FAQs

Tax Assessor

  • The date of assessment in Georgia is January 1, so any deeds filed after that date are worked for the following tax year, because the seller is the owner of record for the current year. The taxes for the year in which you purchased the property should be addressed at your real estate closing with your closing attorney.

  • No. In Georgia, a tax bill is not appealable. You can however, appeal your assessment when you receive your Annual Notice of Assessment each year. The appeal of assessment must be filed within 45 days of the date on the notice.

  • If you think your property is assessed incorrectly, or if you think there is an error on your property record, you may file a Return of Real Property between January 1st and April 1st of any tax year. The Assessors Office will send a member of the Appraisal Staff to your property to confirm any discrepancies and any changes made will be reflected on your Annual Notice of Assessment for that year.

  • Yes. Assets owned as of January 1st of each year must be returned on or before April 1st of each year.

  • Yes, business personal property assets must be reported on a form PT-50P. Boats must be reported on a form PT-50M and Aircraft must be reported on a form PT-50A. These forms are available from our office upon request.

  • Each year the County Board of Commissioners, the County Board of Education and the Cities of Cleveland and Helen adopt a millage rate based on the financial needs of each entity. When millage rates are increased, your tax bill increases – even if your value is the same as last year. Only taxpayers residing within the city limits of Cleveland and Helen are affected by increases to the city millage rate.

  • If you close, sell or move your business, or sell your boat or aircraft, please notify the White County Assessors Office immediately to avoid any further personal property assessments.

  • Ad Valorem is Latin for “according to value”. It is a tax based on the value of real estate or personal property and is collected annually.

  • Business Personal Property assets are any furniture, fixtures, equipment, machinery and inventory used in the normal course of your business. Leased and rented equipment must also be reported, however, these assets are reported separately from the owned assets. Boats and Aircraft are also considered Personal Property in Georgia.

  • The Appraised Value of your property is the 100% estimate of value. The Assessed Value is 40% of the Appraised Value and also the value on which your taxes are calculated.

  • Taxpayers who own a home in White County, and who were residing full time in that home as of January 1, may apply for homestead exemption at any time, however, application must be made by April 1st to apply for that tax billing year. If application is made after April 1st, the exemption will be for the following tax year’s bill. The staff will ask for a valid Georgia picture I.D. with a White County address as proof of residency.

  • The White County Assessors Office determines your property value. The appraisal staff will visit and review your property once every three years or whenever a building permit is issued. You may also request a review of your property.

  • When local sales reflect increasing values, this means that your property may be worth more than the Assessors Office appraisal. When this occurs, the Assessors Office may increase property values to adjust for the difference. Likewise, when local sales reflect declining values, the Assessors Office may decrease your appraised value.

Tax Commissioner

  • We proudly feature a drive-thru for our citizens!

  • In order to cancel insurance on a vehicle, owners must first cancel the vehicle's registration. The tag registration may be canceled by completing the MV-18J form, in addition to the Photo ID and signature of the registered owner of the vehicle at the White County Tax Commissioners office. Vehicle owners may also cancel their registration online by visiting the Georgia Department of Revenue's Eservices Portal.

  • Please view our excess funds page to see if any are applicable to you. If you believe you have a claim, please submit a written request to:

    Cindy Cannon
    White County Tax Commissioner, Ex-officio Sheriff
    P. O. Box 970
    Cleveland, GA 30528

  • Vehicle tags are applied for when a vehicle is registered. To register a vehicle you must visit our office and provide the following documents:

    • Valid Georgia's Driver's License reflecting a current White Co. Address
    • Proof of Ownership
    • Proof of Insurance
    • MV-1 Form
    • Payment Method

    You can find more information about vehicle registration on our website.

  • Property tax bills may be paid online,  through the mail or in-person at the White County Tax Commissioner's Office. We also have a drop box at our physical location. 

  • Tag renewal is a yearly occurrence in the state of Georgia. You may renew your tag either online, through the mail, or in-person at the White County Tax Commissioner's Office. Different supporting documentation is required for each method. Please visit our website for more information.

  • Documents vary on a case by case basis. A safe rule of thumb is to bring a proper Georgia identification such as an updated driver's license reflecting your White County address and a proper form of payment. Other more specific documents depend on the type of bill or request. Please call our office for more information.

  • If you miss the November 15th tax deadline, penalties and fees will be incurred. For more information about missed payments, please visit our delinquent tax page.

  • Property value is appraised by the White County Board of Assessors and their staff. Property owners will be notified by the Tax Assessors Office by mail of a current assessment. Properties are assessed based on their fair market value.

    For more information about fair market value and the assessment process, please visit the Tax Assessors website here.

  • Tax bills are mailed out every August and payment is due by November 15th.

  • The White County Tax Commissioner's Office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Please view our resources and forms page for the most commonly used motor vehicle forms. If you still cannot find the proper form, please visit the Department of Revenue's website.

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