Clarkston City Taxes
Property taxes, or less commonly referred to as ad valorem taxes, are levied for all city operations and maintenance. This applies to all real estate and personal property, unless exempted by law. Real property is considered as land and anything affixed to the land. Personal property, on the other hand, is anything not considered real property. This typically includes inventory and fixtures used in conducting business.
The basis for property taxes is the fair market value of said property. The tax is then levied on the assessed value of the property, which is established at 40% of the fair market value. The tax millage rate determines the amount of tax.
The City Millage Rate (or tax rate)
This rate is set annually by the Clarkston Mayor and Council for City taxes.
A tax rate of one mill represents a liability of one dollar per $1,000 of assessed value. Total revenue is estimated by the governing authority from other sources. The governing authority estimates their total revenue from other sources. This figure is subtracted from their overall budgetary needs, and then a millage rate is set that will generate the necessary revenues to fulfill budgetary requirements. In 2020 the Council has proposed to retain the previous adopted millage rate to 15.89.
CLICK HERE for 2021 Millage Adoption Information.
Clarkston City Taxes Online Availability
Now, you can view property tax information online, going as far back as 2011. You can do this through the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s website. Here, you can view more about property assessment, billing sates and tax information for all City properties. You can also make an online payment, and print bills and receipts.
Property Assessments
All Clarkston property assessments are received from the DeKalb County Board of Tax Assessors.
If you think you do not have a correct appraised value, please visit the DeKalb County Tax Assessor’s Office website or call (404) 371-0841.
Appeals
If you’ve appealed the assessed value of your property to the DeKalb County Board of Tax Assessors, it will be noted on the face of the tax bill.
Properties under appeal are billed at eighty-five percent (85%) of the proposed assessed value. Depending on the final value determination, you will either receive a bill for additional taxes due, or a refund for whatever amount was overpaid.
Either way, you are still responsible for paying the full amount on your bill by the deadline.
If you pay your taxes through a mortgage company, make sure your forward a copy of your bill to the company for payment, keeping a copy for your personal records.
Tax Exemption for Seniors
Clarkston offers its senior citizens (65+) exemption of $20,000. If you’re eligible, notify DeKalb County that you’re applying for both the state senior and Clarkston City Senior exemption.
You must provide a copy of your driver’s license before April 1st each year in order for your application to be considered.
Change of Address for Personal Property
If you’re changing your personal property address, you must submit this change in writing to the DeKalb County Board of Tax Assessors, Personal Property Division (120 West Trinity Pl. Decatur, GA 30030).
Stormwater and Sanitation Fees
Clarkston bills sanitation services annually. These are payable for the full year in DeKalb County’s tax installment billing.
Residential sanitation is $185.40 per year, and includes:
Garbage and trash collection
Recyclable collection and disposal
Yard trimmings
Furniture (including appliances that do not contain Freon)
Street cleaning
When it comes to commercial services, sanitation fees depend on the type of service required. Commercial sanitation is billed separately from annual tax bills.
Stormwater Utility Fees
These are also billed annually, and are payable for the full year in the DeKalb County tax installment billing.
The stormwater utility fee is $48 per year for each single-family residence.
For commercial, institutional, and multiple-family properties with larger paved areas, higher fees will be implemented. (Each property is assessed a stormwater utility fee based on the amount of paved and covered areas on the property.)
Income generated from these fees is used to improve storm drains. Utility fees are charged to all property owners, even including those who are tax-exempt.
Need to know more? Visit the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner.