Lower your DeKalb County property taxes
DeKalb's Property Appraisal Department values all real estate at 100% of fair market value and taxes 40% of it. DeKalb's rates are among the highest in metro Atlanta, so an overstated value costs more here. 30% of first-year savings, only if you save.
What a too-high value costs you
If your home is assessed at $364,000 but similar homes point to about $340,000, you're taxed on $24,000 too much. At a 1.76% rate that's about $422 a year. Our fee would be $127; you'd keep $296.
What gets missed in DeKalb
- The EHOST credit. Homesteaded owners get a large credit on county operating taxes. It lowers the bill but doesn't fix a value that's too high for school taxes.
- High total rates. Unincorporated DeKalb's 2026 total was 44.09 mills, and some cities are higher, so each extra dollar of value costs more.
- Condition. Dated interiors and deferred repairs aren't visible in county records.
- A past win, ignored. If your value was lowered on appeal, Georgia law generally keeps it from being raised for the next two years. Check that the lock was applied.
Insider tip: DeKalb takes appeals online through its property search portal or on form PT-311A. Arbitration costs $217 to file, so most homeowners start with the Board of Equalization.
Reviewed by the founder
Julien reviews every DeKalb case personally and tells you the value we’ll ask for before anything is filed.
Get my free reviewDeKalb County calendar
| January 1 | Valuation date |
| January 1 – April 1 | Property tax return filing period |
| Late May | Assessment notices mailed (May 29 in 2026) |
| 45 days after the notice date | Appeal deadline, printed on your notice |
| Summer – fall | Board of Equalization, hearing officer or arbitration hearings |
| After the digest is approved | Tax bills mailed |
Sources: DeKalb Property Appraisal — appeal process · DeKalb 2026 millage rates (Tax Commissioner) · DeKalb 2026 millage hearing presentation. Dates are checked each year; confirm with the county for your property.
Exemptions to check
DeKalb homesteads get the EHOST credit, which for 2026 covers 84.56% of the tax on county operations and hospital rates, plus more on police taxes in unincorporated areas. Seniors and disabled owners may qualify for added exemptions. We check your exemptions free at sign-up.
DeKalb questions
How do I appeal in DeKalb?
Online through the county's property search portal, or on the Real Property Appeal Form (PT-311A), within 45 days of your notice date.
Are there fees?
Appeals to the Board of Equalization are free. Arbitration has a $217 filing fee, and a Superior Court appeal has a $25 fee.
Do I pay my taxes while the appeal is open?
You get a temporary bill based on the lower of last year's value or 85% of the new value.