Contributed by Jones County Chief Appraiser Lori Buchanan
What every Jones County property owner should know
Recently, many Jones County property owners received assessment notices reflecting changes in property values. We understand these notices can raise questions and concerns. Our goal is not to increase taxes—it is to ensure every property is assessed fairly, accurately, and equitably as required by Georgia law. We are committed to being transparent, answering your questions, and correcting any errors that may exist.
Why was a countywide revaluation necessary?
Real estate markets change over time as homes are bought and sold, neighborhoods develop, improvements are made, and market conditions shift. Because of these changes, Georgia law requires county boards of tax assessors to periodically review and update property values so they continue to reflect fair market value.
The countywide revaluation was legally necessary to bring Jones County back into compliance with Georgia Department of Revenue assessment standards.
For several consecutive years, Jones County’s annual Sales Ratio Studies indicated that property assessments were below the acceptable range established by the Georgia Department of Revenue, meaning many properties were underassessed in relation to their fair market value. In addition, a 2024 state audit found that property assessments were not being maintained with the level of uniformity required by Georgia law.
In January 2025, a new Board of Assessors was appointed with the responsibility of restoring compliance with Georgia Department of Revenue standards and rebuilding public confidence in the assessment process. One of the Board’s highest priorities was addressing the long-standing assessment deficiencies identified by the state and ensuring property assessments were accurate, fair, and uniform. In May 2026, a new Chief Appraiser was hired to continue those efforts and help lead the office through the countywide revaluation process.
Under Georgia law, county Boards of Tax Assessors are responsible for maintaining property assessments that are uniform, equitable, and reflective of fair market value. When a county consistently falls outside acceptable assessment standards, it has a legal obligation to take corrective action to restore compliance.
Failure to address these deficiencies could subject the county to corrective actions by the Georgia Department of Revenue, including increased state oversight, compliance measures, and other remedies authorized by law. Inaccurate assessments may also affect the county’s allocation of public utility property values, potentially resulting in the loss of revenue that supports local government and public schools.
To complete this work, the Jones County Board of Tax Assessors contracted with Technical Appraisal Services (TAS), an independent Georgia appraisal firm specializing in mass appraisal services. TAS analyzed thousands of recent property sales, neighborhood trends, construction costs, property characteristics, and other market data to estimate the fair market value of every parcel in Jones County.
A revaluation does NOT mean every property increased A countywide revaluation does not mean every property value increased. During the revaluation, some property values increased, some decreased, and others remained relatively unchanged depending on current market conditions. The purpose of the revaluation was not to increase property values—it was to correct assessments so they accurately reflected today’s real estate market and complied with Georgia law.
How does the Georgia Department of Revenue measure compliance?
Each year, the Georgia Department of Revenue conducts a Sales Ratio Study comparing assessed values with actual property sales throughout the county. Georgia law requires property to be assessed at 40% of fair market value, and counties are expected to maintain assessment ratios within the Department’s acceptable standards while also demonstrating uniformity and equity among similar properties.
Will my taxes automatically increase?
Not necessarily. Property taxes are determined by your property’s fair market value, Georgia’s 40% assessment ratio, applicable exemptions, and millage rates adopted by the County Commissioners, Board of Education, municipalities, and other taxing authorities. The Board of Tax Assessors does not set tax rates or determine how much tax revenue is collected.
Know Your Right to Appeal
The last day to file an appeal is Aug. 13.
Appeals may be hand-delivered to the Jones County Board of Tax Assessors Office or mailed. Appeals sent by mail must be postmarked on or before August 13 to be considered timely filed.
If you believe your property has not been fairly assessed, we encourage you to contact our office. Appeals may be based on Fair Market Value, Uniformity, Taxability, or Denial of Exemption.
We’re here to help
The employees of the Jones County Board of Tax Assessors live and work in this community. We understand receiving an assessment notice can be stressful, and we are here to help— not to work against you. If your assessment is accurate, we will gladly explain how it was determined. If we discover an error, we will correct it. Our mission is to ensure every taxpayer is treated fairly, consistently, and with respect. Visit www.jonescountygataxassessor. comfor information about assessments, exemptions, forms, appeal procedures, office hours, and links to additional taxpayer resources.
Our office understands that changes in property values can be concerning. Our door is always open. We want every taxpayer to understand their assessment, know their rights, and have confidence that we are committed to fairness, transparency, and serving the citizens of Jones County with integrity.
