Fitzgerald, GA: Is Your Property Tax Assessment Too High? (2026)
The median Fitzgerald homeowner pays $1,191/year in property taxes. That is 3.19% of median household income. See how Fitzgerald compares and check your savings potential.
Key Takeaways
Appeal deadline: 45 days from your assessment notice date - strictly enforced.Median home value: $99,000 in Fitzgerald.Median annual tax bill: $1,191.Tax burden: 3.19% of median household income in Fitzgerald.Potential savings: ~$121/year from a 10% reduction, or $363 over 3 years with the 299c freeze.Filed with: Ben Hill County Board of Assessors (not the city).No risk: Georgia law guarantees your assessment cannot increase from filing an appeal.
Fitzgerald is the Ben Hill County seat in south-central Georgia, with about 8,900 residents and home values averaging around $99,000. An assessment that's even modestly inflated at that price level can meaningfully change your annual tax bill.
Fitzgerald Appeal Quick Facts
Appeal Deadline: 45 days from the date of the assessment notice
Median Home Value: $99,000 (-12% below Ben Hill County median)
Estimated Annual Tax Bill: $1,191
Tax Burden: 3.19% of median household income
Is your Fitzgerald property tax assessment too high?
The median home in Fitzgerald is valued at $99,000, producing an estimated annual tax bill of $1,214 at Ben Hill County's 3.066% combined rate. That means the typical Fitzgerald homeowner spends 3.19% of household income on property taxes alone. Even though Fitzgerald home values fall below the Ben Hill County average, the tax burden here is significant relative to household income. A lower home value does not mean your assessment is automatically correct. Overassessments happen at every price point, and correcting one can meaningfully reduce your annual bill. At $99,000, Fitzgerald home values are 12% below the Ben Hill County median, 41% below Georgia's statewide median of $170,200, 68% below the national median of $318,000.
How does Fitzgerald compare to other Ben Hill County cities?
What evidence matters for Fitzgerald appeals?
In a mid-size city like Fitzgerald, you should be able to find 3-5 comparable sales within Ben Hill County. Look for homes that sold in the last 12 months with similar square footage, age, and condition. If local sales are limited, expand your search to neighboring areas within the county. For the full evidence strategy, exemption details, and step-by-step filing instructions, see our Ben Hill County Property Tax Guide.
How much can you save in Fitzgerald?
Based on a combined tax rate of 3.066%. Your actual rate may vary by tax district.
A 10% reduction on the median Fitzgerald home ($99,000 down by $9,900) would save approximately $121 per year, or $363 over three years with the 299c value freeze.
At 3.19% of household income, even a modest reduction in your assessed value makes a real difference in your annual budget.
File your appeal through Ben Hill County
Property tax appeals in Fitzgerald are filed with the Ben Hill County Board of Assessors. You have 45 days from the date of your assessment notice to submit a PT-311A form.
Ben Hill County Board of Assessors: 113 South Sheridan St., Fitzgerald, GA 31750 | 229-426-5147 For the full appeal process and deadline details, see our Ben Hill County Property Tax Guide.
Based on 2024 American Community Survey estimates and Ben Hill County millage rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Fitzgerald property tax too high?
The median annual property tax bill in Fitzgerald is $1,191. Using Ben Hill County's millage rate of 3.066%, the computed tax on the median home ($99,000) is approximately $1,214. If your assessed value is higher than what your home would actually sell for, you are overpaying.
Who do I contact to appeal my Fitzgerald property tax?
Appeals are filed with the Ben Hill County Board of Assessors, not at the city level. File a PT-311A form within 45 days of your assessment notice.
How much of my income goes to property taxes in Fitzgerald?
At the median, Fitzgerald homeowners pay 3.19% of their household income ($37,323/year) in property taxes. That is a significant burden -- a successful appeal directly increases your take-home.
How is my Fitzgerald property tax bill calculated?
Georgia taxes property at 40% of fair market value. For Fitzgerald's median home ($99,000), the assessed value is $39,600. Multiply by Ben Hill County's millage rate of 3.066% to get your annual bill. Many Fitzgerald homeowners find that assessed values have climbed faster than actual sale prices. Comparing your value to 3-5 recent sales of similar homes is the quickest way to spot an overassessment.
Is it worth appealing a small overvaluation in Fitzgerald?
Yes. Even a $122 per year overcharge (from a $10,000 overvaluation at Ben Hill County's 3.066% rate) adds up to $366 over three years with the 299c freeze. The appeal is free to file and there is no risk of your assessment increasing.
Can my property tax go up if I appeal?
No. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-311) protects you: the county cannot raise your assessed value above what they originally set just because you filed an appeal. The Board of Equalization only rules on the disputed value. Worst case, your appeal is denied and you keep your current assessment -- your taxes will not increase as a result of appealing.