Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do I get for $79?

You receive a complete appeal packet with a ready-to-sign appeal form, 2 to 5 comparable properties with detailed explanations, a presentation-ready summary & script, a map of your comps, and step-by-step instructions for filing your appeal.

What is your money-back guarantee?

If you submit an appeal using our Essentials DIY Kit packet and your county does not reduce your assessed value, we will refund 100% of your $79 fee. Simply email your decision letter or denial notice within 1 year of purchase.

How much does AppealAlly cost?

Our Essentials DIY Kit is a flat fee of $79 with no hidden fees. We also offer a Full-Service Appeal where you pay 30% of your first-year tax savings only if we successfully reduce your taxes. No upfront cost.

How much does it cost to appeal property taxes in Georgia?

Filing the PT-311A with your County Board of Tax Assessors is free. There is no filing fee at the Board of Equalization stage, and only a $25 fee if a case is later certified to Superior Court. What costs money is preparing the evidence packet that wins the appeal. AppealAlly offers two pricing tiers: DIY Essentials at $79 flat (you get the comparable-sales packet and filing guide, then file the PT-311A yourself) or Full-Service Appeal at 30% of first-year savings only if we win, with a money-back guarantee on your first try.

Is the $79 DIY appeal kit worth it?

Yes. The typical homeowner saves an estimated $699/year after a successful appeal, which means the $79 kit pays for itself more than eight times over in year one alone. With Georgia's 3-year assessment freeze, your total savings can reach $2,097. AppealAlly maintains an 82% win rate, and the kit comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if your county doesn't reduce your value.

Should I choose DIY or Full-Service for my property tax appeal?

It depends on how hands-on you want to be. The DIY Kit ($79) is best for homeowners comfortable filing their own appeal. You get the same evidence quality and file it yourself. The Full-Service Appeal ($0 upfront, 30% of savings) is ideal if you want a completely hands-off experience. We handle filing, deadlines, and hearing attendance. Both are built on the same comparable-sales analysis, so your case is just as strong either way. See how the full process works.

What if my Full-Service appeal doesn't save enough to justify the 30% fee?

You only pay if we reduce your taxes. If your savings are minimal, your fee is proportionally small. For example, a $200 annual reduction means you pay just $60 in year one and keep 100% of the savings in years two and three. If we don't reduce your taxes at all, you pay nothing. See our money-back guarantee details.

Are there any hidden fees with AppealAlly?

No surprise fees. The DIY Kit is a flat $79, all-in. Full-Service is 30% of first-year tax savings with $0 upfront. The only additional charge is a $25 fee when your appeal secures the Georgia 3-year assessment freeze. All fees are disclosed before checkout. No subscriptions, no renewal fees, no surprise invoices.

What if I do not win my appeal?

For the DIY Appeal Kit ($79), you get a 100% refund if your county does not reduce your assessed value. For Full-Service Appeal, our fee is contingent: if we do not win you a reduction, you owe nothing. There is no scenario where you pay for an appeal that does not save you money.

When am I billed for Full-Service?

You pay $0 upfront. We hold a card on file via Stripe SetupIntent so we can charge our 30% fee only after your county officially reduces your assessment and the savings are calculated from the county's tax bill. If we do not win, no charge is ever made. You typically see the bill 6 to 16 weeks after we file, depending on how quickly your county processes the appeal.

How is the 30% fee calculated?

The fee is 30% of one year of estimated savings. We project the savings by multiplying your assessed value reduction by an estimated tax rate for your area. Example: if we project a $699 annual reduction, our fee is roughly $210. You keep 70% of year-one savings and 100% of years two and three when the Georgia 3-year freeze applies.

Is the DIY kit really enough to win?

Yes, for hands-on homeowners. The kit includes the same 2 to 5 comparable sales analysis, evidence grid, and pre-written appeal arguments that our Full-Service team uses. The Board of Equalization weighs evidence quality, not who submitted it. The difference is that you handle the filing yourself (printing, mailing the PT-311A, attending the hearing if needed). If your county does not reduce your value, you get a 100% refund.

Can I switch from DIY to Full-Service later?

Yes, as long as your appeal deadline has not passed. If you start with the DIY kit and decide you want hands-off support, contact us and we will credit the $79 toward Full-Service onboarding. The deadline to switch is whichever comes first: your county's 45-day appeal window from the Notice of Assessment, or 7 days before your scheduled Board of Equalization hearing.

Does AppealAlly cost less than a tax attorney?

For most residential appeals, yes. Tax attorneys typically charge 25% to 50% of first-year savings and often require an upfront retainer. AppealAlly Full-Service is a flat 30% with $0 upfront and a contingent fee structure. Attorneys add value for commercial property, multi-parcel disputes, or Superior Court appeals; for residential homeowners at the Board of Equalization stage, AppealAlly offers comparable evidence quality at a transparent price.

How long until I'm ready to file?

Creating your appeal packet online takes about 3 minutes. If you choose DIY, filing with your county takes another 5 to 10 minutes (printing, mailing the PT-311A, or submitting via your county's online portal). With Full-Service, we handle the filing for you.

What happens after I file my appeal?

After you file your appeal, your local appraisal district or assessor's office reviews your evidence. Many cases settle at this stage with a reduced value. If unresolved, your case typically goes to a local review board hearing. In Georgia, this is the Board of Equalization (BOE); in Texas, it's the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Check your notice for your state's specific process and deadlines.

What happens if my county rejects my appeal?

If the Board of Assessors keeps your value, your appeal automatically advances to the county Board of Equalization for a hearing, at no additional cost. The Board of Equalization is a three-member panel of citizens who review your evidence independently. You can also elect a hearing officer (homes over $750,000) or binding arbitration in some counties. Across 20,229 Gwinnett County appeals from the 2025 tax year, 82.2% of appeals that reached a decision reduced the homeowner's assessed value, with a median reduction of $15,600 (source: Gwinnett County Board of Assessors FOIA release). Your assessment cannot be raised as a result of filing an appeal.

How soon will I receive a decision?

Most assessor offices respond within weeks to a few months. If your case goes to a hearing, decisions typically happen immediately during or just after the hearing. Exact timelines may vary by state and county.

How long does a Georgia property tax appeal take?

Most Georgia appeals resolve in 6 to 16 weeks from filing. The Board of Tax Assessors has up to 180 days to review, and if they keep your value, your case automatically moves to the Board of Equalization with a hearing typically scheduled 60 to 120 days after that. If the assessor offers a partial reduction you accept, the case can close in under 30 days. You may receive a temporary tax bill (calculated at 85% of the new value or 100% of last year's value, whichever is lower) while the appeal is pending. Pay it on time to avoid penalties; any overpayment is refunded with interest after resolution.

What is the Board of Equalization versus arbitration?

If your county does not reduce your value at the Board of Assessors stage, you can choose how to continue. The Board of Equalization (BOE) is the default: a three-member panel of local citizens hears your case at no cost and issues a binding decision. Binding arbitration is an alternative where a certified appraiser reviews both sides' evidence; it requires a paid appraisal you submit with your appeal but can be faster and more appraiser-friendly. A third option, a hearing officer, is available for homes assessed over $750,000. Most Georgia homeowners choose the BOE because it has no out-of-pocket cost and the historical track record is strong: 82.2% of Gwinnett County appeals reached a reduction in the 2025 tax year (source: Gwinnett County Board of Assessors FOIA release of 20,229 appeals).

Can multiple owners sign one appeal form?

Yes. All listed owners should sign. If someone can't sign, attach a notarized authorization so one person may file on behalf of all owners.

Do I have to mail my appeal packet?

We email you a ready-to-mail PDF. Some counties allow online submission through a secure portal; otherwise, mail or hand-deliver your appeal within 45 days.

Do all Georgia counties allow online property tax appeals?

No, but every county accepts the statewide PT-311A form by mail or in person, which is what AppealAlly's Essentials DIY Kit prepares for you. Larger counties including Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and DeKalb also offer online appeal portals, and some accept emailed PDF submissions. Smaller and rural counties are still paper-only. Because the mailed PT-311A is valid statewide, you never have to depend on a county portal being available. Our Full-Service Appeal option handles the filing channel for you in every Georgia county we serve.

What is a property tax appeal?

A property tax appeal is a formal request asking your county to lower your home's assessed value. If the county agrees, your property tax bill decreases. Every homeowner has the legal right to appeal. AppealAlly provides the evidence and forms you need to file a strong case.

Who can file a property tax appeal?

Any property owner, authorized agent, or attorney can file an appeal. In Georgia, the right to appeal is protected under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-311. You do not need a lawyer. Most homeowners file on their own using comparable sales evidence like the packet AppealAlly provides.

What do I need to file a property tax appeal?

You need your assessment notice, a completed appeal form (such as Georgia's PT-311A), and evidence that your home is overvalued, typically a set of comparable sales. AppealAlly's Essentials DIY Kit includes all of these, ready to sign and submit.

Is there a filing fee to appeal property taxes in Georgia?

No. Filing a property tax appeal with your Georgia county is free. There is no filing fee, no court fee, and no cost to advance from the Board of Assessors to the Board of Equalization. AppealAlly's role is to prepare the evidence packet and pre-fill the PT-311A form. Our Essentials DIY Kit is a flat $79 with a 100% money-back guarantee, and our Full-Service Appeal charges 30% of first-year savings only if we successfully reduce your taxes.

Is this even legal? Do I have the right to appeal in Georgia?

Yes. Every Georgia property owner has a statutory right to appeal their annual assessment under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-311. The county is required by law to mail you an annual Notice of Assessment, and that notice must list your right to appeal and the 45-day deadline. You can appeal on grounds of value, uniformity, taxability, or denial of an exemption, and you can choose your own forum (Board of Equalization, hearing officer, or arbitration). Counties cannot retaliate or penalize you for appealing. Filing is your right, not a favor.

Will my property taxes go up if I lose the appeal?

No. Under Georgia's "299(c) freeze" (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-299(c)), once a Board of Equalization, hearing officer, arbitrator, or Superior Court reduces your value through a formal appeal, the new value is locked for the appeal year and the next two successive years. The county cannot raise your value during that window unless you change the property (an addition, major renovation) or file a return at a different value yourself. If you don't win a reduction, your existing value stands; the county cannot use an appeal as an excuse to raise your assessment. House Bill 581, effective January 1, 2025, narrowed the freeze: pre-2025 it attached even to unchanged values, but now it requires an actual reduction.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Legal representation is optional and usually unnecessary. Most property tax appeals are straightforward and resolved at the initial review stage without an attorney.

When is the deadline to appeal my Georgia property taxes?

You have 45 days from the date your county mailed your annual Notice of Assessment to file an appeal (see our Georgia appeal deadline guide). The clock starts the day the notice was mailed (printed in the upper right corner), not the day you opened the envelope. Miss it and you wait until next year's notice. The deadline cannot be extended for any reason, including illness, travel, or never receiving the notice. Counties typically mail notices between April and June, so deadlines vary by county and parcel.

When is the property tax appeal deadline in Metro Atlanta counties?

Every Georgia county mails its annual assessment notices on its own schedule, and you have 45 days from the date printed on your notice to file a PT-311A appeal. In Metro Atlanta, notices typically mail between late April (Clayton) and late May (Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Forsyth), which puts most appeal deadlines between early June and mid July. The 45-day clock starts on the notice date, not the date you receive it in the mail, so the actual deadline can arrive faster than expected. Check your specific county guide or enter your address for your exact deadline.

Can I appeal my Georgia property taxes every year?

Yes, you can file an appeal every year your county issues a new assessment notice. You have 45 days from the date printed on the notice to file a PT-311A with the county Board of Assessors. One important exception: if you won an appeal in the last three years, your assessed value is frozen under O.C.G.A. section 48-5-299(c), so a new appeal is rarely useful until that freeze expires or the county issues a fresh reassessment. Start your appeal analysis to see if your current year assessment justifies an appeal.

What if I miss the 45-day deadline?

Most states have strict appeal deadlines (often 30 to 45 days from your notice date) and don't allow extensions. If you miss the window, you'll typically need to wait for the next assessment cycle. Always check your notice for the exact deadline in your area.

How do you find comparable properties?

We use our own machine learning algorithm to compare hundreds of nearby properties and surface the strongest comparable sales for your appeal. The algorithm prioritizes comps that match your home's size, age, condition, and location.

Do I need to gather additional documents or evidence?

Our packet includes county-approved comps, but you can strengthen your appeal by attaching additional evidence like recent sales data, home purchase records, property condition photos, repair estimates, and professional appraisals.

What evidence do I need to win a Georgia property tax appeal?

A set of comparable sales of similar homes (same neighborhood, similar size, age, condition) that closed in the 12 months before January 1 of the assessment year. Boards of Equalization in Georgia weight closed sales heaviest. Photos of condition issues (deferred maintenance, structural damage, dated systems) and documentation of factual errors on the county record (wrong square footage, wrong bedroom count, wrong year built) round out a strong packet. Zillow and Redfin estimates are not accepted. AppealAlly's evidence packets are built from county sale records and assessor data so the evidence matches what the board will weigh.

What if I recently purchased my home?

Use your closing disclosure as evidence. Appealing is the quickest way to update your assessed value if the recent sale isn't reflected yet.

Will an appeal affect my mortgage payments?

A reduced value usually lowers your monthly escrow payments.

Does a homestead exemption affect my appeal?

No, appeals challenge taxable value only. Your homestead exemption remains unaffected.

What is the 3-year property tax freeze in Georgia?

The 3-year freeze is a Georgia taxpayer protection (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-299(c)). When a Board of Equalization, hearing officer, arbitrator, or Superior Court reduces your home's value through a formal appeal, the county cannot raise that value for three tax years (the year you appealed plus the next two successive years). To qualify, you (or an authorized representative) must attend the hearing and submit written evidence supporting your opinion of value. House Bill 581, effective January 1, 2025, narrowed eligibility so the freeze only attaches when the appeal produces an actual reduction. Pre-2025, an unchanged value at hearing also triggered the freeze, but that path is now closed. The 3-year duration itself is unchanged.

How are property tax millage rates set in Georgia?

Georgia property tax bills are calculated as (assessed value / 1,000) times the total millage rate. Assessed value is 40% of the county's estimate of fair market value under O.C.G.A. section 48-5-7. The millage rate is set each year by three separate taxing authorities: the county commission (for county services), the local school board (usually the largest component), and the city council if the property is inside a municipality. State law caps year-over-year millage increases without a public rollback hearing. An appeal lowers your assessed value, which reduces every piece of your bill proportionally, even though the millage rate itself does not change.

How can I track my appeal status?

Full-Service customers can check status anytime in their AppealAlly portal, where we update each milestone (received, county under review, hearing scheduled, decision). DIY customers can check directly with their county, many offer online tracking through the Tax Assessor website. For specific questions, email support@appealally.com or use the contact form.

How do I contact AppealAlly for support?

Email us at support@appealally.com. We typically respond within 24 business hours. You can also visit our contact page for more options.

What counties in Georgia does AppealAlly serve?

All 159 Georgia counties. AppealAlly is Georgia-only by design, which is why our evidence packets are built around the way Georgia Boards of Equalization actually evaluate appeals (40% assessment ratio, 12-month comparable-sales window, O.C.G.A. § 48-5-299(c) freeze rules). If you are outside Georgia, we cannot help you yet. For county-specific deadlines, comparable-sale guidance, and board hearing tips, see our county pages for Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb, Forsyth, Cherokee, Hall, Henry, and the rest.

Where can I find more guidance on property tax appeals?

Visit our blog for guides, tips, and state-specific resources on property tax appeals.