April 1 deadlines still apply
The Gilmer County Assessors Office announced last week that it will be closed to the public until further notice as a precaution to limit exposure of person-to-person contact during the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. The closure was effective beginning 5 p.m. Friday, March 20.
Current plans are for the office to reopen to the public Monday, April 6, but that could change depending on how conditions are by that date.
“It is with the best interest of our citizens and employees that we implement (these) actions. As the situation continues to develop, adjustments may be made, if necessary. The office will contact you to gather any additional information needed,” read a statement issued following a board of assessors meeting last Thursday.
Chief Appraiser Theresa Gooch said she does not anticipate having to move any deadlines at this time.
April 1 will still be the deadline for submitting Homestead Exemption applications, including an over-age-65 school tax exemption, as well as conservation use applications, Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) applications, real property returns, prebill mobile home appeals and personal property returns for the current tax year.
Property owners can either mail in their applications and other forms by the April 1 deadline or place them in a black drop box located near the flagpole outside of the Gilmer County Courthouse.
Homestead Exemption applications, which normally require an in-person visit to the assessors office, can also be mailed in or put in the black drop box near the courthouse flagpole by April 1. All forms can be picked up in the hallway next to the assessors office door just beyond the secured courthouse entrance.
Property owners who need to speak with someone can contact the assessors office by phone or email. The Gilmer Assessors Office can be reached by phone at 706-276-2742, by email at tagilmer@ellijay.com or by fax at 706-635-2721.
The office’s business hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Get more information about property values and exemptions online at GilmerAssessors.com.