Thinking about becoming a homeowner in Gwinnett County? One of the biggest considerations to make when moving to any new area is how much you’ll be paying in property taxes. Around the state, and even within a single county, tax rates and calculations can vary significantly. Despite the overwhelm that this may bring, there are easy ways to determine how much you can expect to owe, how to pay, and how to be considered for any applicable exemptions. Explore everything you need to know about Gwinnett County, Georgia property taxes.
Gwinnett County Property Taxes
Aside from those who qualify for full exemptions, all homeowners in Gwinnett County, Georgia can expect to receive a yearly property tax bill. There are two departments that split up the various duties involved with assessing and collecting taxes from each homeowner.
Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner
Led by Denise R. Mitchell, MPA, the office of the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner is responsible for a variety of tasks related to Gwinnett County property taxes.
- Collects taxes for select cities, including Berkeley Lake, Grayson, and Peachtree Corners
- Processes applications for tax exemptions
- Grants property tax exemptions
- Assesses late fees for delinquent taxes
- Facilitates address changes
For individuals needing assistance from the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, there are six separate offices that residents can visit:
- Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-822-8000.
- Gwinnett County Tag Office – Lawrenceville, 750 S Perry St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-822-8818.
- Gwinnett County Tag Office – Norcross, 5030 Georgia Belle Ct #1013, Norcross, GA 30093, 770-822-8818.
- Gwinnett County Tag Office – North Gwinnett, 2735 Mall of Georgia Blvd, Buford, GA 30519, 770-822-8818.
- Gwinnett County Tag Office – Peachtree Corners, 6135 Peachtree Pkwy #201B, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, 770-822-8818.
- Gwinnett County Tag Office – Snellville, 2845 Lenora Church Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, 770-822-8818.
Office hours vary by location. All are open Monday through Friday, but have differing hours depending on the day. Prior to visiting, it is best to double check each office’s current hours of operation.
The Gwinnett County Tax Assessors’ Office
The Gwinnett County Tax Assessors’ Office reports to the Board of Tax Assessors and the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. Staff are responsible for handling the following duties:
- Identifies and appraises all taxable properties in Gwinnett County
- Oversees all property tax appeals
- Provides Annual Notices of Assessment
You can visit the Gwinnett County Tax Assessors’ Office in-person at the following address:
- Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center, 75 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-822-8000.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
What is particularly unique about property taxes in Gwinnett County is that residents of various places pay property taxes to their city rather than the county. The county is only responsible for collecting taxes from select cities.
Gwinnett County Property Tax Rate
Think that calculating your individual property tax rate is confusing? You’ll be pleased to learn that understanding the process for assessing and collecting is easier than you may have previously believed.
Determining your individual property taxes depends on several key variables. Below is a breakdown of those variables, and how to use them to calculate your Gwinnett County property taxes.
How are property taxes calculated in Gwinnett County, Georgia?
Each year, the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners votes on the county property tax rate (in mills) to use for calculating property taxes. In 2021, this rate remained unchanged from the previous year at 14.71 mills. Here, one mill equals a tax liability of $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value.
Gwinnett County property tax assessments are based on a relatively simple formula. After locating the fair market value of a home, it is used to determine the assessed value (which is 40 percent of the fair market value).
Below is the formula provided by the county for determining your individual property taxes:
Annual Property Tax = [(40% x Fair Market Value) – Exemptions] x Millage Rate
Annual Property Tax = [(.40 x Fair Market Value ) – Exemptions] x Millage Rate
Annual Property Tax = Assessed Value – Exemptions x Millage Rate
How much are property taxes in Gwinnett County?
Calculating what you’ll owe in property taxes is a matter of using the above formula with the correct figures for your individual situation. Although obtaining these figures can sometimes be challenging, they are needed for an accurate number that can be used for planning purposes.
It is also imperative to note that while the county sets their own millage rate, each unincorporated and incorporated town and city in Gwinnett County adds to this rate. Costs for schools, fire/EMS services, and recreation are added to create a town/city specific millage rate. Up-to-date millage rates for all towns and cities in Gwinnett County can be found on the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner website.
Gwinnett County Tax Resources
Online, there are a variety of helpful resources for Gwinnett County homeowners. In addition to the full listing of millage rates by town/city, you can search for your property by address to pull up your current property tax bill.
In addition to these useful tools, you can also pay your tax bill online after searching for your property by address. Waited too long to pay your property taxes, and now they are past due? You can conveniently resolve your delinquent property taxes online through the same portal as standard payments. Need to apply for an exemption? Get all of the details for every available property tax exemption in Gwinnett County without having to leave home.
Gwinnett County Property Tax Rates by City
Property tax rates (also known as millage rates) vary greatly depending on where you reside in Gwinnett County. Check out some of the highest and lowest millage rates throughout the county:
- Highest: Lilburn CID 01, 41.06
- Lowest: Loganville, 29.6
- Highest: Dacula, 40.506
- Lowest: Buford,14.35
- Lowest: Suwanee, 32.8
- Highest: Evermore CID (uninc), 41.06
Gwinnett County Property Tax Payments – Due Dates & How to Pay Your Tax Bill
Want the full rundown on how to pay your Gwinnett County property taxes? Learn everything you need to know as a new area homeowner.
For those who pay the county directly, Gwinnett County property tax bills for the current year are sent out in August. Homeowners are responsible for paying what they owe in full by October 15th.
One incredibly important difference between Gwinnett County and many other counties across the nation is that the county does not send property tax bills directly to mortgage companies. Typically, when an individual has an active mortgage on their home, property taxes are paid directly to the county by the mortgage company. Funds from a homeowner’s escrow account are used to cover the balance. However, those who owe property taxes to Gwinnett County are responsible for ensuring that their mortgage company has looked up and paid their current year property taxes.
Another highly important thing to note is that not everyone living in Gwinnett County will pay property taxes to the county. Instead, many residents pay the city in which they live. Cities that operate separately from the county set their own timelines for when bills are sent out, and when payment is due. For example, the City of Suwanee sends property tax notices in October, and requires payment by December 20th. Since every city is different, be sure to check the rules and deadlines for where you ultimately choose to reside.
What happens if you don’t pay your Gwinnett County property taxes on time? Each month, a penalty of 0.52% interest is added onto your total bill. If your balance remains unpaid after 120 days, a 5% penalty is added. An additional 5% is added for every 120 days that elapses.
If you cannot pay the balance in full by the deadline, the Tax Commissioner’s office accepts partial payments. While penalties and interest do accrue on the unpaid balance that remains after the payment deadline, making partial payments is ideal to avoid larger penalties. You can make payments online using your bank account, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or PayPal.
Prefer to pay in-person or by mail? You can mail a check or money order to Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner, Department of Property Tax, P.O. Box 372, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0372. You can also submit a check or money order at one of the drop boxes at any one of the five tag offices.
Gwinnett County Property Search/Tax Records
Property tax records in Gwinnett County are public. Because of this, homeowners can conveniently locate all details related to their property taxes online with the county’s property search tool. This tool allows individuals to see how much they owe, and to make payments online.
Gwinnett County Property Tax Exemptions
There are 12 total property tax exemptions available to Gwinnett County residents. Exemptions include the Regular Homestead Exemption, Value Offset Exemption, Senior Exemption, Disabled Veteran Exemption, and others.
Each exemption comes with a set list of criteria (e.g. income maximums) that must be met prior to approval. If you believe that you meet the criteria for one of the Gwinnett County property tax exemptions, be sure to verify online, and contact staff with the Tax Commissioner’s office with any questions that you have.
Gwinnett County Property Tax Appeals
After receiving your Gwinnett County property tax bill for the year, what should you do if you believe that there is an inaccuracy? You can file an appeal online or by mail with the Gwinnett County Tax Assessors’ Office. All appeals must be received no later than 45 days after the Annual Notice of Assessment date.
Gwinnett County Property Tax FAQ
When are property taxes due in Gwinnett County?
Homeowners are responsible for paying what they owe in full by October 15th. However, if you live in a place that requires property tax payment to the town/city, your due date will vary.
How do I pay my property taxes in Gwinnett County?
You can use the county’s property search tool to locate your property tax bill, and to make a payment online. When paying online, you can use your bank account, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or PayPal. In-person or by mail, you can submit a check or money order.
When are Gwinnett County tax bills mailed?
Gwinnett County property tax bills for the current year are sent out in the month of August. Ready to embark on your journey to homeownership in Gwinnett County? From start to finish, our team at Wirks Moving & Storage is here to help. We can handle everything needed — including packing, storage, transportation of your belongings, and unloading at your new home. Contact the best Gwinnett County movers today at 404-635-6683.
