How hurricane damage could impact your 2025 tax bill

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Richmond County Tax Assessor’s Office is teaming up with the Augusta Fire Department to find out the impact of Hurricane Helene on property value.

This could lower tax bills next year for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Helene.

We met with the tax assessor on Friday, and he’s asking homeowners to report hurricane damage.

He’s asking homeowners to fill out a hurricane property damage report form so his team can come check out your home for a damage reduction on next year’s tax bill.

SEE THE HURRICANE PROPERY DAMAGE FORM:

The tax assessor will be following FEMA’s guidelines when categorizing property damage, which ranges from minor cosmetic damage to destroyed homes.

Destroyed homes lower property value until they’re rebuilt — same with damaged homes until repaired.

We already know of several total losses in the neighborhoods around Walton Way.

The Tax Assessors’ Office and fire department will begin conducting a county-wide preliminary damage assessment on Monday.

The information they collect will play a role in next year’s tax bills.

“Every year, we value property, which is based on a specific point in time which is January 1. So, the bills we just received and are paying now are based on the value of January 1, 2024, and any impact from the hurricane will be reflected on January 1, 2025,” said Tax Assessor Scott Rountree.

This will most likely impact uninsured homeowners the most, because they will either need to have cash on hand or get help through FEMA to make repairs by January 1.

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