Murray Property Tax payments can be completed in seconds through the Murray tax bill payment online portal, which operates 24/7 and eliminates the need for paper checks. Residents often ask about Murray tax collector office hours, and the office welcomes callers at (706) 517-1400 ext. 2 during normal business days. The property tax deadline in Murray 2026 is posted on the county’s official website, so homeowners should mark their calendars to avoid late‑payment penalties. For those with limited income, property tax exemptions for seniors in Murray reduce the taxable amount and may qualify for a rebate under the Murray tax rebate program 2026.
Murray Property Tax assessments start with the property assessment process in Murray, where the taxable property value is calculated at 40% of fair market value. If you believe the valuation is too high, you can learn how to appeal a property tax assessment in Murray by submitting the Murray tax valuation appeal forms before the filing deadline. The online tax portal Murray UT also hosts a property tax calculator for Murray, helping you estimate the tax rate per $1,000 assessed value and understand the Murray school district tax levy. Contact the Murray city tax assessor at bdills@murraycountyga.gov for detailed guidance or to request the senior citizen tax relief Murray offers.
Search Murray County Property Tax
Murray County property tax records sit on a public search portal hosted by the Murray County Tax Assessor’s Office. The site is open to everyone, and you do not need an account to look up a bill. Start your search by going to https://www.murraycountyga.org and clicking on the “Tax Assessor” link under the Government menu.
Once you land on the assessor page, pick the “Property Search” button. Type the owner’s last name, the parcel number, or the street address into the search box. Hit the “Search” button and a list of matching properties will show on the screen with the owner’s name, the parcel ID, the assessed value, and the tax year.
If you want a quick estimate, scroll down on the same page to the tax bill calculator. Enter the assessed value and the tax year. The tool shows a sample bill based on the current millage rate. The full bill lookup also shows whether the bill is paid, pending, or past due.
- Open https://www.murraycountyga.org in any web browser
- Click Government, then Tax Assessor
- Choose Property Search from the menu
- Enter the parcel number, owner name, or address
- Press Search to view the tax record
What You Can See on the Search Result Page
The search result page shows the owner’s full name, the mailing address, the legal description, the land size, the building size, and the year built. It also lists the fair market value, the assessed value at 40 percent, and any exemptions that lower the taxable amount. The bottom of the record shows the tax district, the millage rate, and the most recent tax bill total.
| Field on the Record | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Owner Name | The person or company listed on the deed |
| Parcel Number | The unique ID the county uses to track the property |
| Assessed Value | 40 percent of fair market value |
| Exemptions | Any breaks that lower the taxable amount |
| Tax District | The school, county, and city zone for the property |
| Millage Rate | The total tax per $1,000 of assessed value |
Murray County Property Tax Rates and Millage
Murray County property tax rates are set each year by the county, the school board, and the city councils. The rate is shown in mills, which means dollars of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. The 2026 school millage rate in Murray County was 15.448 mills, which matched the calculated rollback rate for that year.
The total bill includes several levies stacked together. These levies cover the county government, the school district, the state of Georgia, and any special districts that apply to the property. The combined millage rate depends on the tax district in which the property is located.
To find the exact rate for a property, search the parcel on the county site. The system pulls the right tax district and shows the total millage that applies to that address. Property owners can also call the Board of Assessors at (706) 517-1400 to ask about the rate for their specific location.
How the Millage Rate Works
One mill equals one dollar of tax on every $1,000 of assessed value. Georgia requires that property be assessed at 40 percent of fair market value, and that rule is the same in every county. Exemptions lower the assessed value before the millage is applied.
- 1 mill = $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value
- Georgia assesses all property at 40% of fair market value
- Assessed value x millage rate / 1000 = annual tax bill
- Exemptions lower the assessed value before the math runs
Property Assessment Process in Murray County
Murray County property assessments happen every year on January 1. The assessor looks at each property and decides its fair market value based on recent sales of similar homes nearby. The assessor then applies the 40 percent rate set by the state constitution to reach the assessed value.
After the assessment, the county mails a notice of assessment to the property owner. The notice shows the new value, the prior year value, and the percentage change. The notice also tells the owner when the appeal window opens and how to file a formal challenge. Owners who do nothing accept the new value by default.
The assessor reviews three main factors when setting the value: recent sales of similar properties, the cost to replace the building, and the income the property could produce if rented. Homes are usually valued using the sales comparison method. Rental properties and commercial buildings often use the income method.
Steps the Assessor Takes Each Year
- Collect all sales that closed in the prior calendar year
- Group sales by neighborhood, size, and building type
- Adjust each sale for differences from the subject property
- Set the fair market value for each parcel
- Apply the 40 percent assessment ratio
- Apply any approved exemptions
- Mail the annual assessment notice to the owner
How to Pay Murray County Property Tax Bills Online
Murray County property tax bills can be paid online through the county payment portal at www.murraycountypay.gov. The site accepts electronic checks, credit cards, and debit cards. A processing fee may apply to card payments, but the bill is posted to the account the same day the payment is made.
To pay online, visit the county site and click on the “Pay Taxes” link. Enter the parcel number or the bill number printed on the tax statement. Pick a payment method, fill in the account details, and confirm the amount. A receipt is emailed to the address on file within minutes of the payment clearing.
People who prefer paper checks can mail the payment to the tax commissioner. The mailing address is on the bottom of the tax bill, and checks should be made out to the Murray County Tax Commissioner. A postmark on or before the due date counts as on time, even if the office receives the check a few days later.
Payment Options Available in Murray County
| Payment Method | Where to Use It | Speed of Posting |
|---|---|---|
| Online Card or E-Check | www.murraycountypay.gov | Same day |
| Mail Check | Tax Commissioner office | 2 to 5 business days |
| In Person Cash | Tax Commissioner counter | Same day |
| Bank Bill Pay | Home bank website | 3 to 7 business days |
Property Tax Exemptions in Murray County
Murray County property tax exemptions lower the taxable value of a home before the millage rate is applied. The state of Georgia offers several standard exemptions, and the county applies them once the owner files the right form. Most exemptions must be filed by April 1 of the tax year to take effect that year.
The homestead exemption is the most common break. It shields a portion of the assessed value from county and school taxes for the owner’s main home. The exact amount depends on the year, and the state adjusts the value from time to time. Seniors get a larger homestead exemption, and disabled veterans get an even larger one in many cases.
Other exemptions include a break for disabled persons, a break for surviving spouses, and a break for homes in a conservation use covenant. Farmland and timberland also qualify for special use assessments that cut the taxable value. Forms for each exemption sit on the assessor page of the county site.
Common Exemptions Filed in Murray County
- Standard homestead exemption for the primary residence
- Senior citizen homestead exemption for owners age 65 and up
- Disabled veteran exemption for service-related injuries
- Floating homestead exemption for long-term owners
- Conservation use exemption for working farms and timber tracts
How to Appeal a Property Tax Assessment in Murray County
Murray County property tax appeals start with the Board of Tax Assessors. The appeal window opens when the assessment notice is mailed, and it stays open for 45 days from the date on the notice. Filing after the window closes usually means the owner has to wait until the next tax year to challenge the value.
Owners can appeal online through the assessor portal, by mail, or in person at the assessor office. The appeal form asks for the parcel number, the owner’s asserted value, and the reason for the appeal. The most common reason is value, but owners can also appeal on uniformity or taxability grounds.
Evidence matters when filing an appeal. The owner should include recent sales of similar homes, photos of any problems with the property, and a list of repairs that lower the value. The Board of Tax Assessors reviews the file and either lowers the value, keeps the value, or sets a value between the two. If the owner still disagrees, the case moves to the Board of Equalization.
Appeal Evidence That Helps the Case
- At least three sales of similar homes in the same neighborhood
- Closing documents showing the sale price and date
- Photos of needed repairs, structural issues, or other problems
- A recent independent appraisal, if available
- A list of any features the assessor counted that the home does not have
Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief in Murray County
Murray County property tax relief for seniors starts with the senior homestead exemption. To qualify, the owner must be 65 or older on January 1 of the tax year, and the home must be the owner’s primary residence. The exemption knocks a set amount off the assessed value for county and school taxes.
Beyond the standard senior exemption, Georgia offers a property tax freeze for seniors who meet income limits. The freeze locks the assessed value at the level on the year the owner first qualifies. As long as the owner stays in the home and meets the income test, the assessed value does not rise for county tax purposes.
Seniors can also ask the county for a deferral program that lets them wait to pay the tax bill. The deferral stays on the property until the home is sold or the owner passes away. A lien protects the county’s interest, but the senior does not have to pay the tax each year out of pocket.
Senior Programs Available in Murray County
- Standard senior homestead exemption at age 65
- Income-based property tax freeze for qualifying seniors
- Tax deferral program with a lien on the property
- Hardship waiver for seniors with very low income
Murray County School District Tax Levy
Murray County property tax bills include a school district levy that funds the Murray County School System. The school millage rate makes up the largest part of the total bill for most owners. In 2026, the school board set the millage rate at 15.448 mills, which equaled the calculated rollback rate for that year.
The rollback rate is the rate that raises the same total dollars as the prior year. If property values go up, the rollback rate goes down. The school board can set a rate higher than the rollback rate, but the law requires a public notice and three public hearings before they do. Most years, the school board votes to adopt the rollback rate to avoid that process.
School tax dollars pay for teacher pay, building upkeep, buses, textbooks, and the cost of running the schools. The exact share of the total bill that goes to schools depends on where the home sits. The county site shows the school levy for each parcel on the property record page.
Property Tax Deadlines and Delinquency Penalties
Murray County property tax bills are issued by the tax commissioner, and the exact due dates are printed on the tax bill itself. The county mails the bills a few weeks before the first due date.
Late payments draw interest and penalties. The state of Georgia sets a standard penalty on delinquent property taxes, and the rate is the same in every county. After a long delay, the tax commissioner can record a tax lien against the property, and the property can be sold at a tax sale to cover the unpaid balance.
Owners who cannot pay on time should call the tax commissioner right away. The office can set up a payment plan in some cases. A payment plan may require the owner to keep up with the monthly amount to avoid further penalties or a lien.
Common Penalties for Late Payment
- Interest charged each month on the unpaid balance
- A one-time late fee added after the due date
- A tax lien recorded against the property
- Possible inclusion in a county tax sale
- Extra costs to cover the cost of the sale
Tax Liens and Delinquent Property Sales
Murray County property tax liens are recorded by the tax commissioner when a bill stays unpaid past the deadline. The lien gives the county a legal claim on the property. The lien stays on the record until the owner pays the full balance, including interest, penalties, and any fees.
If the bill stays unpaid for a long period, the property can be added to the county tax sale list. The tax sale is open to bidders, and the property is sold to the highest bidder. The original owner has a window of time after the sale to pay off the full balance and reclaim the property. If the owner does not act, the bidder takes ownership.
Anyone thinking about buying at a tax sale should do careful research first. Tax sale buyers take on the risk of liens from other parties, code violations, and tenants who live on the property. Most buyers hire a title company to research the parcel before bidding at the sale.
Key Things to Know About Tax Sales in Murray County
- Tax sale dates are posted on the county website each year
- A minimum bid is set, and the sale is open to anyone who can pay
- The original owner has a redemption period to pay the full balance
- If the owner does not redeem, the bidder takes the title
- Buyers should run a title search before bidding
New Construction Property Tax Assessment
Murray County property tax on new construction is added to the tax roll the year after the building is ready for use. The assessor visits the property, measures the new building, and lists the building features. The value is set the same way as the rest of the county: 40 percent of fair market value.
Builders and developers can give the assessor partial information during construction, but the value is not final until the building is complete. The first tax bill for a brand new home usually shows up in the year after the closing date. The bill is prorated if the building is finished partway through the year.
New property owners should file a homestead exemption as soon as they close on the home. The exemption takes effect the following year if filed by April 1. Owners who wait until the next year to file miss the window and pay higher tax bills than they should.
Commercial Property Tax Rates in Murray County
Murray County property tax on commercial buildings uses the same 40 percent assessment ratio as homes. The value is set by the assessor using the income method, the cost method, or the sales method, depending on the type of business. Restaurants, offices, warehouses, and retail shops are valued differently based on the income they can produce.
Commercial property owners do not get a homestead exemption, but they can apply for a freeport exemption on certain inventory. The freeport exemption covers goods held for shipping out of state. The owner must file the freeport form each year by April 1, and the inventory must meet the state rules to qualify.
Business owners should review the assessment notice each year. Errors in square footage, building features, or income can lead to a high value. A commercial appeal follows the same path as a residential appeal, and the same 45-day window applies. Strong evidence of fair market value is the best way to win a commercial appeal.
Commercial Exemptions Filed in Murray County
- Freeport exemption on goods held for out-of-state shipment
- Industrial pollution control equipment exemption
- Brownfield redevelopment tax credit on certain sites
- Conservation use covenant for working land
Tax Notice Mailing Schedule in Murray County
Murray County property tax notices go out in the spring. The assessment notice is mailed first, giving the owner 45 days to appeal the new value. After the appeal window closes, the tax commissioner bills the property based on the final value. Bills are mailed in two waves, one for each installment.
Owners who do not get a notice should call the Board of Assessors at (706) 517-1400 to confirm the mailing address on file. The county sends the notice to the address the owner gave on the latest deed. A change of address on the deed is the only way the county knows to send mail to a new place.
The county does not email or text tax bills. Paper mail is the only way the county sends the official bill. Owners who travel a lot should set up a forwarding address with the post office and update the deed at the recorder’s office to keep the tax mail flowing to the right place.
Murray County Tax Bill Lookup and Property Records
Murray County property tax bill lookup runs on the same site used for assessments. After searching the parcel, click the “Tax Bill” tab to see the bill for the current year and prior years. The page shows the amount due, the amount paid, the date paid, and the status of the bill.
The lookup tool also shows payment history going back several years. Owners can print the history for their records or share it with a title company during a sale. Buyers should run a tax bill lookup before closing on a property to make sure all past bills are paid in full.
Deed records, liens, and plats are held by the Clerk of Superior Court. Those records are available through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority site at https://www.gsccca.org, and through the Kofile Georgia land records search portal at https://gasearch.kofile.com/Search/default.aspx. Both sites allow statewide searches of real estate records, including the deeds recorded in Murray County.
2026 Tax Code Changes Affecting Murray County
Murray County property tax changes for 2026 include a new statewide cap on annual homestead assessment growth. Beginning in 2027, counties, cities, and school districts must apply the cap to homestead properties. The cap is 3 percent per year or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
The cap limits how fast the assessed value of a homestead can grow, but it does not limit the millage rate. Local governments can still raise the millage rate each year. Some counties have already raised the millage rate to make up for the cap on assessment growth. Murray County homeowners should track the millage vote each summer.
Other changes in 2026 include a new property tax overhaul bill that runs sales tax funds through a homestead exemption. The state calculates the exemption amount each year based on local sales tax collections and millage rates. The bill is still working its way through the system, so the final rule may change before it takes effect.
Murray County GIS Maps and Parcel Search
Murray County property records sit on a GIS map that shows the parcel lines, the building footprint, the road, and the tax district boundary. The map is hosted on the county site and does not require a login. Anyone can zoom in on a parcel and see the data the assessor uses to set the value.
The GIS map also shows flood zones, school zones, and voting precincts. Buyers use the map to check the school zone before closing on a home. Voters use the map to find their polling place. Appraisers use the map to pull parcel data during a tax appeal.
For a paper copy of a plat, owners can visit the Clerk of Superior Court office in Chatsworth, GA. The clerk can pull the recorded plat from the books on file. Most plats are also available online through the statewide index.
Murray County Tax Collection Agency Contacts
Murray County property tax collection is handled by the Murray County Tax Commissioner. The office collects the bills, processes the payments, and runs the tax sale. The tax assessor is a separate office that sets the value and handles appeals. The two offices work together but report to different county leaders.
Property owners can pay the bill, set up a payment plan, or ask about a penalty at the tax commissioner office. The tax assessor office can answer questions about the value, the exemption, and the appeal. Calling the right office saves time and gets the answer faster.
The clerk of court records deeds, liens, and plats. The clerk does not answer questions about the tax bill, but the office can pull a copy of the deed that shows the current owner. Buyers and sellers often visit the clerk before closing to confirm the legal description on the deed.
Quick Contact List for Murray County
- Board of Assessors: (706) 517-1400
- Main County Contact (Murray County Official Website): (706) 695-2413
- Election Office (for precinct info): (706) 695-1983
- County site: https://www.murraycountyga.org
- Tax payment portal: www.murraycountypay.gov
Real Estate Tax Statements in Murray County
Murray County property tax statements show the parcel number, the owner, the assessed value, the exemptions, the millage rate, the amount due, and the due date. The statement also shows a tear-off payment coupon that can be mailed back with a check. The back of the statement has a breakdown of the levies that make up the total bill.
Owners who want a copy of an old statement can request one from the tax commissioner. Lenders and title companies ask for these statements during a refinance or a sale, so owners may need a copy even after the year is closed.
A real estate tax statement is not the same as an assessment notice. The assessment notice is mailed in the spring and gives the owner a chance to appeal the value. The tax statement is mailed later in the year and shows the amount due based on the final value. Both are paper notices, but they serve different roles.
Murray County Local Tax District Map
Murray County property tax districts cover the entire county, but the lines shift between fire districts, school zones, and city limits. The county site hosts a tax district map that shows the boundary for each district. A property’s tax district drives the millage rate, so owners should confirm the district before paying the bill.
The map also shows the boundary for any special tax districts. Special districts add a small levy on top of the county rate to fund services like fire protection, water, or sewer. A property inside a special district will see an extra line on the tax bill for that district’s levy.
Property owners who think the map places their home in the wrong district should call the Board of Assessors at (706) 517-1400. The assessor can review the boundary and correct the record. A wrong district on the record leads to a wrong millage rate, which leads to a wrong bill, so errors are worth fixing fast.
Homeowner Tax Credit Options in Murray County
Murray County property tax credits for homeowners include the state homestead exemption and the local floating exemption. The floating exemption caps the annual growth of the assessed value of a homestead at 3 percent or the rate of inflation. The credit is automatic once the owner files the standard homestead exemption.
Seniors with low income may qualify for a state refund of property tax paid. The refund is paid by the Georgia Department of Revenue, not the county. The owner files a state form each year, and the refund comes as a check or a direct deposit. The income limit changes each year, so seniors should check the latest number before filing.
Disabled veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for a full property tax exemption on the homestead. The exemption covers the full assessed value of the home for county and school taxes. The owner must file the right form with the assessor and show proof of the disability rating or the military status.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
Murray County property tax records are managed by two main offices. The Board of Tax Assessors sets the value and handles appeals. The Clerk of Superior Court records the deeds, liens, and plats. Both offices are open during normal business hours, and both can be reached by phone or email during those hours.
| Office | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murray County Board of Assessors | (706) 517-1400 | Refer to the official county website for the current email address | 121 North 4th Ave., Room 101, Chatsworth, GA 30705 |
| Murray County Main Contact (Official Website) | (706) 695-2413 | Refer to the official county website for the current email address | P.O. Box 1129, Chatsworth, GA 30705 |
| Murray County Election Office (for precinct info) | (706) 695-1983 | Refer to the official county website for the current email address | Refer to the official county website for the current address |
Official Website URL: https://www.murraycountyga.org
Tax Payment Portal: www.murraycountypay.gov
Deed Records Portal: https://www.gsccca.org
Georgia Land Records Search (Kofile): https://gasearch.kofile.com/Search/default.aspx
Board of Assessors Phone: (706) 517-1400
Board of Assessors Address: 121 North 4th Ave., Room 101, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Main County Phone: (706) 695-2413
Main County Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1129, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Murray Property Tax helps you pay on time, avoid penalties, and use exemptions that lower your bill. The Murray County Tax Assessor’s Office offers an online portal, phone support, and email help. Knowing where to find the tax bill, how to calculate the levy, and how to appeal a valuation can save money and stress for homeowners and businesses alike.
How can I view my Murray Property Tax bill online?
Visit the official site at https://www.murraycountyga.org and click the “Tax Assessor” link under Government. Choose “Property Search,” then enter the owner’s name or parcel number. The portal displays the current bill, payment history, and any exemptions applied. No account is required, and the page updates daily with the latest figures.
What is the phone number to contact the Murray County Tax Assessor for a tax question?
Call the assessor’s office at (706) 517-1400 ext. 2. The staff can confirm parcel details, explain the tax calculation, and walk you through online payment steps. Email inquiries go to bdills@murraycountyga.gov for written records.
When is the deadline to pay the Murray Property Tax bill for 2026?
The bill must be paid by the due date printed on the notice, typically early December. Late payments trigger a penalty of 3 % plus interest. To avoid extra charges, schedule the payment before the deadline using the online portal or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 1129, Chatsworth, GA 30705.
How do I appeal a property assessment in Murray County?
File a written appeal with the Board of Tax Assessors within 45 days of receiving the notice. Use Form PT‑311A, list the parcel number, and attach recent sales data that show a lower market value. Submit the package by mail to the assessor’s office or upload it through the online portal. The board reviews the appeal and issues a decision within 30 days.
What exemptions are available for senior citizens in Murray County?
Homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for a $5,000 homestead exemption and an additional $5,000 senior exemption if they meet income limits. To claim, complete the “Senior Citizen Exemption” form and return it with proof of age and income to the assessor’s office. Approved exemptions reduce the taxable value, lowering the annual bill.
Can I calculate my Murray Property Tax before the bill is issued?
Yes. Multiply the assessed value (40 % of market value) by the current millage rate of 15.448 mills for school taxes plus county levies. For example, a $200,000 home has an assessed value of $80,000; multiply $80,000 by 0.015448 to get an estimated school tax of $1,236. Add county and special district rates for the total estimate. Use the online calculator on the assessor’s site for a quick result.