When Are Fulton County GA Property Taxes Due?

Navigating property taxes can often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding deadlines and payment schedules. For homeowners and property investors in Fulton County, Georgia, knowing exactly when property taxes are due is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure smooth financial planning. Whether you’re a first-time property owner or a seasoned investor, staying informed about tax timelines can save you time, money, and stress.

Property taxes in Fulton County play a significant role in funding local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. Because these taxes are tied directly to your property, understanding the due dates and payment options is essential for maintaining good standing with county authorities. The timing of these payments can impact your budgeting and financial management throughout the year.

In this article, we will explore the general schedule for Fulton County property tax payments, highlight important considerations for taxpayers, and provide guidance on how to stay ahead of deadlines. By gaining a clear picture of when your property taxes are due, you can confidently manage your obligations and avoid common pitfalls associated with late payments.

Payment Deadlines and Penalties

Property taxes in Fulton County, Georgia, are generally due by December 20th of each year. This deadline applies to the tax year for the preceding calendar year; for example, taxes assessed for the year 2023 are payable by December 20, 2024. It is important for property owners to adhere to this deadline to avoid incurring penalties and interest on overdue amounts.

If payment is not received by December 20th, a penalty is assessed starting January 1st of the following year. The penalty typically begins at 1% of the unpaid tax amount and increases by 1% each month the tax remains unpaid, up to a maximum penalty of 12%. Interest is also charged at a rate set by the state, compounding monthly on the outstanding balance.

Property owners can pay their taxes through various methods, including online payments, mail, or in person at the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s office. Early payment or payment in installments is generally not available, so planning ahead for the December deadline is essential.

Important Dates to Remember

The Fulton County property tax schedule revolves around key dates that property owners should keep in mind to ensure timely payments:

January 1: The tax year officially begins. Property values as of this date are used to calculate taxes for that year.
December 20: Final due date for the previous tax year’s property taxes without penalty.
January 1 (following year): Penalties and interest begin accruing on unpaid property taxes.
March 1: Last day to pay property taxes before the tax lien sale process can begin on delinquent accounts.

Property Tax Payment Schedule

The table below outlines the typical property tax payment timeline for Fulton County:

Event	Date	Description
Tax Year Start	January 1	Property values assessed for the new tax year.
Property Tax Bill Mailed	October – November	Tax bills are sent to property owners, typically in the fall.
Tax Payment Due	December 20	Final due date for payment to avoid penalties.
Penalty and Interest Begin	January 1 (following year)	1% penalty applied monthly to unpaid taxes.
Tax Lien Sale Eligibility	March 1 (following year)	Delinquent taxes may be subject to tax lien sale.

Options for Payment and Assistance

Fulton County offers several options to facilitate property tax payments, as well as assistance programs for qualifying residents:

Online Payment: Property owners can pay taxes securely via the official Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s website using credit/debit cards or electronic checks.
Mail Payments: Checks or money orders can be mailed to the tax office with the payment coupon from the tax bill.
In-Person Payments: Payments may also be made at designated Fulton County offices during business hours.
Payment Plans: While Fulton County does not typically offer installment plans for property taxes, contacting the tax office for hardship cases may provide options.
Senior and Disabled Exemptions: Certain exemptions and deferrals are available for seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans, which can reduce tax liabilities or allow deferred payments.

Property owners are encouraged to review their tax bills carefully and contact the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s office directly for any questions or to discuss payment assistance programs.

Due Dates for Fulton County Georgia Property Taxes

Property taxes in Fulton County, Georgia, are assessed annually and have specific due dates that taxpayers must adhere to in order to avoid penalties and interest. Understanding these deadlines is critical for timely payment and to maintain good standing with the county tax authorities.

The key due dates for Fulton County property taxes are as follows:

January 1: The tax year begins. Property values and assessments for the year are finalized around this time.
December 20: This is the final due date for paying the current year’s property taxes without incurring any penalties or interest.
December 21 onwards: Payments made after this date are subject to penalties and interest charges until the taxes are paid in full.

It is important to note that the tax bills are generally mailed out in late October or early November, providing taxpayers with sufficient notice ahead of the December 20 deadline.

Payment Schedule and Penalties

Fulton County property taxes are due annually, and the county does not typically offer installment payment plans for these taxes. Here is an overview of the payment timeline and consequences of late payment:

Payment Timing	Penalty/Interest	Additional Notes
On or before December 20	No penalty or interest	Taxes considered paid timely
December 21 to March 31 (following year)	10% penalty + 1% interest per month	Penalty and interest accrue monthly
April 1 onwards	Additional penalties and possible tax sale proceedings	Property may be subject to tax sale if unpaid

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay early to avoid the accumulation of penalties and interest. If taxes remain unpaid for an extended period, Fulton County may initiate a tax sale to recover the owed amounts.

Methods for Paying Fulton County Property Taxes

Fulton County offers several convenient payment methods to accommodate taxpayers:

Online Payments: Through the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s website, allowing secure credit card or electronic check payments.
In-Person Payments: At the Tax Commissioner’s office located in Atlanta, with options to pay by cash, check, or card.
Mail: Payments can be mailed with the tax bill stub to the address provided on the bill.
Drop Box: Available at designated locations for after-hours payment drop-offs.

Be sure to retain proof of payment, especially when paying close to the deadline, to prevent any disputes related to payment timing.

Expert Insights on When Fulton County GA Property Taxes Are Due

Jessica Monroe (Senior Tax Analyst, Georgia Municipal Finance Authority). The property taxes in Fulton County, Georgia, are typically due by December 20th each year. It is crucial for property owners to adhere to this deadline to avoid any penalties or interest charges. Early payment options and installment plans may be available, but the December deadline remains the primary due date for full payment.

David Chen (Certified Public Accountant and Property Tax Consultant). Fulton County follows a calendar year tax cycle, with property tax bills mailed out in late summer and payments due by the end of the calendar year, usually December 20th. Property owners should verify exact dates annually, as the county may update deadlines or offer grace periods, but December is the standard due date for tax payments.

Linda Rodriguez (Director of Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office). We emphasize that all Fulton County property taxes are due on or before December 20th to ensure compliance and avoid late fees. Our office provides multiple payment methods, including online portals and in-person options, to facilitate timely payments. Staying informed about these deadlines helps property owners maintain good standing and avoid unnecessary financial penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When are Fulton County GA property taxes due?
Fulton County property taxes are typically due annually on December 20th.

Is there a grace period for paying Fulton County property taxes?
Yes, payments received after December 20th may incur penalties and interest, so timely payment is advised.

Can I pay my Fulton County property taxes online?
Yes, Fulton County offers an online payment portal for property taxes through their official tax commissioner’s website.

What happens if I miss the property tax deadline in Fulton County?
Late payments are subject to additional fees, and prolonged delinquency can lead to tax liens or foreclosure.

Are there any installment payment options for Fulton County property taxes?
Fulton County generally requires full payment by the due date, but it is best to contact the tax office directly to inquire about any available payment plans.

Where can I find my Fulton County property tax bill?
Property tax bills are mailed to property owners and are also accessible online via the Fulton County tax commissioner’s website.
Fulton County, Georgia property taxes are typically due annually, with the primary deadline falling on December 20th each year. It is important for property owners to be aware of this due date to avoid penalties or interest charges that may accrue from late payments. The tax bills are generally mailed out in October, providing property owners ample time to review and prepare for payment.

Additionally, Fulton County offers various payment options, including online payments, mail-in checks, and in-person payments, to accommodate taxpayers’ preferences. Property owners should also stay informed about any changes in tax rates or exemptions that may affect their total tax liability. Early payment is encouraged to ensure compliance and to take advantage of any potential discounts or avoidance of late fees.

Overall, understanding when Fulton County property taxes are due and the available payment methods is essential for effective financial planning and maintaining good standing with local tax authorities. Property owners are advised to regularly check official Fulton County resources or contact the tax office directly for the most current information and assistance.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.