Electronic Insurance Verification is now required in the State of Georgia.  Georgia law requires that all drivers in the State carry minimum liability coverage on their vehicle.  Insurance companies are now required to electronically transmit your coverage to DOR....more....

Latest News . . . .

NEW TAX COMMISSIONER FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY
As Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner, Mitch Schrader was sworn in as the new Tax Commissioner on June 30, 2010 and will serve through December 31, 2010.  He will seek election for the office in the Special Called Election to fill the unexpired term.

Special Tag Fees Increase

On Wednesday, May 12, 2010, Governor Purdue signed into law House Bill 1055 which immediately goes into effect.  This law increases many state fees, including special and prestige license plate fees.  Except for military plates, fees are increasing from $25 to $35 and annual special tag fees will increase to $35.  Many of the special license plates currently on vehicles did not pay an additional special renewal fee.  Examples of plates types previously exempt from annual special tag fees are:  Wildlife Plates (aka Eagle Tags, Hummingbird and Bob White Quail) and Hobby Antique plates.  For each tag sold, the local governing authority will continue to receive only $1 to offset operation costs. 

For additional information, please do not hesitate to call the office.

Homeowners Tax Relief Grant Not Funded For 2009 or 2010!
Due to reduced state revenues, the state legislature was not able fund the “Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant” for 2009 which will result in an increase on your 2009 tax bill.  This grant only applied to homesteaded parcels and in most cases the saving was approximately $265.  Click here to view a brief movie about HTRG.
 
If your taxes are paid from an escrow account through your mortgage lender, you may want to notify them so the escrow payment amount can be adjusted accordingly.

NEW . . . TAX SALE PROPERTIES LISTING
A list of properties scheduled for Tax Sale is now available on-line.  Click here to see the list.
 

FILE FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION YEAR ROUND
A homeowner may file an application for homestead exemption for their home and land acquired prior to January 1 of the taxable year up to and including March 1 of the taxable year (SB393, Session 2003-2004).  Even though you can submit your application year round, the application deadline is still March 1 for the exemption to effect current year bills.

More Good News . . .
You can now renew your Clarke County Car Tag online.  Click here to see if you can renew online! As of January 1, 2006 the Clarke County Tag Office on Lexington Road, now issues handicap placards. Also, Georgia Sales Tax must be paid on all vehicles purchased outside the State of Georgia prior to registration of the vehicle.