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Real estate glossaryGeorgia-specific rule

Ad valorem tax

Ad valorem tax is a tax based on property value.

Exam area: Finance and Closing

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What does “ad valorem tax” mean in real estate?

Ad valorem tax is a tax based on property value. Local property tax is calculated by applying the jurisdiction's millage rate to the property's taxable assessed value.

How is “ad valorem tax” different from the closest wrong answer?

Ad valorem means according to value. A special assessment commonly funds a specific improvement and need not be based on the property's market value.

What is the Georgia-specific rule?

Georgia property is generally assessed at 40 percent of fair market value unless a different statutory class or program applies.

Worked exam example

Scenario

Two otherwise similar properties with different taxable assessed values owe different amounts under the same millage rate.

What is the most common exam trap?

Trap correction

Do not confuse property tax with Georgia's transfer tax, which is triggered by a taxable conveyance rather than annual ownership value.

Original exam check

Apply the definition

Two neighboring homes sit in the same tax district with the same millage rate. One has a taxable assessed value of $120,000 and the other $90,000. Why do they owe different property-tax bills?

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Continue with Finance and Closing complete lesson. It places this term inside the full rule, worked examples, exam traps, and mixed practice required for mastery.