Coweta County tax assessments in the mail
From Staff Reportsnews@newnan.com
Coweta County’s property assessments are in the mail.
It is the second year under a state law that requires that a Notice of Assessment be sent annually to all owners of taxable property.
“This is the second year we have been required to mail notices to all property owners, not just those with a change in value,” said Palmer. “This year about 55,000 notices will be mailed.”
Again this year, the assessment must include an estimate of taxes based on the current assessment and last year’s millage rate. Property owners should remember this is just an estimate and fluctuations in the millage rate could cause the estimate to change, she said.
While this will be a very helpful tool to the property owner for budgeting purposes, the actual amount of the taxes may not be appealed. To check the amount of previous year’s taxes, go to the Coweta County Tax Commissioner’s website at www.cowetataxcom.com .
If you purchased a property in 2011 and paid less than the appraisal, the taxable value is capped at what was paid plus any improvements made after the purchase, Palmer explained.
The Notice of Assessment includes information for all the taxing authorities that receive a portion of property taxes. For the Notice of Assessment, this includes the City of Newnan and the City of Palmetto, even though they are billed separately.
“Property owners should check the information filed with the county regarding the characteristics of their property to be sure everything is correct,” said Palmer.
This parcel information, including homestead exemption, outbuildings and other improvements, can be found at the Tax Assessors’ website, www.cowetatax.com .
For general questions, property owners are encouraged to call the Assessors Office at the number listed on the notice.
For property owners who believe their property may be overvalued, the last date to file an appeal will be July 27. Instructions and valid reasons for filing are listed on the notice.
The Assessors Office has completed extensive studies of the real estate markets in Coweta County and, as a result, has lowered the value of 21,300 parcels this year, Palmer said.
Anyone who owns taxable property and has not received a notice within a week is encouraged to call and inquire, said Palmer. The notice may have an incorrect mailing address or some other easily remedied problem.
“Claiming that one did not receive a notice does not extend any appeal deadlines,” she said. The Tax Assessors Office is located at 37 Perry Street at the side entrance of the Coweta County Administration Building in downtown Newnan. The phone number is 770-254-2680.
