AppealDesk

Clayton County Property Tax Appeal — Georgia

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Clayton County includes the cities of Jonesboro (county seat), College Park, Lovejoy, Forest Park, Morrow, Riverdale, and Lake City. The county has experienced significant property tax increases, with a 31.11% increase recently and a median effective property tax rate of 1.44%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%. The median annual property tax bill of $2,787 is $387 higher than the national median of $2,400, creating a substantial tax burden for county residents.

Notable cities: Jonesboro, Forest Park, Riverdale, College Park, Morrow, Lake City, Lovejoy, Fayetteville

Median Home

$203,200

Tax Rate

1.44%

Annual Tax

$2,787

Population

Approximately 297,595

2026 Appeal Deadline: 45 days from the date printed on the notice of assessment

The 45-day deadline begins from the printed date on your Notice of Assessment—not the date you receive it. This deadline is non-negotiable in Georgia, and if your appeal is not filed or postmarked by the end of this window, your right to appeal is forfeited for that tax year.

Property in Clayton County, Georgia — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Clayton County Assesses Property

40%of market value

Assessed by: Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors

Assessment cycle: Annual

Notices typically mailed: Late April through May

In Clayton County, residential property is assessed at 40% of its Fair Market Value (FMV), which is standard for Georgia. If your home's market value is $203,200 (the county median), at Georgia's 40% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $81,280, resulting in approximately $2,787 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.44%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Equalization. The BOE is a panel of trained citizen volunteers who will conduct a hearing where you can present your evidence clearly and concisely.

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Step 1: Gather evidence including recent comparable sales, photos of property condition, repair estimates, and any documentation of incorrect property information

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Step 2: Complete Form PT-311A within 45 days of your notice date, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately

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Step 3: Submit your appeal via online portal, mail, or in-person delivery to the Board of Assessors who will conduct an initial review

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Step 4: If the Board of Assessors disagrees with your appeal, your case will be forwarded to the Board of Equalization for a hearing

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Step 5: If you disagree with the BOE's decision, you have the right to appeal to Clayton County Superior Court within 30 days

Required form: Form PT-311A (Georgia Property Tax Appeal Form)

Filing Methods

online:Use the Clayton County Board of Assessors' online portal on their official website - the fastest and most reliable method
mail:Mail completed Form PT-311A to the address provided on the form or your notice - use certified mail to prove submission
in-person:Deliver your appeal form directly to the Clayton County Tax Assessor's Office at 121 S. McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236 during business hours

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales from the last 6-12 monthsPhotos of property conditionRepair estimatesThird-party appraisalDocumentation of incorrect square footage or features

Clayton County Assessor Contact

Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors

Phone: (770) 477-3285

Address: P.K. Dixon Annex 3, Fourth Floor, 121 S. McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236

Website: https://www.claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor/

Online Portal: Available on the Clayton County Board of Assessors website

Tax Exemptions in Clayton County

Homestead Exemption

Reduces the assessed value of the home

If you are a homeowner in Clayton County and the property is your primary residence, you are eligible to receive a Homestead Exemption that provides significant tax relief

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as primary legal residence as of January 1stDeadline: April 1

Senior Citizen Exemption

Varies based on income

Available to homeowners aged 62 and older, providing further reductions based on income and age

Eligibility: Must be 65 on January 1st of the year filingDeadline: April 1

Disabled Veteran Exemption

$121,812 (for tax year 2026)

For veterans discharged under honorable conditions who are adjudicated as being totally and permanently 100% disabled

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% service-connected disabilityDeadline: April 1

Total School Tax Exemption

Total school exemption on home and 5 acres

For 100% permanently disabled individuals with income limits

Eligibility: 100% permanently disabled, total household income cannot exceed $30,000Deadline: April 1

Official Resources

Clayton County Board of Tax Assessors →

Official website for property assessments, appeals, exemptions, and property tax information

Clayton County Tax Commissioner →

Pay property tax bills, check payment status, and find information about tax deadlines

Georgia Department of Revenue - Property Tax Division →

State resources for property tax laws, appeal rights, and downloadable forms including PT-311A

Clayton County Homestead Exemption Application →

Online portal to apply for homestead exemptions and check eligibility requirements

Clayton County Appeal Statistics

% Who Appeal

2.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Clayton County?
You have exactly 45 days from the date printed on your Annual Notice of Assessment to file your appeal with the Clayton County Board of Assessors. This deadline begins from the printed date on your notice—not the date you receive it—and is strictly enforced by Georgia law. If your appeal is not filed or postmarked by the end of this 45-day window, you forfeit your right to appeal for that tax year.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Clayton County online?
Clayton County offers an online portal through the Board of Assessors' official website, which is the fastest and most reliable method for filing your appeal. The online system is available 24/7, processes appeals faster than mail, and provides instant confirmation with a confirmation number for your records. As long as you file before the online system's deadline (usually by 11:59 p.m. on the due date), your appeal will be considered on time, and the guided process reduces the risk of incomplete submissions or errors.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Clayton County?
The basic homestead exemption in Clayton County provides significant tax relief by reducing the assessed value of your home if you use it as your primary residence. In November 2024, Clayton County residents approved House Bill 870 that provides additional homestead exemptions for disabled veterans, senior citizens, unremarried surviving spouses of peace officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty, and 100% disabled residents. The deadline to apply for any homestead exemption is April 1 for current-year benefits.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Clayton County?
At a Clayton County Board of Equalization hearing, you'll present your case to a panel of trained local residents who serve as citizen volunteers. You or your representative will present evidence supporting your property value claim, while a representative from the Tax Assessor's Office will present their justification for the assessed value. The BOE will deliberate and issue a written decision on your property's value, and you may represent yourself or bring legal counsel or an appraiser to support your case.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Clayton County?
With Clayton County's effective property tax rate of 1.44% and median annual tax bill of $2,787, even a modest reduction in your assessed value can result in significant savings. For example, if you successfully reduce your home's assessed value by $10,000, you would save approximately $144 per year. Additionally, successfully appealing your assessment locks in savings for three years through Georgia's 299(c) provision, providing budget certainty and multiplying your total savings over time.
What evidence do I need for a Clayton County property tax appeal?
For a successful Clayton County property tax appeal, you'll need recent comparable sales from similar homes in your neighborhood (ideally sold within 6-12 months prior to January 1), photos showing your property's actual condition including any depreciation or defects, and repair estimates for needed maintenance. A certified third-party appraisal dated near January 1 can carry significant weight, and you should document any incorrect assessor data such as wrong square footage, room count, or features. If the county raised your value due to assumed improvements that didn't occur, provide evidence such as lack of building permits.
What is the current millage rate in Clayton County?
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners voted on the final millage rate for 2026, setting it at 14.552 mills for the current tax billing cycle. This represents a decrease from the 2024 rate of 15.266 mills, which had required a 31.11% increase in property taxes over the rollback millage rate. Millage rates are expressed as $1 of tax owed for every $1,000 of assessed property value, so this rate directly impacts your annual property tax bill.
Can I still pay my property taxes while my appeal is pending?
Yes, you must still pay your property taxes on time while your appeal is pending to avoid penalties and interest charges. During the appeal process, you'll receive a temporary tax bill based on usually 85% of the assessed value, which must be paid by the standard due date. If your appeal is successful and results in a lower assessed value, any overpayment will be refunded or credited to your account, but failure to pay on time can result in penalties regardless of your appeal status.

For state-wide appeal information including Georgia's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Georgia Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Georgia Counties

Chatham County (Savannah)Cherokee County (Canton)Cobb County (Marietta)DeKalb County (Decatur)Forsyth County (Cumming)Fulton County (Atlanta)
← All Georgia property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.ownwell.com/blog/clayton-county-property-tax | https://www.claytoncountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor/ | https://dor.georgia.gov/county-property-tax-facts-clayton | https://www.fair-assessments.com/blog/filing-a-clayton-county-property-tax-appeal-a-step-by-step-guide

Last verified: 2026-02-15