Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive a property tax bill and when is payment due? 

 Property tax bills are mailed by August 15 and payment is due on or before October 15.  If you do not receive a bill by August 30, you can obtain a copy from this web site.  

Where can I pay my property taxes? 

 Our mailing address is P O Box 100127, Marietta, GA  30061 or for your convenience you may pay your property tax bills in person at 736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 100, Marietta, GA (just a mile outside of the Square) or at the following Government Service Centers: 

East Cobb Government Service Center @ 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA

South Cobb Government Service Center @ 4700 Austell Road, Austell, GA

Convenient DROP BOXES are located outside the front entrance at 736 Whitlock Avenue and inside the Government Service Centers.

You may pay taxes by e-check or credit card on-line click here or toll-free at 1-866-PAYCOBB (729-2622).  Fees apply to help offset processing costs.  Cobb County does not retain any portion of fees.                                                               

                                            

Do you accept or acknowledge postmarks as timely filing for exemptions or payment of property taxes? 

Yes, we honor mail with a U.S. Government Post Office postmark dated by midnight of the payment/filing deadline.  Metered postage dates are not accepted as proof of timely filing.

Is there a penalty charge for late payment?

Taxes not paid by the due date will accrue a 5% penalty plus interest at the rate of 1% per month until paid in full.

Can the interest and penalty be waived since I did not receive a bill?

No.  Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve you of the responsibility to make payment by the due date.  If you did not receive a tax bill, a copy of your bill is available on this web site or you may contact our office through this web site, by phone or visit one of our locations to obtain a copy of your bill.   

Does the Tax Commissioner’s Office accept partial payments?

Yes.  We will accept partial payments on your bill until paid in full.  However, penalty and interest will accrue on the unpaid balance after October 15.  You must call our office at 770-528-8600 to make payment arrangements.

If I did not own my home for the full year, can my taxes be prorated?

No, the Tax Commissioner does not prorate taxes or become involved in the proration of taxes between a seller and buyer.  Taxes are calculated for the entire year.  Liability for taxes is established during the closing of the sale of property; generally speaking, the purchaser assumes this liability.  Your closing paperwork will reflect who is responsible for the payment of taxes.  Since taxes legally attach to the property, the current owner should ensure that taxes are paid.

My mortgage company pays my tax bill; can you mail my bill to the mortgage company?

If taxes are paid from an escrow account and the mortgage company notifies this office, the tax bill is sent to both the homeowner and the mortgage company; however it remains the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the bill is paid.  If your mortgage company has recently changed and not reflected accurately on the bottom of your bill, you should send a copy of the bill to the new company.

Can I pay my taxes without a tax bill coupon? 

Yes.  Note the parcel identification number on your check or money order or attach a copy of your bill available on this web site. 

I closed my business or no longer own personal property (boat, airplane, business inventory, equipment, furniture and fixtures).  Do I have to pay taxes?

If the business closed or the property was sold after January 1 in the current tax year, the tax is due.  Taxes are assessed as of January 1 for the entire tax year.  If the property closed or sold after January 1, you must notify the Board of Assessors at 770-528-3100.

When does a Fi. Fa. (Tax Lien) go on the property?

After the last day of payment of taxes the Tax Commissioner will notify the taxpayer in writing that the taxes are outstanding and unless paid within thirty (30) days, an execution (Fi. Fa.) will be issued in accordance with O.C.G.A. 48-3-3. 

When, where and what time is the tax sale?

Tax levy sales are held on the first Tuesday of each month.  If Tuesday falls on a holiday, the sale will take place on the first Wednesday.  The sale is held on the Courthouse steps and starts at 10:00 a.m.  Legal hours of tax sales are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Further information on tax sales is available on this web site.

When and where do you advertise for the sale?

Advertisements can be found each Friday in the Marietta Daily Journal. 

How do I qualify for Homestead Exemption?

To qualify you must own and occupy the property as your legal residence as of January 1 of the current tax year.  You may apply for exemptions year-round; however, you must file your application by April 1.  Applications not received or postmarked by April 1 constitute a waiver of the exemption for that year.  Applications, instructions and information are available on this web site. 

How can I appeal my property?

If you feel your property value is not reflective of the fair market value, you may file an appeal with the Tax Assessors Office.  Please refer to their web site at www.cobbassessor.org for more information. 

 

If I appeal my property value, do I have to pay my property taxes while under appeal?

Yes.  In accordance with O.C.G.A. 48-5-311 you may elect to pay based on 85% of the new assessed value.  The 85% amount will be reflected on your tax bill.  You must pay either the 85% amount or the full amount by the due date to avoid a 5% penalty.  1% interest per month (up to $150 accrues on the remaining balance for non-homestead property.  You may choose to pay the full amount of the bill by the October 15 due date to avoid paying interest.  Interest charges do not currently apply to homestead property; however, in accordance with legislation passed this year interest charges will also apply to homestead property effective January 1, 2011.    

What is the current millage rate?

A complete list of Cobb County millage rates is located on this web site. 

How can I change my mailing address on my tax bill? 

Click here to complete change of address form.

 

I recently got married or divorced, how do I change my name? 

We will need a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree to change your name.