Reply to Inquiry from Newton Citizen
01 September 2022
Alice Queen,
I am replying to your email dated September 1, 2022.
Thank you for the inquiry as it relates to the 2022 property tax bills which were received by property owners in August.
In accordance with O.C.G.A 48-5-23 states December 20 or 60 days from the date of billing, whichever comes later,
of any year shall be subject to the penalties and interest provided by law. Therefore, it was meaningless to place a due
date for partial payment. Taking into consideration with the state of our economy, we are accepting partial payments
which also allow property owners the next four months to make payments so long as the bill is paid in its entirety by the
December 20, 2022 due date.
The $80,000 homestead exemption from school taxes is a vendor misprint as Newton County School allows for $30,000
for those who are 65 and older. The revamping of local homestead exemptions is one area I would love to see local
officials consider changing to offset the increasing property values.
We have implemented new processes and procedures which improved work efficiency. I understand that change is
difficult for some, but it is needed for organizational growth. One such change we are looking at this year is sending out
a second tax bill notice in November as a reminder to pay the remaining balance owed.
Marcus Jordan
Newton County Tax Commissioner
