ATLANTA — Many Gwinnett County residents are in sticker shock after receiving their annual property assessment notices.
“Where it used to be an advantage to live in Gwinnett county because the property taxes are reasonable," Gwinnett County resident Matt Turner said. "This does not seem reasonable at all.”
The annual assessment used to determine how much homeowners will pay in property taxes has left many in the county with an unexpectedly high bill. For Turner, he said his 3-bedroom home's rate increased by over $500 this year.
About 76% of Gwinnett County residents can expect an increase in their property values. The difference is the result of changes in appraised property values which are adjusted based on the market conditions.
"As property values go up it’s really a great thing for homeowners because what you’re going to see is people get more value for their property, and that’s what you’re looking for," Relator Don Jacobs said, adding that the higher a home is valued, the more it will sell for.
But, for residents who aren't trying to sell, it creates another burden.
“I feel very disappointed and overwhelmed right now nexuses everything is going up groceries is high all the services are gone up. So right now to expensive another increase is like a slap in the face,” Kay Carter, Gwinnett County resident, said.
Turner echoed these same sentiments.
“Your insurance is going to go up now because your insurance needs to cover that," he said. "And, if you think about people that are renting, their rent is going to have to go up because the landlords are going to have to pay for the cost as well, so it seems a bit exorbitant."
Turner said his home has "gone up tremendously" since he bought the property in 2016, in total 133% with a 20% increase in 2023.
Residents can appeal their assessed value and get additional market value research at Gwinnett-Assessor.com.