For some, timberland may be a large portion of their portfolio or estate value such that it becomes a critical asset that needs to be dealt with expertly.

The Internet and real estate websites have made it much easier for buyers to find available properties. This technology has also made it easier for buyers (and sellers) to make mistakes during the evaluation and transaction process.

Landowners who desire to be good stewards of their property realize that a healthy forest is no accident – it does not just happen; it takes effort, involvement, and knowledge to make the best management decisions.

One of the largest expenditures for many timberland owners in Georgia is their annual property tax payment. Property taxes can have a negative impact on timberland’s investment value (net present value) and financial returns over the long term. However, many landowners do have options to reduce their property tax obligations and improve long-term returns from growing timber.

As an owner of real property in Georgia, you have always had the right to appeal a property’s assessed value. Senate Bill 346, which passed in 2010, changed some of the rules and regulations regarding appeals. In this article, we have summarized the property tax appeal procedures and highlighted the major changes from previous regulations.