PROPERTY TAXES · COLUMBIA COUNTY
How to Read Your Property Tax Bill
Find the right account, read the charges, and check which amount to pay.
Find the key details on your bill
Illustration only. Your bill may look different.
- Account number and tax year
- SAMPLE-001 · Example tax year
- Owner, mailing address and property description
- Check that the bill is for the property you intend to pay.
- Ad valorem taxes
- $1,700.00
- Non-ad valorem assessments
- $300.00
- Total before discount
- $2,000.00
- Example amount if paid in November
- $1,920.00 with the 4% discount
Use the account number and tax year when you look up the bill or call us. Verify the owner and property description before paying, especially if you own more than one parcel or recently bought or sold the property.
Understand the charges
Ad valorem taxes
These are based on taxable property value and the millage rates set by the taxing authorities. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. Exemptions can affect taxable value.
Non-ad valorem assessments
These charges are based on services or improvements rather than property value. Columbia County examples include fire protection, solid waste, and certain paving or lighting assessments.
A Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice from the Property Appraiser shows proposed taxes. Use the annual bill from the Tax Collector, or the current online balance, when you are ready to pay.
Find the amount to pay
For a regular annual bill, use the amount shown for the month you pay. If the bill shows an amount with the discount already applied, do not subtract it again.
- November 4% discount
- December 3% discount
- January 2% discount
- February 1% discount
- March No discount
Regular unpaid property taxes generally become delinquent April 1. If you see a past-due balance, have made a partial payment, or need a receipt, look up the account or call for the current balance and payment record.
If you pay through mortgage escrow, check with your servicer before paying separately. Look up your account afterward to confirm the payment posted.
Who to contact
Questions about amounts due, payments or receipts
Contact the Tax Department at 386-758-1080. Have your account number and tax year ready.
Questions about ownership, values, exemptions or mailing addresses
Contact the Columbia County Property Appraiser at 386-758-1083 about the tax roll or legal description. For electronic delivery, see Columbia County E-Billing.
Questions about a millage rate or special assessment
Contact the authority that set the rate or levied the assessment. The Tax Collector can help you identify the charge and the agency listed on your bill. Find the right office in the Taxing & Levying Authorities directory.