Cobb County projects about 4% rise in property tax digest; assessor urges homeowners to file exemptions by April 1

Christine Stinchcomb, director and chief appraiser for the Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors, said the county's tax digest is projected to increase "about 4%" over last year's submitted 2025 digest.

The tax digest, Stinchcomb said, is "the total value of all property in Cobb County," including residential, commercial, industrial and personal property, and it forms the base used to calculate property taxes by applying local millage rates. She said changes in the real-estate market drive digest changes.

Stinchcomb noted recent market indicators in Cobb County: a median home price of about $520,000, up from $500,000 in 2024, more listings that are taking longer to sell and continued demand for homes selling above $1,000,000. "The sharp growth that we saw 2023 and 2024 has leveled off," she said.

The assessor's office reappraised approximately 121,000 properties this year to meet state-mandated compliance, compared with about 78,000 properties reappraised last year; Stinchcomb added that the average increase in assessed value per property was smaller this year than last.

On methodology, Stinchcomb said appraisers use recent comparable sales and consider location, size, age, condition and other structures when determining value. She said state law requires the office to reassess a property when its assessed value does not reflect what it would sell for on the open market.

Stinchcomb explained the notice of assessment is a standardized, statewide form required by the Department of Revenue that shows a property's assessed value as of Jan. 1, 2026. She said the state removed the estimated tax bill from last year's notice and that proposed state legislation could change the notice again; residents should watch for official notices.

Homeowners whose residence is their primary home should file homestead exemptions by April 1, Stinchcomb said. A taxpayer return of real property to report changes that could affect value also must be filed by April 1; both forms are available on the assessor's website.

Notices of assessment are expected to be mailed by around May 8, Stinchcomb said, though that timing could change depending on state legislation. If a property owner disagrees with the assessed value, the notice will include appeal instructions; owners may also call the assessor's office for assistance.

For help, the office is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by phone at (770) 528-3100; the assessor directs residents to the office website for email contact information and additional resources.

Stinchcomb closed by urging residents to review their notice when it arrives and to contact the office with questions.