24/09/2026
Property tax bills will be hitting the mail within the next few weeks. Here’s a few things you should know:
➡️ 2026 GOVERNOR'S HOMESTEAD TAX RELIEF GRANT
Homesteaded parcels will receive the Governor's Homestead Tax Relief Grant this year. The grant provides an $18,000 reduction in the assessed value of eligible homesteaded property. This reduction will be reflected on your 2026 property tax bill.
Please note: This is a one-time 2026 tax relief grant. It is not a permanent $18,000 homestead exemption, so you should not expect this same reduction to appear on future tax bills.
If your property taxes are paid through a mortgage escrow account, please be aware of this temporary reduction. If your mortgage company adjusts your escrow payment or attempts to refund excess escrow funds because of the lower 2026 tax bill, remember that these 2026 savings will not necessarily continue into future years. You may want to contact your mortgage company before making changes to your escrow account.
➡️ PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE INFORMED AND VOTE IN THE 2026 ELECTION
There are several significant property tax changes and savings affecting homeowners this year. Madison County voters will see a referendum on the ballot concerning an additional homestead exemption for school district taxes for homeowners age 70 and older.
If approved, the proposed exemption would provide a $75,000 reduction in assessed value for school district ad valorem taxes on qualifying homesteaded property, beginning with the applicable tax year following approval.
School taxes represent a substantial portion of your total tax bill, so this referendum is particularly important for eligible senior homeowners.
➡️ SENIOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Madison County offers two senior homestead exemptions for homeowners aged 65-70 or over 70 who own and occupy their home as their primary residence. These exemptions are for the homesteaded property where you live and have no income requirement. You must be of age by January 1st of the tax year to qualify.
➡️ GEORGIA’S FLOATING HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
The new statewide floating homestead exemption goes into effect January 1st, 2027. For qualifying homesteaded properties, increases in value will be limited under the state’s inflation-based formula, with the applicable annual inflationary index established by the State of Georgia. This provision is intended to provide homeowners with additional protection from increases in taxable value on their homesteaded property.
And lastly, the Tax Commissioner’s office has nothing to do with setting property values or millage rates. Our office is only responsible for billing and collection.
As always, if you have questions about your property tax bill, please contact our office at 706-795-6385.
