Fulton County, Georgia – Fulton County has found a way to keep its property tax calendar moving, even though one of the key pieces needed for final billing is still unfinished.
A court order issued earlier this month means taxpayers will receive temporary bills on schedule, while local governments, schools and cities avoid a potentially serious interruption in the revenue they depend on to operate.
The Superior Court of Fulton County granted the county’s petition on Tuesday, August 4, allowing the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to issue temporary real and personal ad valorem property tax bills. The order also authorizes the Tax Commissioner and other taxing jurisdictions within Fulton County to collect those estimated amounts.
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Normally, annual property tax bills are prepared using two major components. The first is the value of properties across the county, compiled into the Tax Digest. The second is the millage rate adopted by Fulton County, the county’s two public school systems and several cities located within county boundaries.
This year, that process ran into an unusual delay.
The Fulton County Board of Assessors had not yet processed what officials described as an unprecedented number of land packages. Because of that backlog, the completed 2026 Tax Digest could not yet be submitted to the Georgia Department of Revenue for certification.
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Without certification, the Tax Commissioner would ordinarily have to wait before issuing and collecting regular property tax bills.
County leaders moved to prevent that delay from spreading into government operations. At its July 15 regular meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners authorized the County Attorney to seek a Temporary Collection Order from the court.
Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for Fulton County as well as its school systems and municipalities. According to the county, a prolonged inability to collect that revenue could affect its ability to pay employees and other bills, maintain essential public services and protect its credit rating. Other taxing jurisdictions could face similar financial pressure.
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Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram’s order gives officials a temporary solution. Bills can be calculated using 2025 millage rates from the applicable taxing authorities together with the portion of the 2026 Tax Digest that has already been assembled.
That keeps the existing billing schedule intact.
Estimated tax bills are expected to be issued August 15. For Fulton County properties, payment will be due October 15. Properties located within the City of Atlanta will have a September 30 due date.
The temporary bills are not necessarily the final word on what taxpayers ultimately owe.
Once the Board of Assessors finishes the Tax Digest, each taxing jurisdiction will establish its own millage rate through the normal process. Taxpayers will also have an opportunity to provide input as those rates are considered.
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After the final figures are available, accounts will be reconciled. If the estimated payment was too high, a refund may be issued. If additional taxes are owed, taxpayers may instead receive a revised final bill.
