| Note: The purpose of this FAQ is to briefly
address basic tax-related questions and to encourage you to
reflect upon tax considerations if you live or work in Catoosa
County. We hope it will encourage you to contact your Tax
Commissioner for more detailed explanations and assistance . It
is not intended to be a comprehensive tax guide and the
information contained herein is not legally binding upon the
Government of Catoosa County, Georgia.
1. Where and when do I apply for Exemptions?
In the Tax Commissioners office between January 1 –March 1 for
a current tax year. The telephone number is 706-965-2571.
Applications that are received after March 1 will be held and
applied to the following tax year.
2. If I didn't receive a tax bill, do I have to pay the taxes?
Yes, all taxpayers are required to pay taxes on or before the
due date. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to assure that
a current and correct mailing address is given to the Tax
Assessor's office and the Tax Commissioner's office. If you do not
receive a tax bill, contact the Tax Commissioner's office
immediately. Phone 706-965-2571.
3. Do you accept partial payments?
No, partial payments are not accepted. Special resolutions are
required for this practice which are not in place in Catoosa
County.
4. Who do I talk to about appraised value?
The County Board of Tax Assessors places value on all property.
They are located at 798 Lafayette Street, Ringgold,
Georgia.
5. Who sets the tax rate?
The state portion of the taxes is set by statute and does not
change from year to year. The county governing authority sets the
county portion of the taxes, and the school board is responsible
for the school portion.
Both county and school taxes may vary from year to year as new
rates are set.
6. Why do I have to pay penalty and interest if I didn't receive a
tax statement?
Georgia law requires the Tax Commissioner to collect interest
and penalty on all taxes not paid by the due date.
7. When do taxes become delinquent?
The normal due date is October 20 – December 20. Therefore, the
delinquent date would be December 21. However, sometimes the
bills are delayed in going out. The delinquent date would be the
day after the due date stated on your bill.
8. How many years of delinquent taxes do you have to have
before a levy can be filed?
A levy can be filed at any time after the due date upon proper
notice to the taxpayer of such levy. (Failure to accept or receive
said notice does not alter the levy proceedings in any way.)
9. If a levy is filed, can you sell my home and property at a tax
sale?
Yes, after a levy has been issued and your property has been
advertised for four weeks it could be auctioned off to the highest
bidder at the courthouse doors.
10. Can you get a deed to property if you pay the taxes?
Paying taxes on property does not constitute ownership in any
manner. Georgia law allows taxes to be paid by persons other than
the owner(s).
11. Do I have to pay delinquent taxes if I didn't own the property
in the years that are delinquent?
Yes, the taxes follow the property and the tax liability must
be satisfied by the property owner, whether the taxes were
incurred prior to current ownership. Never purchase property
before having a title opinion from a reputable source. |