Tax Foreclosure in Atlanta: Your Guide to Fulton County Tax Sales
How Tax Sales Work in Fulton County
In Georgia, property tax collection and foreclosure are governed by Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A. 48-4-1 et seq.). Fulton County uses a tax lien and tax deed system that can ultimately result in the loss of your property.
The Timeline
Tax Billing: Taxes in Fulton County are billed on July 1 each year. The due date for City of Atlanta taxes is August 15; Fulton County taxes are due October 15.
Delinquency and Fi.Fa. (Tax Lien): After the payment deadline passes, the Tax Commissioner notifies the taxpayer in writing that taxes are outstanding. If taxes are not paid within 30 days of that notice, the Tax Commissioner issues an execution — known as a Fi.Fa. (fieri facias) — against the owner and the property. This creates a tax lien on the property.
Lien Transfer: Under Georgia law (dating to the mid-1800s), property tax liens can be transferred to private investors. Once a lien is transferred, interest accrues at a rate of 1% per month on the unpaid balance. The lien holder may eventually seek to foreclose.
Tax Sale: If the tax lien is not redeemed, the property may be sold at a tax sale. Fulton County Sheriff's Tax Sales are held on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 AM and 4 PM on the steps of the Fulton County Courthouse, 136 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Properties scheduled for sale are advertised in the South Fulton Neighbor and North Fulton Neighbor newspapers for four consecutive weeks before the sale date. Each advertisement includes the owner's name, a description of the property, and the amount of tax due.
Redemption Rights
Georgia law provides a right of redemption after a tax sale. The property owner (or any person with a right, title, interest, or lien in the property) can redeem the property from the tax deed holder. The redemption price includes the amount paid by the purchaser at sale plus any special assessments, plus a premium of 20% of the purchase price for each year (or fraction of a year) that has elapsed between the sale date and the redemption date.
Programs and Resources That Can Help
Fulton County Tax Commissioner's Office
The Tax Commissioner's Office can provide information about your tax status, payment options, and whether your property is at risk of lien transfer or sale.
- Phone: (404) 613-6100
- Website: fultoncountytaxes.org
Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Provides free legal representation to low-income residents in the Atlanta metro area, including housing and foreclosure matters.
- Phone: (404) 524-5811
- Address: 54 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Home Defense Program: (770) 817-7538
Georgia Legal Aid (GeorgiaLegalAid.org)
Free legal information and resources for Georgia residents facing foreclosure, including guides to understanding the process and your rights.
- Website: georgialegalaid.org
Property Tax Exemptions
Fulton County offers multiple property tax exemptions that can reduce your bill:
- Basic Homestead Exemption: Available to all owner-occupants
- Senior Exemptions: Additional exemptions available at ages 62, 65, and 70
- Disability Exemption
- Disabled Veteran Exemption
Contact the Fulton County Tax Assessor's Office at (404) 224-0102 to apply. You must apply between January 1 and April 1.
Property Tax Assessment Appeals
If you believe your property value is too high, you have the right to file a Property Tax Return requesting a change in assessment between January 1 and April 1. Contact the Tax Assessor's Office at (404) 224-0102.
HOPE Hotline
Free, confidential foreclosure prevention counseling available 24/7.
- Phone: 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
Emergency Steps If You Are Facing a Tax Sale
- Contact the Fulton County Tax Commissioner at (404) 613-6100 to determine your exact tax status and whether a Fi.Fa. has been issued.
- Ask about payment options immediately. Paying the delinquent taxes before the sale stops the process.
- Check whether your tax lien has been transferred to a private investor. If so, you must deal directly with the lien holder. The Tax Commissioner's office can tell you the lien holder's identity.
- Call Atlanta Legal Aid at (404) 524-5811 or the Home Defense Program at (770) 817-7538 for free legal help.
- Apply for every property tax exemption you qualify for through the Tax Assessor's Office at (404) 224-0102. Exemptions applied now can reduce future bills.
- Review your property's assessed value. File an appeal between January 1 and April 1 if the value is too high.
- Visit auctionblock.org/get-help for additional resources and guidance.
Know Your Rights
- You have the right to receive written notice before a Fi.Fa. is issued.
- You have the right to pay delinquent taxes and stop the process before the sale.
- You have the right of redemption after a tax sale, though it requires paying the purchase price plus a 20%-per-year premium.
- You have the right to apply for homestead and other property tax exemptions.
- You have the right to appeal your property's assessed value.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that has not yet served its first family. Tax foreclosure laws, exemption eligibility, and program details change frequently. Verify all deadlines and eligibility requirements directly with the agencies listed above. If you are facing a tax sale, consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.
Need help? Visit auctionblock.org/get-help to connect with resources in your area.