Gwinnett assessments expected to be incomplete

LILBURN, Ga. — Gwinnett County homeowners should expect incomplete information on their property tax assessments.

The 2013 property tax assessment won't match your actual tax bill, county officials said.

"It's all going to be based upon where you live in the county," said county financial services director Maria Woods.

The county will mail the 2013 annual notices on Friday. They will include the market and assessed value of your home.

But it won't include the breakdown for taxes for the county's new service districts.

Following a lengthy legal battle between the county and its incorporated cities,
the county changed its entire tax structure.

For example, residents in Lilburn have their own police department. They will no longer be taxed for county law enforcement.

"The assessment notice does not have it on it at that point in time. It will be on your 2013 tax bill," Woods said.

Woods said state law requires the assessment be based on the previous year's millage rates.

Since the new tax districts didn't exist last year, it's impossible to factor that in.

Woods says residents in incorporated cities will likely pay slightly less in taxes this year, while county residents could see an increase.

The estimated average increase for county homeowners is about $40 for a $160,000 home. That could change once the millage rates are set.

This should not affect the appeals process. Property owners have 45 days to file appeals.

WSBTV