Tax Commissioner FAQs

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Property Tax FAQs

When Are Property Taxes Due?

Property taxes are due on December 20 of each year.

When Will Late Fees Be Added?

After the due date, 1% interest is added each month. After 90 days, a one-time 10% penalty is also added.

What is a FI FA?

A FI FA is issued by the Tax Commissioner on the Execution Docket with the Clerk of Superior Court placing a tax lien against property when the taxes are past due. This action can adversely affect your credit for up to seven (7) years.

Do You Accept Payment Postmarked on or Before the Due Date?

Yes.

My mortgage company pays my property taxes through escrow but I received the tax bill. Shouldn’t this bill be mailed to my mortgage company?

No. The Tax Commissioners office does not know if you have a mortgage on your property, who the lienholder is, or if your taxes are to be paid through escrow. Mortgage companies contact us each year requesting the tax amounts for properties they are responsible for paying. It is recommended that you keep your tax bill for your records.

What do I need to do to check property taxes on behalf of a mortgage company or attorney’s office?

Due to our small staff and the number of phone calls we receive, as well as customers who come in to the office, we ask that you please fax or email the information to this office and we will return it to you in a timely manner. You can also come in to the office to check records.


Mobile Home Tax FAQs

When are mobile home taxes due?

Mobile home taxes are due on May 1 of each year.

When will late fees be added?

After the due date, a one-time 107o penalty is added. After 90 days, a 1% interest is added each month.

What is a FI FA?

A FI FA is issued by the Tax Commissioner on the Execution Docket with the Clerk of Superior Court placing a tax lien against a mobile home when the taxes are past due. This action can adversely affect your credit for up to seven (7) years.

Do you accept payment postmarked on or before the due date?

Yes.

What do I need to do to check mobile home taxes on behalf of a mortgage company or attorney’s office?

Due to our small staff and the number of phone calls we receive, as well as customers who come in to the office, we ask that you please fax or email the information to this office and we will return it to you in a timely manner. You can also come in to the office to check records.


Motor Vehicle Title Processing FAQs

How old does a vehicle have to be before a title is not required?

Year models 1986 and newer require a title. Vehicles 1985 and older can be transferred with a bill of sale from the current registered owner.

How much will it cost to transfer my title & purchase a plate?

Effective March 1, 2A13, you will be required to pay the Title Ad Valorem Tax, which is 6.5% of the vehicle’s current value, an $18.00 title processing fee, and a $20.00 tag fee. After January 1, 2014, the TAVT will increase to 6.757o. You can go online at http://www.newtitletax.com and enter the VIN number to calculate the amount due or bring all documentation to our office and we will calculate for you.

l’ve moved to Evans County from another state. What do I need to transfer my vehicle(s) to Georgia?

If you’re vehicle is financed, we will need your lien-holders name and address so we can request your title to be mailed to us so we can transfer it to a Georgia title and then return to your lien-holder. We will also need your out-of-state vehicle registration. If the vehicle has no liens, you will need to bring your title to our office for transfer. You will also need to have a Georgia driver’s license and proof of Georgia insurance.

I’ve bought a utility trailer. What do I need to register it?

If the trailer is less than 2000 lbs, shipping weight, it will not be titled. You would need to bring a bill of sale with the VIN number for transfer. If there is no serial number on the trailer, you will need to bring the trailer so we can verify the information and issue a serial plate. If the trailer is more than 2000 lbs. shipping weight, a title is required to transfer ownership. The new Title Ad Valorem Tax does not apply to utility trailers.


Vehicle Tags

How much is my tag renewal?

You will need to provide the tag number, VIN number, or the owners drivers license number for us to access the renewal information.

I thought I had until the end of my birthday month to renew my tag?

Vehicles registered in an individual’s name is due on or before their birthday. If your birthday falls on a weekend or holiday, you are allowed until the next business day to renew without a penalty being added. If the vehicle is registered in a business name you have until the last day of the renewal month to pay without a penalty.

I never received my renewal notice in the mail and now my tag is expired. Do I have to pay the late fee?

Yes, the renewal notice is mailed as a courtesy. Your expiration date is shown on your registration card and it is your responsibility. Also, you need to notify this office of any address change so we can ensure all correspondence is mailed to the correct address.

I’ve received a letter from the State of Georgia about not having insurance coverage on my vehicle but I no longer own this vehicle, the vehicle has been wrecked, or the vehicle has been junked. What do I do?

On the back of the letter is a form you will need to complete. Just follow the instructions and check the appropriate box, date, sign, and return to our office.

I’ve received a letter from the State of Georgia about not having insurance coverage on my vehicle, which is incorrect. What do I do?

You will need to contact your insurance company regarding this issue. The insurance companies notify the State of Georgia when there is a change in the status of insurance coverage on a vehicle. If there was an error, the insurance company would need to submit the correct information to the State.

Do I need to take my tag off the vehicle when I sell it?

Yes, the tag belongs to you and can be transferred if you purchase another vehicle. However, it is recommended that you contact our office with the tag number so we can temporarily cancel the plate until it is used again so you do not receive an insurance lapse letter from the State.