Property Tax Records for Lowndes County Residents
Lowndes County property tax records are maintained by two key offices in Valdosta. The Tax Commissioner handles billing and collects all tax payments. The Tax Assessor determines property values each year. Valdosta serves as the county seat. These offices work together to manage over 45,000 parcels. Property owners can search records online. They can also visit offices in person. Both options provide access to tax bills and assessments.
Lowndes County Tax Facts
Lowndes County Tax Commissioner Office
The Lowndes County Tax Commissioner collects all property taxes. This office mails tax bills each fall. They process payments year-round. The staff helps with questions about your bill. They can explain payment options too.
The Tax Commissioner office is at 327 N. Ashley Street. It sits in downtown Valdosta. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call them at (229) 671-2575. The county website at lowndescounty.com has more information.
| Office | Lowndes County Tax Commissioner |
|---|---|
| Address |
327 N. Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601 |
| Phone | (229) 671-2575 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| County Website | lowndescounty.com |
You can pay your taxes in several ways. Pay online through the county website. Use a credit card or e-check. A small fee applies to card payments. Pay by mail with a check or money order. Include your tax bill stub. Pay in person at the office. Bring cash, check, or card.
Tax bills go out each October. The due date is typically December 20. Late payments earn interest. The rate is set by state law. The Tax Commissioner can set up payment plans. Contact them if you need help. Do not ignore your tax bill.
The Tax Commissioner also handles mobile home taxes. They process timber tax payments. They manage tax sales for delinquent accounts. Properties with unpaid taxes may be sold at auction. Owners have rights to redeem. This means paying all taxes plus costs. Call the office to learn more.
Lowndes County Tax Assessor Office
The Tax Assessor sets values for all property in Lowndes County. They do not collect taxes. Their job is to find fair market value. Georgia law requires assessed value at 40 percent of market value. This applies to homes, land, and commercial property.
The Tax Assessor office is at 300 N. Patterson Street. This is near the Tax Commissioner office. Both are in Valdosta. The office is open weekdays. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (229) 671-2540 for questions. Staff can help with property records.
| Office | Lowndes County Tax Assessor |
|---|---|
| Address |
300 N. Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31601 |
| Phone | (229) 671-2540 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| County Website | lowndescounty.com |
Assessment notices go out each spring. They show your new assessed value. The notice lists an estimate of your tax bill. You have 45 days to appeal. The deadline is strict. Do not miss it.
The Assessor uses sales data to set values. They look at recent sales nearby. They check building permits. New construction gets added to the rolls. Renovations can change your value. The staff reviews properties on a cycle. Some get inspected each year.
You can talk to an appraiser about your property. Call to schedule a meeting. Bring sales data if you have it. Photos help too. Show any issues that affect value. The staff wants fair values. They will review your concerns.
Lowndes County Property Search Online
Lowndes County offers online property search tools. You can access them through the county website. The system is free. No account is needed. Search from home or work.
You can search by owner name. You can search by address. You can use the parcel number. Results show current ownership. They show assessed value. They show property details like size and type.
The online system has maps. You can see your property boundaries. You can check zoning. You can view neighboring parcels. This helps with land planning. It helps when buying property.
Data updates regularly. New sales get added. Assessment changes appear after approval. Payment status updates when taxes are paid. You get current information. Check back often for updates.
Mobile access works well. The site fits phone screens. You can search on the go. Tablet users have full function. Find records anywhere you have web access.
How to Appeal Your Lowndes County Assessment
Property owners can appeal their assessments. You must act within 45 days. The clock starts when your notice arrives. Mark the date on your calendar. Late appeals wait a full year.
Start with the Board of Tax Assessors. File a written appeal. State why you disagree. Give your opinion of value. Add supporting documents. Sales of similar homes help. An appraisal works well. Photos of problems add weight.
The Board reviews your appeal. An appraiser may contact you. They may schedule a meeting. Be ready to discuss your property. Show your evidence. Explain your view of value. The Board may change your assessment. They may keep it the same.
If you disagree with the Board, appeal further. The next step is the Board of Equalization. These are local citizens. They hear appeals each year. You can present your case to them. Bring all your evidence. Be clear and concise.
Other options exist. You can choose a hearing officer. This is a state-certified appraiser. You can pick binding arbitration. This moves faster than court. Each option has rules. Learn about them at dor.georgia.gov/county-property-tax-facts.
Good evidence wins appeals. Find recent sales near you. Homes should be similar. They should have sold recently. Note any differences. Adjust for them. Write a clear summary. The board needs to understand your case.
Lowndes County Property Tax Exemptions
Homestead exemptions lower your tax bill. You must own and live in the home. It must be your main residence. Apply by April 1. You only apply once. The exemption renews each year.
The standard state exemption takes $2,000 off your assessed value. Lowndes County offers more. Seniors may get extra savings. Disabled veterans qualify for special breaks. Some exemptions depend on income. Others depend on age or disability status.
To apply, visit the Tax Commissioner office. Bring proof of ownership. A deed works. Bring proof of residence. A driver's license with the home address helps. A utility bill works too. The staff will help you fill out forms.
Processing takes a few weeks. You will get a notice. Your next tax bill will show the savings. If you have questions, call the office. They can explain which exemptions fit you.
Special rules apply to some groups. Surviving spouses of fallen service members may qualify. People with certain disabilities may apply. Each group has its own forms. Ask the Tax Commissioner about your case.
Valdosta Property Tax Records
Valdosta is the largest city in Lowndes County. It is also the county seat. The city sits in south Georgia. It is known as the Azalea City. Valdosta State University calls it home. The city has a strong economy. Property values have grown steadily.
Valdosta property owners use the Lowndes County tax system. The same offices serve them. The same rules apply. City residents pay county taxes. Some also pay city taxes. Check your tax bill carefully.
Valdosta residents can visit downtown offices. Both the Tax Commissioner and Tax Assessor are nearby. Parking is available on the street. The area is easy to reach. Online services work for those who prefer them.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lowndes County. If you need property tax records for areas nearby, check these counties. Each has its own tax offices and processes.
Additional Resources
These websites provide more information about property taxes in Lowndes County and Georgia. Visit these official sources for forms, payment options, and detailed tax information.
Lowndes County Government - Main county website with tax information
Georgia Department of Revenue County Property Tax Facts - State tax information by county