Taxes

Sales Tax Rates

Barrow County has a 7% sales tax rate distributed as follows:

4% is allocated to the state.
1% is allocated to Barrow County's Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and divided between the County and its municipalities. 
1% is allocated to Barrow County's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) that was voter-approved for specific purposes. This is also divided between the County and its municipalities. 
1% is allocated to Barrow County's Board of Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) that was voter-approved, and is to be used for specific purposes. 

Statham Property Tax

Millage Rate History Summary

Tax Year 2026 Millage Rate - 6.262
Tax Year 2025 Millage Rate - 6.65
Tax Year 2024 Millage Rate - 6.76
Tax Year 2023 Millage Rate - 4.06
Tax Year 2022 Millage Rate - 4.003
Tax Year 2021 Millage Rate - 4.003
Tax Year 2020 Millage Rate - 4.003

What is a millage rate?

A millage rate is a tax rate that when multiplied against the assessed value of taxable property, it calculates the amount of property tax to be paid. It is a "numerical multiplier". The Millage Rate is established by the levying authority each year, which in Statham's case is the City Council.

When are tax returns filed?

Taxpayers are required to file at least an initial tax return for taxable property (both real and personal property) owned on January 1 of the tax year. In all Georgia Counties, the time for filing returns is January 1 through April 1. Returns are filed either with the Tax Commissioner or Tax Assessor. The tax return is a descriptive listing of the property owned by the taxpayer, which includes the taxpayer’s declaration of the value of the property. Once the initial tax return is filed, the law provides for an automatic renewal of that return each succeeding year at the value determined for the preceding year. The taxpayer is required to file a new return only as additional property is acquired or improvements are made to the existing property, or other changes that have occur. A new return may also be made by the taxpayer to declare a different value from the existing value where the taxpayer is dissatisfied with the current value placed on the property by the Board of Tax Assessors.

What is a Homestead Exemption?

Various homestead exemptions have been enacted to reduce the burden of ad valorem taxation for Georgia homeowners. The exemptions apply to property owned by the taxpayer and claimed as his or her legal residence.
Applications for Homestead Exemption may be filed by an applicant with the County Tax Commissioner at any time during the calendar year subsequent to the property becoming the primary residence of the applicant up to and including April 1 for which the exemption is sought. Applications received after this date may be applied to the next year’s tax bill. Once granted, the homestead exemption is automatically renewed each year, and the taxpayer does not need to apply again unless there is a change in ownership or the taxpayer seeks to qualify for a different exemption.

Types of exemptions:

• Standard
• Standard Elderly School Tax
• Standard Elderly General
• Senior Citizens
• Disabled Veterans
• Surviving Spouse of Member of Armed Forces Killed in Action
• Peace Officer or Firefighter
• Floating or Varying
• Freeport (enaction determined at local level)

How can I figure out how much I will pay in taxes this year?

Taxpayers can figure how much they owe in property taxes by taking the fair market value (FMV) of their property and multiplying it by 40% or 0.40 to get the assessed value (AV). Multiply the AV by the millage rate.

Example:
FMV of property: $250,000
AV of property: $100,000 or 40%
Millage Rate 0.006262 of 6.262 mills
Annual Property Tax Levy: $626.20

What are Statham Property Taxes Used For?

Property taxes collected inside the city limits of Statham are collected for a number of different reasons to be utilized in a number of different ways, for each City department, and for other civic organizations located in the City.

1. To support the administration of the City government.
2. To provide financial support to the Piedmont Regional Library System for their Statham branch.
3. To pay the salaries and benefits for City employees including police officers, public works staff, the mayor and council, city administrator, and city hall staff.
4. To pay contracted services including code enforcement, finance and accounting, building inspections and permits, and planning and zoning.
5. To pay municipal court expenses including fees to the state, and to Barrow County for usage of county jail.
6. To pay for professional fees including the city attorney and engineer.
7. To pay City debt and interest on bonds, loans and leases.
8. To pay for equipment upgrades utilized by public works, public safety and the police department including protective equipment (vests, firearms, tasers, body cams), and safety3 equipment such as shoring equipment, reflective vests, hardhats, harnesses
9. For the repair, maintenance and construction of city-owned streets, sidewalks, curbs and storm drainage systems.
10. To provide public health and sanitation.
11. To acquire, improve and maintain public buildings.
12. To provide for the upgrades, maintenance and improvements of public parks and recreation.

Five-Year Digest History

Barrow County Tax Exemption Information

Barrow County Tax Exempt Status Application

Barrow County Tax Assessor General Information click here.

Barrow County Tax Assessor FAQ click here.

For all other tax forms, click here.

Search Barrow County Property Records here.