Understanding Your 2026 Property Assessment: Frequently Asked Questions
As Dougherty County prepares to mail 2026 property assessment notices, many property owners may have questions about what the information means. Below are answers to some of the most common questions.
Why did I receive a property assessment notice?
Dougherty County has completed its first countywide property revaluation in more than 10 years. Georgia law requires counties to assess property at its fair market value. The revaluation updates property values to reflect today's real estate marke
Is my assessment notice the same as my property tax bill?
No.
Your assessment notice shows your property's current assessed value. It is not your property tax bill.
Property taxes are calculated later after:
- The 45-day appeal period has ended.
- The tax digest is finalized.
- The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners adopts the annual millage rate.
Why did my property's value increase?
Property values across Dougherty County have changed significantly over the past decade. Because the county has not completed a full revaluation in more than 10 years, many properties have appreciated value.
An increase in assessed value reflects changes in the real estate market—not improvements made by the county.
Does a higher property value automatically mean my property taxes will increase?
Not necessarily.
Several factors determine your final tax bill, including:
- Your property's assessed value
- Whether you qualify for homestead exemptions
- The county's millage rate
- Other applicable tax exemptions
The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners will establish the millage rate after reviewing the completed tax digest.
What are Senate Bills 566 and 581?
Two Georgia laws affect this year's property assessment process, but they serve different purposes.
Senate Bill 566 revised the format of the annual Notice of Assessment. The updated notice includes additional information, such as:
- The 45-day appeal deadline
- Updated homestead exemption information
- Estimated tax savings for qualifying property owners
Senate Bill 581 established Georgia's statewide floating homestead exemption, which may help limit increases in the taxable value of qualifying homestead properties, even when market values increase.
Bottom line:
- SB 566 changed what you see on your assessment notice.
- SB 581 changed how qualifying homestead properties may be taxed.
What if I disagree with my property's assessed value?
Property owners have 45 days from the date the assessment notice is mailed to file an appeal.
Information about the appeal process will be included with your assessment notice and is also available through the Dougherty County Board of Assessors.
What is the difference between the Board of Assessors and the Board of Commissioners?
These are two separate responsibilities.
The Board of Assessors:
- Determines the fair market value of property.
- Administers property assessments.
- Reviews assessment appeals.
The Board of Commissioners:
- Adopts the county budget.
- Sets the annual millage rate.
- Determines how much tax revenue is needed to provide county services.
Where can I learn more?
Residents are encouraged to review the educational resources available on the Dougherty County website, including:
- Sample assessment notices
- Information about Senate Bills 566 and 581
- Homestead exemption information
- Property assessment appeal procedures
If you have questions after reviewing your assessment notice, contact the Dougherty County Board of Assessors for assistance.
Remember:
✔️ Your assessment notice is not your property tax bill.
✔️ A higher assessed value does not automatically mean your property taxes will increase by the same amount.
✔️ You have 45 days from the mailing date of your notice to appeal your assessment if you disagree with the value.
✔️ The Board of Commissioners will establish the annual millage rate after the tax digest is finalized.
✔️ If you qualify for a homestead exemption, Senate Bill 581 may help reduce the taxable value of your home, while Senate Bill 566 explains those changes more clearly on your assessment notice.