Newton County residents, it's time to check your mailboxes as the 2025 property tax bills have been dispatched. According to a civic alert from Newton County's official website, these bills were mailed out yesterday, covering taxes for the County Board of Commissioners, the Newton County School System, and the local cities, including Covington, Oxford, Porterdale, and Newborn.
In this year's bill, a significant change awaits taxpayers with a homestead exemption. The introduction of a new Floating Statewide Exemption, known as House Bill 581 or HB581, promises a higher degree of tax relief. "The majority of voters approved HB 581 to see property tax reduction measures on their bills. As your Tax Commissioner, I want to assure you that you can see exactly that reflected by looking in the Exemptions column," Tax Commissioner Brent Bennett stated in the announcement. This new exemption is designed to freeze the taxable value for 2025 at last year’s level for those with an exemption in both years.
For instance, a basic homestead exemption previously offered a $4,000 deduction in assessed value. But now, with HB581, homeowners may notice an even more substantial exemption. This addition results from the gap between the 2024 and 2025 assessed values being tacked onto the standard exemption amount. “We are committed to transparency and customer service, and we encourage all taxpayers to review their bills closely, especially the Exemptions column. The Floating Statewide Exemption introduces new reduction opportunities for homeowners, and we want to ensure everyone understands how these apply,” Bennett explained, highlighting the efforts to ensure clear communication of the changes introduced by HB581, as noted by the county's website.
Recognizing the digital age convenience, the Newton County Tax Commissioner’s Office encourages paying these bills online through their website. Offering eCheck payments for a negligible $1.50 convenience fee and credit card options available, albeit with a percentage-based fee. This streamlined process, as noted by the Commissioner's Office, speaks to the commitment towards employing efficient and user-friendly modes of transaction.
For any lingering questions or needful clarifications regarding the 2025 property tax bill, taxpayers are directed to reach out to the Tax Commissioner's Office at 770-784-2020 or find more details online through their website.
