Finance

• What are franchise fees?

  Franchise fees are charges to utility companies for the privilege of operating within municipal boundaries. They are a routine and common practice for municipalities across the state and country. Examples are electricity, telephone, cable television, waste management and natural gas.

  Franchise fees are implemented as part of a service agreement executed between a government and a utility company. These service agreements outline the terms under which utility companies provide service to customers within a specific territory. Local governments require them in order to ensure service to all customers in a geographic area.

  A franchise fee generally is imposed in lieu of licenses or permits that would otherwise be required. These fees are intended to reimburse local governments for use of the public right-of-way and other municipal services. It typically is calculated on a percentage of the revenues derived from sales to customers in that territory.

• Does the City offer homestead exemptions?

  Several types of homestead exemptions have been enacted to reduce the burden of ad valorem (assessed value of real estate or personal property) taxation. To qualify, property owners must own and occupy their home as primary residence as of January 1 of the applicable year. Property owners already receiving the Fulton County exemption do not need to reapply each year unless there is a change in ownership or the owner is applying for a different exemption.

  In order to be eligible for City of Milton Senior or Full Value Homestead Exemptions, property owners must file with the City of Milton between January 1 and May 31 of each year. Applications received after May 31 will become eligible the following year. The following exemptions are offered by the City of Milton:

  • Basic Homestead Exemption of $15,000 off the assessed value of your tax bill. (You apply for this through Fulton County.)
  • Senior Basic Exemption of $15,000 available to residents age 65 or older on or before January 1 of the year in which the application for exemption is submitted. (You apply for this through the City of Milton.)
  • An additional $10,000 Senior Homestead is available to homeowners who meet certain income requirements and are 65 or older on or before January 1 of the year in which the application for exemption is submitted. (You apply for this through the City of Milton.)
  • Full Value Exemption is available to disabled residents and residents 70 or older on or before January 1 of the year in which the application for exemption is submitted. There are certain income qualifications, and proof of disability is required for disabled residents. (You apply for this through the City of Milton.)

• How can I pay my property tax bill?

  For your convenience, you may pay utilizing any of the following methods: Visa/MasterCard, American Express and Discover accepted.  Payments made by credit card or ECheck are subject to a convenience fee.

  Online: Visit www.miltonga.gov for more information.

  By phone: Call 678-242-2500

  By mail: 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA. 30004.  Please make check(s) payable to City of Milton.  Mail both the tax stub and your check or money order.

  In person: Finance Department: 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004.

• What interest/penalty is charged for paying my tax bill after the due date?

  Tax bills are due 60 days from the bill date. After 60 days have passed, monthly interest is calculated at one-twelfth (1/12) of the bank prime rate loan plus three percent (3%) and charged until the bill is paid. If the bill remains unpaid for 90 days past the due date, there will be a one-time, 10% penalty added to the total.

• What if I sold my house in Milton?

  Georgia property taxes are based on the ownership of the property as of January 1 of each year. If you sold the property on or after January 1 of this year, you will need to complete the following steps to ensure that your record is updated:

  • Fax a copy of your final settlement agreement to the City of Milton at 678-242-2499 or email a copy of you final settlement agreement to propertytaxes@miltonga.gov. This will allow us to change the bill to the new owner's name.
  • Contact the Fulton County Tax Assessor's Office at 404-612-6440 to ensure that your closing attorney has submitted your final settlement agreement and that your record has been properly updated.

  Note: If pro-ration of taxes has been made, it is in your best interest to forward the tax bill to the new owner and confirm your record has been updated with Fulton County.

• What if I bought a house in Milton?

  It is important for you to understand, as a new property owner you will NOT receive a property tax bill on the property you just purchased this year, until you or the seller submits a settlement statement to our office. Georgia law requires the Tax Office to bill the owner of the property as of January 1 each year. However, if you or the seller faxes a copy of the closing settlement to 678-242-2499, we will be able to change the bill into the correct owner's name.

  Although the tax bill will be in the name of the former owner, the law states that when taxes become delinquent a tax lien is placed against the property.

  Please note: There is no provision in the law for the tax office to pro-rate taxes based on a partial-year ownership of property. Any pro-ration of taxes must be made between the buyer and seller at the time of transfer of property.

• How do I get added to the city's vendor list?

  Register to do business with The City of Milton. Join the Georgia Purchasing Group to expand your business with local governments throughout Georgia. Learn more about our Bid Opportunities.

• What should I do if I see an abandoned or foreclosed building within city limits?

  Any abandoned or foreclosed buildings should be reported to Code Enforcement using our Violations form.