Dekalb County Property Appraiser: Records & Values

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Independent guide: OrangeCountyPropertyAppraiser.us is an independent informational resource. This page covers DeKalb County, Georgia. Georgia does not use the Florida county-office term “Property Appraiser” in the same way Florida does; in DeKalb County, the official valuation office is the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department / Board of Assessors. Use official government websites for live records, appeals, exemptions, tax bills, payments and recorded deeds.
DeKalb County, Georgia · Records · Values · Appraisal

Search DeKalb County Property Records, Read Values & Contact the Correct Office

Most people searching “DeKalb County Property Appraiser” are trying to find an official property record, check a value, file an appeal, confirm an exemption, pay a tax bill, or locate a deed. In DeKalb County, those jobs are split between the Property Appraisal Department, Tax Commissioner and Clerk of Superior Court.

Start with the official property appraisal search for assessment records. Use the Tax Commissioner for Homestead filing and property-tax payment. Use the Clerk’s Real Estate / Land Records system for deeds, liens, plats and recorded documents.

Official appraisal office: DeKalb County Property Appraisal Search by parcel ID, address or owner Georgia assessment ratio: 40% 2026 real-property appeal deadline was July 13 Last reviewed: September 1, 2026
Official Property Search Official Map Search Official Appraisal Office
Parcel · Address · Owner Fair market value 40% assessed Taxable value Appraisal → Appeal → Tax → Deed
Correct office DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department
Public search Real Estate Search, Personal Property Search, Advanced/Sales Search, Map Search
Appraisal office 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, GA 30030
Appraisal phone 404-371-0841

Start here: what are you trying to do?

Use the property appraisal system when the question is about the property record or value. Use the tax office when the question is about payment. Use the Clerk when the question is about recorded legal documents.

Find a record

Search the official appraisal database

Look up a parcel by parcel ID, address or owner name. Open the matching record and confirm the property before using any value, exemption or owner information.

Open official real estate search
Understand values

Fair market value × 40%

DeKalb County explains Georgia assessment as fair market value multiplied by a 40% assessment ratio before exemptions and millage are applied.

Read official value guidance
Pay or file

Use the right office

Tax payment and Homestead filing are handled through the Tax Commissioner. Deeds and real-estate recordings are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court.

See the office table
Search intent resolved: this article covers DeKalb County, Georgia. If you meant DeKalb County, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana or another state, use that county’s assessor or revenue office instead.

Which DeKalb County office do you need?

Property-tax work is divided. The Property Appraisal Department determines assessment values. The Tax Commissioner bills and collects taxes and handles Homestead filing. The Clerk records deeds and land records.

I need to… Correct official office What to do next
Search a property record DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department Use the official real estate search by parcel ID, address or owner name.
Check current or historical assessments Property Appraisal Department Open the record and review assessment notices, property characteristics and value sections.
Use maps or view surrounding parcels Property Appraisal map search / county GIS tools Use the map for research and orientation, not as a legal boundary survey.
File a value appeal Property Appraisal Department / Board of Assessors File online or by mail within the notice appeal period and save proof of filing.
Apply for Basic Homestead DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Use the official exemption page or application route and verify Jan. 1 ownership and residency rules.
Apply for special senior, disabled or veteran exemptions Tax Commissioner Confirm basic Homestead is already in place and gather income, age, disability or military documentation.
Pay a property-tax bill DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Search by parcel ID, address or owner name on the payment portal and verify the year and balance.
Find a deed, lien, plat or UCC filing DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Real Estate / Land Records Use the Clerk’s official records search, not the appraisal record, for recorded documents.
Question millage or tax rates Taxing authority such as county, school board, city or special district The appraisal office values property; taxing authorities set the rates used in the bill.

DeKalb County values: fair market value, assessed value and taxable value

Georgia’s property assessment math is different from Florida’s. DeKalb County explains the assessment calculation as Fair Market Value × 40% = Assessed Value. Exemptions then reduce taxable value when the property and owner qualify.

Fair market valueAnnual value estimate as of January 1
40% assessment ratioGeorgia assessment calculation
ExemptionsApplied when eligible
Taxable value × mill rateUsed to calculate tax
Term What it means in DeKalb County Common mistake
Fair market value The annual appraisal estimate used for ad valorem tax purposes. Georgia property is appraised annually at fair market value as of January 1. Treating it as a guaranteed sale price, Zillow estimate or lender appraisal.
Assessed value Georgia’s assessment calculation uses 40% of fair market value. Thinking the tax bill is based directly on 100% of market value.
Exemption A reduction available only when the owner and property meet the current Homestead or special-exemption rules. Assuming exemptions are automatic after buying a house.
Taxable value The remaining value used with the applicable millage after exemptions are applied. Confusing taxable value with current-year tax balance.
Millage / mill rate The rate used with taxable value to calculate property tax. Blaming the appraisal office for a rate set by a taxing authority.
Illustrative value stack

How a value record becomes a tax base

Fair Market Annual appraisal value $400,000 example Assessed 40% assessment ratio $160,000 example Taxable After exemptions Example only. A real bill can include multiple taxing authorities, exemptions and payment timing rules.
Why a buyer’s tax may change: a seller’s property-tax history may reflect exemptions, freezes or prior valuation history that does not apply the same way to a new buyer. Use the current appraisal record and Tax Commissioner bill record rather than copying the seller’s old tax amount.

DeKalb County maps and GIS: useful for research, not legal boundaries

The official appraisal portal includes a Map Search. Use it to locate parcels, review nearby property context and connect a map view with the property record. Do not use a web parcel map as a legal boundary survey, title report, easement determination or zoning approval.

Use maps for

Property research

  • Finding a parcel visually.
  • Checking nearby properties.
  • Reviewing general location context.
  • Supporting sales or assessment research.
  • Cross-checking a parcel ID against a location.
Do not use maps as

Legal proof

  • Boundary survey.
  • Title search.
  • Recorded plat substitute.
  • Easement opinion.
  • Zoning or building approval.
Open Official Map Search DeKalb GIS Department
Zoning distinction: an appraisal property class or land-use label is not the same as zoning permission. For zoning, building, subdivision or land-use approval, use the correct DeKalb County or city planning office.

Assessment notices and the 2026 DeKalb County value cycle

Georgia counties send annual assessment notices. The notice is not a tax bill. It tells the owner the current-year value and appeal rights. DeKalb 2026 real-property notices commonly show a May 29, 2026 notice date and a July 13, 2026 appeal deadline; always use the deadline printed on your own notice.

Jan. 1Ownership, residency, property condition and value date matter.
Apr. 1Georgia Homestead deadline for current-year benefit unless a county-specific notice rule applies.
May–JuneAssessment notices are typically mailed or posted.
45 daysAppeal period runs from the notice date under Georgia rules.
Aug.–Nov.Tax bills and installment payment deadlines move through the Tax Commissioner.
After appealTemporary billing can apply if the appeal is unresolved when bills are mailed.
Notice field What to check Why it matters
Parcel identification number Copy it exactly from the notice. Used for appeal filing, property search, tax bill search and deed research.
Notice date Identify the mailing/date shown on your notice. The appeal window is tied to the notice date.
Current-year value Compare it with market evidence and property facts. This is usually the value owners dispute if they file an appeal.
Exemption status Look for Homestead or special-exemption codes if expected. Missing exemptions can affect taxable value and tax bill results.
Appeal instructions Read online and mail filing options carefully. Portal problems do not automatically extend the legal filing period.
Do not pay the assessment notice: it is not a bill. Tax bills and payments are handled by the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner.

Homestead and property-tax exemptions in DeKalb County

In DeKalb County, Homestead and special exemption filing is handled through the Tax Commissioner. A basic Homestead exemption is for a homeowner’s legal residence when the owner occupies the property as the primary residence as of January 1 and meets the county’s residency requirements.

Basic Homestead

Not automatic

Applicants must file. A closing attorney or mortgage company does not file the Homestead exemption for the homeowner.

Jan. 1 rule

Own and occupy

The home must be the owner’s primary residence as of January 1, and residency items such as Georgia ID, vehicle registration and tax filing location can matter.

Special exemptions

Seniors, disabled residents and veterans

Special exemptions generally require an existing basic Homestead exemption and additional documents such as income, age, disability or service-connected disability proof.

  1. Open the official DeKalb Tax Commissioner exemptions page.
  2. Confirm that you owned and occupied the property as your legal residence on January 1.
  3. Check whether vehicles are registered to the residence when required.
  4. Prepare Georgia ID or driver’s license, parcel/property information and any special-exemption documents.
  5. Apply online during the current-year online filing window when available, or use the mail, in-person or drop-box method allowed by the office.
  6. Save the submission confirmation or proof of mailing/delivery.
  7. Later check the property record or Tax Commissioner property information page for the exemption code.
Official Exemption Information Basic Homestead Application Special Homestead Application Georgia Homestead Overview
Deadline note: Georgia’s general Homestead deadline is April 1 for current-year benefit. DeKalb’s online exemption pages and assessment-cycle notices can include special current-year timing, such as the 2026 July 13 special-exemption deadline. Always verify the deadline on the official Tax Commissioner page and your current notice before filing.

DeKalb County assessment appeals: filing, evidence and deadlines

If you disagree with the current-year value or believe an exemption was wrongly denied or removed, use the official appeal process. Georgia guidance says an appeal may be based on value, uniformity, taxability or exemption denial. DeKalb’s online appeal instructions say online failure does not extend the appeal filing period.

Online appeal

Uses access code

DeKalb’s online filing instructions require the access code found on the lower-right corner of the assessment notice.

Mail appeal

Letter or appeal form

A mail filing should include parcel ID, property address, daytime phone, supporting documentation and the chosen appeal avenue.

Appeal avenue

BOE, Hearing Officer or Arbitration

The official DeKalb and Georgia forms require the owner to choose the appeal method. Arbitration can involve a filing fee and appraisal expense.

How to file an appeal

  1. Read the assessment notice and copy the parcel identification number.
  2. Confirm the deadline printed on the notice.
  3. Review the property record for incorrect characteristics, wrong property class, exemption issues or unsupported value changes.
  4. Gather evidence before filing: comparable sales, condition photos, repair estimates, measurements, permits, closing documents or exemption proof.
  5. For online filing, search for the property, open the correct result and enter the required access code from the assessment notice.
  6. For mail filing, include parcel ID, property address, daytime phone, supporting documents and selected appeal avenue.
  7. Send mail to DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department, 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, GA 30030, or use the current official instructions.
  8. Save the confirmation number/page, postmark proof or delivery proof.
Issue Stronger evidence Weaker argument
Market value Comparable sales similar in location, size, age, condition and sale date. One online estimate or a neighbor’s comment.
Condition Dated photos, inspection details, contractor repair estimates or documentation. “The house needs work.”
Size or property facts Survey, floor plan, measurement, permit record or appraisal document. Unsupported verbal square-footage claim.
Exemption denial Application proof, residency evidence, ID, vehicle-registration address, income or disability documents. Assuming the exemption should appear automatically.
Official Online Appeal DeKalb Appeal Form PDF Georgia DOR Appeal FAQ
Deadline protection: researching, calling the office or trying the online portal does not replace a timely appeal. If the website fails near the deadline, use the official mail or hand-delivery instructions.

Property-tax bills and payments: use the DeKalb Tax Commissioner

The Property Appraisal Department values property. The Tax Commissioner’s Office uses those values to calculate and collect taxes. The tax office says DeKalb County 2026 property-tax bills were mailed in August 2026, with installment due dates of September 30 and November 16 for the 2026 bills.

Payment search

Search by parcel ID, address or owner name

The Tax Commissioner payment information page directs users to look up property by parcel ID, address or owner name to view tax information and make a secure online payment.

Payment methods

Online, phone, mail, drop box or in person

The tax office lists online payments, 24/7 pay-by-phone at 678-501-7995, mail, drop box and in-person office options. E-check has no transaction fee; card payments have processing fees.

  1. Open the official DeKalb Tax Commissioner payment page.
  2. Select the payment portal.
  3. Search by parcel ID, property address or owner name.
  4. Verify the correct property, tax year, bill status and balance.
  5. Review installment amount, due date, late penalty and payment method fees.
  6. Use e-check, card, phone, mail, drop box or in-person payment only after confirming the record.
  7. Save the confirmation page and confirmation number.
  8. Contact the Tax Commissioner before placing a stop payment if a mailed payment does not appear online.
Official Payment Information Payment Portal Tax Bill Information
Temporary bill during appeal: if an appeal is unresolved when tax bills are mailed, DeKalb tax guidance explains that a temporary tax bill can be issued. Watch payment deadlines even while an appeal is pending.

Deeds, liens, mortgages and land records

The appraisal record is not a title report. DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court handles real estate and land records. The Clerk’s Real Estate Division records and indexes deeds, plats, condominium floor plans, UCC filings, lien filings, military discharges and other real estate documents.

Official records

Use Landmark Web

The DeKalb official records search supports search routes such as name, document, book/page, parcel ID, filing date, clerk file number and legal search.

Filing rule

Real-estate eRecording

The Clerk states that, effective January 1, 2025, HB 1292 requires eRecording for all real estate documents. Verify the current Clerk instructions before attempting to file.

  1. Search the appraisal record first and save the parcel ID, address and legal description.
  2. Open the DeKalb Clerk Landmark Web official records search.
  3. Search by party name, document type, book/page, parcel ID, filing date, instrument number or legal description where available.
  4. Open the likely document and compare the names, legal description, recording date and parcel reference.
  5. Use the Clerk’s copy or eCertification process when an official or certified copy is needed.
  6. Do not rely on the appraisal owner field as title insurance, lien proof or legal ownership advice.
Official Records Search Clerk Real Estate Division Contact Real Estate / Land Records
Property record ≠ title: if ownership appears wrong, verify the latest recorded deed first. Do not file a new deed merely because one assessment display has not updated.

DeKalb County assessment calculator and task router

This simple tool explains Georgia assessment math. It does not replace the official appraisal record, exemption review, tax bill, final millage, special districts, penalties or payment portal.

Estimate assessed value and one millage component

$400,000 fair market value × 40% = $160,000 assessed value. At 10 mills with no entered exemption, one component estimates $1,600.

Problem router

Select the issue. This does not file anything; it routes you to the likely starting office.

Choose a task to see the correct office.

DeKalb County office information

Appraisal records

Property Appraisal Department

Chief Appraiser: Calvin C. Hicks, Jr.

Address:
325 Swanton Way
Decatur, GA 30030

Phone: 404-371-0841

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Residential help desk: 404-371-2471

Commercial help desk: 404-371-2485

Tax bills & Homestead

Tax Commissioner

Tax Commissioner: Nicole M. Golden

Central office:
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30032

Phone: 404-298-4000

Pay by phone: 678-501-7995

Property Tax Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Deeds & land records

Clerk Real Estate Division

Address:
556 North McDonough Street
Ground Floor
Decatur, GA 30030

Real Estate phone: 404-687-3812

General Clerk phone: 404-371-2836

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Common DeKalb County property-record issues

Address search does not find the property

Try the parcel ID if you have it. Otherwise simplify the street name, remove uncertain unit details, check spelling and compare likely results by owner display, legal description and map location.

Owner search shows several possible records

Do not rely on the owner name alone. Verify the parcel ID, physical property address, tax year, legal description and map before using the record for a value, tax or deed task.

The owner changed but the appraisal record still looks old

Check the Clerk’s official records search for the latest recorded deed. Assessment ownership display can lag behind recorded-document activity.

My tax bill is high, but I am not sure what to challenge

Separate the issue first. Value or property data goes to Property Appraisal. Homestead or exemption filing goes to the Tax Commissioner. Tax rate concerns go to the taxing authority. Payment balance goes to the Tax Commissioner.

The parcel map looks wrong

Use the map as a research aid. For legal boundaries, encroachments, easements or survey disputes, use recorded plats, a licensed surveyor, title professional or attorney.

I filed an appeal; do I still need to watch tax due dates?

Yes. DeKalb tax guidance explains that temporary billing can apply when an appeal is unresolved. Follow current Tax Commissioner payment instructions and do not assume an appeal eliminates payment deadlines.

Official resources and verification

Use these official sources for live property records, current forms, deadlines, payments and recorded documents. Recheck fast-changing details before filing, paying or relying on an amount.

Internal: Orange County Property Appraiser Search 2026 Related internal guide; useful for understanding why Georgia appraisal terminology differs from Florida Property Appraiser terminology. Official DeKalb County Property Appraisal Official county appraisal department page for values, appeals, office contact and assessment information. Official Real Estate Property Search Search property records by parcel ID, address or owner name after accepting the official disclaimer. Official Advanced / Sales Search Use for deeper property and sales research where available in the appraisal portal. Official Map Search Map-based parcel research and surrounding-property review. Official Online Appeal Online appeal information, access-code requirement and deadline warnings. Official Homestead & Exemptions Basic Homestead, special exemptions, eligibility, filing methods and exemption status guidance. Official Payment Information Payment portal, phone payment, e-check, card fees, due dates, confirmation and troubleshooting. Official Tax Bill Information Tax bill mailing, due dates, millage information, escrow notes and temporary billing guidance. Clerk Real Estate / Land Records Official deed, plat, lien, UCC, copy and eRecording information. Official Records Search Search recorded documents by name, document, book/page, parcel ID, filing date, instrument number or legal description. Georgia DOR Property Tax FAQ Statewide assessment, appeal and tax-collection guidance.

Last reviewed: September 1, 2026. Office responsibilities are stable, but deadlines, fees, payment portals, exemption windows, tax rates, forms, addresses and office hours can change. Verify official sources before filing or paying.

DeKalb County Property Appraiser FAQs

1. Is there a DeKalb County Property Appraiser?

“Property Appraiser” is a common search phrase, but in DeKalb County, Georgia the official valuation office is the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department / Board of Assessors.

2. What is the official DeKalb County property search?

The official property appraisal search is hosted at propertyappraisal.dekalbcountyga.gov. It includes Real Estate Search, Personal Property Search, Advanced/Sales Search and Map Search.

3. Can I search DeKalb County property records by address or owner?

Yes. The official search supports basic property search by parcel ID, address or owner name. Owner-name results should be verified by parcel ID and property address before relying on them.

4. What is the Georgia assessment ratio in DeKalb County?

DeKalb County explains assessment as Fair Market Value multiplied by 40%. Exemptions are then subtracted when the property and owner qualify.

5. Is an assessment notice the same as a tax bill?

No. The assessment notice shows value and appeal rights. Property-tax bills and payments are handled later by the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner.

6. How do I appeal a DeKalb County property value?

Use the official DeKalb online appeal system or file by mail using the county’s instructions. Include the parcel ID, property address, daytime phone, supporting documentation and selected appeal avenue. Keep proof of timely filing.

7. What was the DeKalb County 2026 real-property appeal deadline?

DeKalb 2026 real-property assessment notices and tax office information showed July 13, 2026 as the real-property appeal deadline. Always use the deadline printed on the current official notice for the property.

8. Where do I apply for Homestead in DeKalb County?

Use the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Homestead and exemption resources. Basic Homestead is not automatic, and applicants must meet ownership and legal-residence requirements as of January 1.

9. Where do I pay DeKalb County property taxes?

Pay property taxes through the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner, not the Property Appraisal Department. The tax office payment portal allows property lookup by parcel ID, address or owner name.

10. Where do I find DeKalb County deeds, liens or plats?

Use the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Real Estate / Land Records system and Landmark Web official records search. An appraisal record is not a deed search, lien search, title report or legal boundary survey.

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