Chattooga County property owners who disagree with their 2026 property assessment have only a few days remaining to file an appeal.

The deadline to appeal this year’s assessments is Monday, September 14.

The Chattooga County Board of Assessors is also reminding taxpayers who mailed their appeals to make sure those appeals have actually been received. Anyone who submitted an appeal by mail may want to call the Tax Assessor’s Office before Monday’s deadline and confirm that the office has received it.

Property owners received their annual assessment notices earlier this summer. Under Georgia law, taxpayers generally have 45 days from the mailing date of the assessment notice to challenge the assessment.

An appeal may be based on the value placed on the property, taxability of the property or whether the assessment is uniform compared with similar properties. The appeal concerns the property’s assessment — not simply dissatisfaction with the amount of the eventual property tax bill.

That distinction is important because an assessment notice is not a tax bill. The assessment establishes the value that will be used in calculating property taxes, while the final tax bill also depends on applicable exemptions and the millage rates adopted by the taxing authorities.

Property owners should review the fair market value, assessed value, exemptions and property information shown on their notice. Those who believe the county’s valuation does not accurately reflect their property’s fair market value have the right to appeal.

Appeals are filed with the Chattooga County Board of Tax Assessors. Once an appeal is received, the Board of Assessors reviews the valuation and notifies the taxpayer of its decision. If the taxpayer remains dissatisfied, the case can proceed through the appeal process, including consideration by the Chattooga County Board of Equalization.

Chattooga County recently held a public property tax class where Chief Appraiser Nancy Edgeman explained the assessment and appeal process. Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton discussed tax bills, exemptions and tax relief, while Sole Commissioner Andy Allen explained the county’s millage-rate process.

Anyone planning to challenge a 2026 assessment should not wait until after the deadline. Those who have already mailed an appeal are encouraged to call and verify that it has been received before Monday.

The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office is located at 120 Cox Street in Summerville and can be reached at 706-857-0737.

For 2026 Chattooga County property assessments, the date to remember is Monday, September 14.