Dougherty County to mail 2026 property assessment notices this week

ALBANY. — Dougherty County will mail 2026 Notices of Assessment to property owners this week.

Residents should review the notices carefully and remember that a Notice of Assessment is not a property tax bill, officials noted.

The notice provides a property’s current fair market value, homestead-exemption information when applicable and the deadline to appeal. Actual property taxes will be determined later, after the appeal period ends, the tax digest is finalized and the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners adopts the millage rate.

Georgia’s Senate Bill 566 brought changes to this year’s notice, including a reminder of the 45-day appeal deadline, updated homestead-exemption information, an estimate of tax savings for qualifying exemptions and additional information to help explain the assessment.

Senate Bill 581 may help reduce increases in taxable value for homes that qualify for a homestead exemption. A home’s market value may increase while its taxable value may not increase by the same amount. Each qualifying owner’s circumstances may differ, and residents should review their notices carefully.

Property owners who believe their assessed values are incorrect have the right to appeal. Appeals must be filed within 45 days of the date the assessment notice is mailed. Each notice includes instructions explaining how and where to file an appeal and the options available during the appeal process.

Property owners should not wait until the deadline approaches. The Dougherty County Board of Tax Assessors is available to answer questions about property assessments and appeals.

The Board of Assessors determines fair market value, administers property assessments and handles assessment appeals. The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners adopts the county budget, sets the annual millage rate and determines the revenue needed to provide county services.

Residents may visit www.dougherty.ga.us for official information, forms, updates and online access to property records and the appeal-filing process. For assistance, property owners should contact the Dougherty County Board of Assessors at (229) 431-2130, fax (229) 446-2713 or email [email protected].