Welcome to Richmond County!

View the Property Tax Facts Brochure for information about property tax in Richmond County.

Just Bought a Home or Property?

First of all, congratulations on your purchase!

Purchasing a new property is an exciting, rewarding and sometimes challenging endeavor. The Tax Commissioner’s Office wants to make the transition into your new home as smooth as possible. Remember that you can always contact us at 706-821-2391 if you have specific questions.

Checklist for New Property Owners

• Make sure the property taxes are paid in full by the due date. Even if taxes are prorated at closing, it is wise to ensure they have been paid.
• If you have an escrow account, make sure the mortgage company has paid the taxes. To access this information Click Here.
• If this property is your primary residence, apply for a Homestead Exemption by April 1st. Applicants must own and occupy the property on January 1 of the tax year to receive the exemption.
• We do not send tax bills to mortgage companies. If the property taxes are in an escrow account,  the information will be made available to your mortgage company; however, it is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner to ensure taxes are paid. For questions regarding mortgage companies paying taxes on behalf of property owners, contact the mortgage company directly (especially, if there has been a recent change in mortgage companies).

Just Sold a Home or Property?

Here are a few things to remember:

• By law, whoever owns a property on January 1 of each year is responsible for that year's property taxes.
• If the property is sold later in the year, it is possible for the January 1 owner to transfer the liability for the payment of property taxes to the new owner. This can be done through a purchase agreement or other form of contract and is usually handled at the closing.
• The Tax Commissioner does not prorate taxes between buyer and seller. This should be handled at the closing as well.
• The Tax Commissioner is required to send a bill to whoever owned the property on January 1 and to the new owner if the property was sold later that year.
• If the taxes for the year in which the property was sold go unpaid, a tax lien is issued against the property. The tax lien will also be filed in the name of the January 1 owner unless they provide proof of the sale of the property (warranty deed) and proof of the transfer of the tax liability (closing papers or contract) within 90 days of the tax payment due date.
• The document required as proof of transfer of tax liability is generally called an "Acknowledgment and Receipt of Settlement Statement." This document may state that the taxes were prorated based on the estimated amounts prior to the release or receipt of the actual tax bill. It also may indicate who is responsible for any outstanding taxes not paid at closing.
• If proof of the transfer of property and tax liability is provided within 90 days of the tax payment due date, the tax lien will be filed in the name of the new owner. View more information about tax liens.