advertise for the sale?
Properties available at the current tax sale can be found in the Marietta Daily Journal Real Estate section on Fridays for four weeks prior to the sale.
How can I appeal my property?
If you feel your property value is not reflective of the fair market value, you may file an appeal with the Tax Assessors Office. Please refer to their website at www.cobbassessor.org for more information.
If I appeal my property value, do I have to pay my property taxes while under appeal?
You must pay at least the appeal amount by the due date to avoid a 5% penalty. You cannot defer payment. The Tax Assessors Office is not authorized to extend the payment deadline. Additional interest each month (up to $150) accrues on the remaining balance. You may choose to pay the full amount of the bill by the due date to avoid paying interest.
What is the current millage rate?
Visit our Millage Rates page for a complete list of Cobb County millage rates.
How do I file a property tax return?
Property tax returns are filed with the Tax Assessors Office between January 1 and April 1. For more details on property tax returns, please refer to their website at www.cobbassessor.org.
What is the penalty for filing a late a property tax return?
Property tax returns filed after the April 1 deadline are subject to a 10% penalty on assets which are unreturned or filed late. For more details on property tax returns, please refer to the Tax Assessor's website at www.cobbassessor.org.
What are specialized assessments?
Certain classifications of tangible real property may qualify for preferential assessment provided they meet the criteria specified by Georgia law.
These classifications are:
- Preferential Assessment
- Rehabilitated Historic Property
- Landmark Historic Property
- Residential Transitional Property
- Conservation Use Property
- Brownfield
- Forest Land
Contact the Tax Assessors Office for more information.
What is tax exempt properties?
Certain types of property, (i.e. public property, churches, nonprofit hospitals, etc.) may be exempt from ad valorem taxation. Tax exempt status must be approved by the Board of Tax Assessors before tax liability will be removed. For additional information or to apply for exempt status, please contact the Tax Assessors Office by April 1.
What is the difference between a deed vs. a title?
A deed is the physical, paper document that states you own a property. A title is your right to own the property. So, a deed is the proof you own your property, while a title gives you the right to own it. The two ideas often go together when transferring ownership.
What are the types of deeds?
Generally, you will encounter 4 main types of deeds:
- Recorded Warranty Deed
- A warranty deed is the most common type of deed. With this deed, you are guaranteed that the title, your right to own the property, is in good standing.
- You will be given a warranty deed in most property purchases from real estate agents.
- Quitclaim Deed
- A quitclaim deed does not offer any guarantee that the title to the property is in good standing.
- If you transfer a property into your name using one of these deeds, there may still be a loan on the property.
- You will usually see a quitclaim deed when transferring property to a family member or your business’s name.
- Deed of Assent
- A deed of assent is used when you inherit a property from a deceased person. Unlike other deeds, you must pay any loans attached to the property before you receive the deed.
- Executor’s Deed
- Like a deed of assent, an executor’s deed is used when an estate transfer’s property to you.
If you do not know which kind of deed you need, contact an attorney so they can help you with the transfer. When you fill out a deed, you must record it with the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office.