CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County property owners have until midnight Friday, Dec. 19, to pay their property tax bills, and county officials are urging residents not to wait until the last minute as crowds build at the Tax Commissioner’s Office.
Habersham County Tax Commissioner June Black-Warren said her office typically sees a surge of walk-in customers on the final day before the deadline, with lines extending well beyond the building.
“Yeah, they wait to the last minute,” Black-Warren said. “So we expect the lines, if it’s like normal and prior years, they’ll be out the door, up the road.”
By the time the deadline arrives, Black-Warren said between 83% and 85% of Habersham County property owners typically have already paid their tax bills.
Avoid the line, come early
Black-Warren encouraged taxpayers who have not yet paid to come in as early as possible to avoid long waits.
“The best word of wisdom is to go ahead and come on in today, let’s get it knocked out,” she said. “We’ve had a good flow. We’re constantly busy, especially after everybody wakes up and gets to going. You may have a little bit of a wait today, but it won’t be nothing like tomorrow.”
Have your payment ready
The Tax Commissioner’s Office is located at 130 Jacobs Way, Suite 202, in Clarkesville.
Black-Warren said preparation can significantly speed up the payment process.
“The easiest thing to do is bring your bill and your check, have your check already made out, or your cash, so that it’s fast,” she said. “If you get here and you don’t have anything, we’ve got to look it up. If you’ve got to write your check, it just makes the line longer.”
Taxpayers who arrive with their bill and payment ready may also use the office’s drive-thru service.
“If you’ve got your check ready and your bill with you, then you can use drive-thru and just zoom through,” Black-Warren said.
Black-Warren said residents who miss the deadline will face escalating penalties.
“So on midnight on the 19th, you do get hit with the interest fee,” she said. “One hundred twenty days after that, you get a 5 percent interest. On Feb. 1, we send out late notices. March 1, we send that to the attorneys. You get a $300 hit because the attorneys don’t work for free.”
Homestead Exemptions
She also addressed questions about homestead exemptions, noting that the deadline to apply for the current tax year has already passed.
“Once the bills come out, you’re done,” Black-Warren said. “The assessments went out, you’ve got 45 days to pay the bill. Homesteads are due by April 1. Once that tax bill goes out, the only thing you can do at this point is to pay your bill.”
However, residents can still apply for a homestead exemption for next year while visiting the courthouse.
“So while you’re here, step across the hallway, go to the assessors, and let’s go ahead and get you knocked out for next year and apply for that,” Black-Warren said.
Staff shout out
Black-Warren also praised her staff for their work during one of the busiest weeks of the year and asked residents to be patient and respectful as they navigate long lines.
“They’re great. They really work hard, especially this time of year,” she said. “Other than lunchtime, you’re going to see a window or two that’s open. Otherwise, all the windows are filled, ready to help you. They have a good attitude, so we ask that you bring your good attitude with you.”
“If there’s an issue, let’s resolve it, but let’s resolve it respectfully,” she added. “That way everybody can have a Merry Christmas with no guilt.”
Property taxes must be paid in full by midnight Dec. 19 to avoid penalties, interest and potential attorney fees.
Tax deadlines for area counties
Lumpkin County: In Lumpkin County, property tax bills are generally due Dec. 1 each year. Taxpayers who fail to pay by that date may face penalties and interest, and mailed payments must bear a U.S. Postal Service postmark by the deadline. For more information, contact the Lumpkin County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 706-864-3742 or visit lumpkincountytax.com.
White County: White County property tax bills are mailed in August and are due Nov. 15, with payments accepted in person, by mail or online. Residents with questions can call the White County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 706-865-2225 or visit whitecountyga.gov/tax-commissioner.
Hall County: In Hall County, the Tax Commissioner’s Office said 2025 property tax bills mailed Nov. 20 are due Jan. 23, 2026, giving taxpayers a 60-day window from the mailing date to pay without penalty. For details, call 770-531-6950 or go to HallCountyTax.org.
Banks County: Banks County property tax bills do not have a specific due date posted online, but penalty and interest begin accruing after Dec. 1, and the office honors U.S. Postal Service postmarks on deadline payments. Taxpayers can reach the Banks County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 706-677-6204 or visit bankscountyga.org/tax-commissioner for exact current-year due dates.
Rabun County: Rabun County property taxes are generally due by Dec. 20 each year, and mailed payments with a USPS postmark by that date are accepted. Residents with questions can contact the Rabun County Tax Commissioner’s Office or visit rabuncountytax.com.
Stephens County: In Stephens County, real estate and business personal property taxes are generally due Nov. 15 annually. Taxpayers should contact the Stephens County Tax Commissioner at 706-886-4753 or visit stephenscountytax.com for payment details.
Franklin County: Franklin County property taxes are typically due Nov. 15 each year. For payment options or questions, contact the Franklin County Tax Commissioner at (contact info listed on taxes.franklincountyga.com) or visit taxes.franklincountyga.com.
Hart County: In Hart County, property taxes are due Dec. 20, and mailed payments with a USPS postmark on or before that date are accepted. Contact the Hart County Tax Commissioner’s Office at (phone listed on hartcountypay.com) or visit hartcountypay.com for more information.
