Most boat owners in Chattooga County will not receive a tax bill in 2026 following a change in state law that increased the exemption on boat accounts. Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton said she has received several questions about boat values for 2026 and reviewed billing information to get a better idea of how many taxpayers may be affected. According to Hampton, there are currently 823 boat accounts in Chattooga County, but only 44 are expected to receive a tax bill. The reason is a recent change in the law that increased the exemption on boat accounts from $7,500 to $20,000. That means boats valued at $20,000 or less should not generate a tax bill. Owners of boats valued at more than $20,000 may receive a bill based on the taxable value listed on the account. Hampton noted that she cannot answer questions about how individual boat values are determined, but she explained the process taxpayers can use to review their information. Each January, after the Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides boat ownership information to the Chattooga County Assessor’s Office, the Assessor’s Office sends paperwork to taxpayers. That is the time for property owners to report or review values for boats, jet skis, airplanes and other personal property. Taxpayers who did not return the form and disagree with the value listed on their account are encouraged to visit the Chattooga County Assessor’s Office. Staff there can help complete the appropriate paperwork and review…
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