Property Taxes
Georgia Property Tax Appeal Evidence Checklist
Everything worth gathering before your appeal, organized into one practical checklist.
The difference between a persuasive appeal and one that goes nowhere usually comes down to preparation. Use this checklist to gather your evidence in one organized pass — print it, save it, or simply work through each section before your filing deadline.
Assessment Notice
- Your current Annual Notice of Assessment
- Prior year's notice for comparison
- Written record of your exact appeal deadline
County Property Record
- Printout of your county's online property record card
- Note of any square footage, bed/bath, or lot-size discrepancies
- Confirmation your homestead or other exemptions are correctly applied
Photographs
- Exterior photos from multiple angles
- Interior photos of kitchens, bathrooms, and main living areas
- Photos documenting any deferred maintenance or needed repairs
- Photos of any features the county may have overlooked
Repair Estimates & Condition Evidence
- Written contractor estimates for known repairs
- Home inspection report, if you have a recent one
- Documentation of any foundation, roof, HVAC, or system issues
Comparable Sales
- Recent sales of genuinely similar nearby properties
- Closing dates and sale prices for each comparable
- Notes on how each comparable differs from your property
Previous Appraisal
- Any appraisal completed within the last 1-2 years (purchase, refinance, etc.)
- Note the effective date — older appraisals carry less weight
Surveys & Plans
- Property survey, if available
- Building plans or permits for any additions/renovations
- Documentation of easements or unusable portions of the lot
Neighborhood & Location Factors
- Notes on traffic, noise, or nearby commercial influences
- Flood zone or drainage issues affecting value
- Any negative influences not reflected in county records
Timeline & Deadline Tracking
- Date notice was received
- Appeal filing deadline (45 days from notice date, typically)
- Date appeal was filed and confirmation received
- Hearing date once scheduled
How to Use This Checklist
Start with your Assessment Notice and Timeline sections immediately — the deadline is the one thing that can't be recovered once missed. Gather the remaining categories as you're able, and share everything with your appraiser or bring it directly to your hearing. You don't need every single item to build a credible appeal, but the more organized, verified evidence you have, the stronger your position.