AJC special investigation: Property tax meltdown

By Todd C. Duncan

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In 2009,  an exclusive in-depth investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that amid this historic real estate collapse, many metro Atlanta homeowners paid more in property taxes than we should have.

Since that report, taxpayers have become more aggressive in challenging the over-assessment of their homes and Georgia lawmakers passed legislation aimed at helping to bridge the gap between the plummeting housing market and county government appraisals.

However, for the third consecutive year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution compared sales prices to tax records to determine if county appraisals are in line with property values. And what we've found is no surprise to most homeowners: we're still paying more taxes than we should.

On Sunday, the AJC begins its third annual Property Tax Meltdown series. This 8-part series digs deep into issues, uncovers new data and explores the financial challenge facing homeowners in 11 metro Atlanta counties.  It's a series you'll only get by picking up a copy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution or by logging on to the AJC's iPad app. Subscribe today.

Dec. 18

Paying too much: An Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis has found county values of residential property in many cases are still too high.

Monday

Cobb County on the rise: This county took a big hit as a result of the big floods a couple of years ago. Now, things are looking a little better.

Tuesday

Gwinnett’s foreclosure crisis: In the foreclosure capital of metro Atlanta, some say the county hasn’t cut home values enough.

Wednesday

Cherokee leading the way: This county's assessments have been really close to keeping pace with the dwindling housing market.

Thursday

Fulton County struggles to appease taxpayers: Residents in this county continue to complain of absurdly overstated home values, as well as rude treatment by county employees.

Friday

Damage to DeKalb: Residents all over this county have seen dramatic declines in the values of their homes as officials struggle to avoid a north-south divide in county property values.

Saturday

Calamity in Clayton County: As property values continue to fall and more investors are drawn to Clayton’s bargain-basement values, investors are playing hardball.

Sunday

No safe haven in the exurbs: Several counties outside metro Atlanta’s core have seen steep drops in home values as assessments in those smaller counties scramble to keep pace.