ATLANTA- The Georgia House of Representatives today unanimously passed House Bill 1139. Sponsored by State Representative James Mills (R- Gainesville), HB 1139 requires local governments to notify property owners of their annual property tax assessment, even if there is no assessed value change. It further requires that notifications include an option to appeal the assessment of the listed property value.
“This bill allows individuals to make an appeal of valuations for property tax purposes available to all property owners, even when home values do not increase,” said Representative Mills. “Currently, assessed value notices do not have to be sent out if home values stay the same. If they are not sent out, there is no right to appeal.”
HB 1139 will require each ad valorem property tax bill to contain a check box that, if marked, will serve as an official appeal of the real property value for the immediate following tax year. A space will also be included to allow the taxpayer to declare their assertion of the property’s value. If the taxpayer marks the appropriate box and provides a value, the tax commissioner will forward a copy to the appropriate county board of tax assessors and thus begin the appeal process.
“HB 1139 streamlines the property tax appeals process and ensures property owner rights,” added Representative Mills.
HB 1139 will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. A link to the bill can be found by clicking here.
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Representative James Mills represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Hall County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1992, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Banks & Banking Committee, and Secretary of the Rules Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees.