When is the appeal deadline for DeKalb County?

You have 45 days from the date your Notice of Assessment was mailed (notices go out in June).

Can my property value increase on appeal?

Yes. Unlike Texas, the Board of Equalization in Georgia can increase your assessed value. Only appeal if you have strong comparable sales evidence.

What cities are in DeKalb County?

DeKalb County includes Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Tucker, and parts of Atlanta.

Guides/Georgia/DeKalb County

DeKalb County, Georgia

How to Appeal Property Taxes in DeKalb County (2026)

Q: Why does DeKalb County charge $217 to appeal?

DeKalb County charges a $217 filing fee for Board of Equalization appeals. This is significantly higher than most Georgia counties (Fulton County is free). This fee helps fund the BOE hearing process. Make sure your potential savings justify this cost.

Appeal Deadline

45 days after Notice of Assessment (notices mailed in June)

County Assessor Appeal Forms

Overview

DeKalb County, with approximately 280,000 parcels, covers much of metro Atlanta's east side including Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and parts of Atlanta. Like all Georgia counties, DeKalb assesses at 40% of fair market value with annual reassessments. One important difference: DeKalb charges a $217 filing fee for Board of Equalization appeals — significantly higher than most Georgia counties (Fulton County is free). Ensure your potential savings justify this cost before filing.

Step-by-Step Appeal Process

Receive your Notice of Assessment from the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department (mailed in June)

Review your assessed value (remember: assessed value = 40% of fair market value)

Determine if potential savings justify the $217 filing fee

File your appeal online via SmartFile at dekalbcountyga.gov or by mail using Form PT-311A within 45 days

Gather comparable sales evidence from your neighborhood

The Board of Assessors will review and may schedule a settlement conference

If unresolved, attend your Board of Equalization hearing — bring 3 copies of evidence

What Evidence Do You Need?

3-5 comparable sales within 1-2 miles, sold within the last 12 months

Photos showing property condition issues

Independent appraisal from a Georgia-licensed appraiser

Repair estimates for significant issues

Evidence that the county's fair market value opinion is too high

Common Reasons for Successful Appeals

Comparable sales show a lower fair market value than the county's assessment implies

Property condition issues not reflected in the assessment

Incorrect property details in county records

Neighborhood changes negatively affecting value

Market softening in specific DeKalb neighborhoods

Recent purchase price significantly lower than the county's market value opinion

Tips for Success

1Calculate whether potential savings justify the $217 filing fee — if your overassessment is small, it may not be worth appealing

2File via the SmartFile online portal for the fastest processing

3Remember that Georgia assessed value = 40% of fair market value

4Unlike Texas, your value CAN increase on appeal — only proceed with strong evidence

5Attend the BOE hearing in person to qualify for the 3-year value freeze under HB 581

6The mailing address for paper filings is 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030

Frequently Asked Questions

Check Your Assessment in DeKalb County

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines and procedures may change. Always verify current information with your county assessor.