(Lawrenceville, Ga., April 7, 2017) –The Gwinnett County Board of Assessors mailed approximately 277,000 annual notices of assessment to residential and commercial property owners today. Notices are mailed in accordance with state law to notify property owners regarding the current year value assessed on taxable property and provide a reason for any change in the value. The current year value identified on the notice is the value that will be used by the Tax Commissioner in the calculation of property taxes later in the year.

While it is required that the annual notice of assessment includes an estimate of taxes, the notice is not a tax bill. This estimate of taxes is created by combining the 2017 value with the 2016 millage rates, as 2017 millage rates will not be determined by the County, Board of Education and each city until later in the year. The estimates also do not take into account pending changes to exemptions.

Approximately 60 percent of all properties will see a change in value from the previous year due to market changes in property values. Overall, the typical increase is less than in 2016, reflecting a market where values continue to increase, but at a slowing rate.

Chief Appraiser Stewart Oliver says the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor’s Office is in compliance with all state laws that regulate valuation methods, how taxpayers are notified, as well as the appeals process. Recent changes to how county assessment offices are audited by the state contribute to a significant number of value adjustments each year. However, the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor’s Office uses all data available to conservatively value each property while remaining compliant with state value requirements.

Oliver says his office is prepared to provide exceptional service to taxpayers and has included answers to frequently asked questions on the back of the annual notice of assessment to better serve property owners. The Board of Assessor’s website has also been updated, making it simpler for property owners to find answers to frequently asked questions, view and print copies of their annual notice of assessment, research market values, and file an appeal if needed.

Taxpayers are reminded that the estimated amount of taxes cannot be appealed. According to state law, only the current year value can be appealed. Therefore, it is recommended that property owners review the notice to determine if the current year value is an accurate reflection of their property’s value. Property value information can be researched at the www.gwinnett-assessor.com website or other online sources. Property owners have 45 days from the date on their annual notice of assessment to file an appeal in writing. It is recommended that appeals be filed online at www.gwinnett-assessor.com. Property owners may also contact the Tax Assessor’s Office by email at taxpayer.services@gwinnettcounty.com or by telephone at 770-822-7200 for assistance.