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1. Can I pay property taxes online by eCheck?

Yes, you can. However, please note: there is a $10,000.00-per-transaction limit. The merchant fee on EChecks is a flat fee of $5.00, which will save folks some money when they pay bigger tax bills.

2. Are there any additional costs if I don't pay my property tax bill by the due date?

Any principal balance that remains unpaid after the due date will accrue interest each month as prescribed by law. A 5% penalty will be assessed on any remaining principal balance 120 days after the due date and each 120 days thereafter not to exceed 20% for the tax year.

3. What is TAVT?

TAVT is the title tax due on vehicle purchased on or after March 1, 2013. This tax replaces the annual motor vehicle ad valorem tax and the sales tax that is collected by dealers on motor vehicle sales for new purchases. House Bill 386 was passed by the 2012 General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal eliminating what everyone so fondly referred to as the “Birthday Tax”. TAVT affects newly purchased vehicles and is due each time a titled vehicle is transferred to a new owner.

4. Will I still have to renew the registration every year?

Yes, you are still required to renew your vehicle’s registration each year on or before your birthday. All vehicle owners still have to pay a tag fee/registration.

5. Is the “birthday tax” going away?

No. If you keep your current vehicle(s) and do not purchase a new vehicle, you continue to pay the annual ad valorem tax on the vehicle(s) you currently own.

6. Does the title tax apply to new AND used cars?

Yes. The title tax applies to all titled vehicles, whether new or used.

7. When and where do I pay the title tax?

You pay the title tax when you transfer the title into your name. You apply for the title and pay the title tax in the county where you reside.

8. Will I have to pay the title tax all at once? Can I make payments?

Payment is due in full when you title the vehicle in your name.

9. What if I purchase the vehicle from a Georgia-registered dealer?

You pay the new title tax, and you may be able to add it to the amount financed through the dealer. You will no longer pay sales tax.

10. What if I purchase a vehicle from someone other than a dealer? Like from a friend or neighbor?

This purchase is called a “casual sale.” The title tax still applies and is paid by the purchaser when the vehicle is titled in the new owner’s name.

11. How much will the title tax be?

In 2017 the title tax is 7% of the fair market value. This percentage is based solely on the fair market value and not the sales price of the vehicle for casual sales, individuals to individual.