Calculator guide
How to estimate property tax appeal savings.
A lower fair market value does not always reduce taxes dollar-for-dollar. The impact depends on assessment ratio, exemptions, taxable value, and millage rate.
The basic Georgia-style math
In many Georgia residential cases, the county starts with fair market value, taxes 40% as assessed value, subtracts exemptions, then applies millage rates to taxable value.
Example: If fair market value drops by $50,000, the 40% assessed value drops by $20,000. At 23.836 mills, that is roughly $477 per year before any other changes.
Why exemptions matter
Homestead, senior, disabled veteran, and surviving spouse exemptions reduce taxable value. But an inflated fair market value can still matter because the exemption is applied after the assessed value is calculated.
What Appeal Watch simulates
- Current fair market value
- Requested appeal value
- 40% assessed value
- Exemption amount
- Taxable value before and after appeal
- Estimated annual savings using current millage