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Harlan Florence

Real Estate Closing Attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia

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I bought my home and the tax records don’t show me as the owner. I’m starting to panic. What’s up?

So you just bought your house and looked online just to find out that the county tax office is showing someone else as the owner? That’s OK. There’s no need to worry! This is perfectly normal, and everything is fine.

It is an important and popular fact that things are not always what they seem, and this is doubly so for the tax offices, unfortunately. But here’s the thing. Tax records only reflect the owner as of January first of any calendar year. So whoever owned the property at the first of the year is going to be shown as the tax record owner for the entire year, even though you’ve bought the property. That’s just how tax offices are and it happens to everyone.

But that’s OK! While the county tax commissioner isn’t a great place to verify ownership, the deed record rooms are! Recorded deeds are what show ownership, and they’re available to everyone online at the Clerk’s Authority website. Or just as us for a copy from your closing. We’ll be happy to send one along!

  • Related question: I bought my house and got a tax bill for the entire year. Do I have to pay it? What gives?

Anyway. While the property taxes may show an old owner for now, that will change next January. So relax, have a cup of really strong tea, and wait it out. That’s all there is to do!

Harlan Florence is an Atlanta-based boutique law firm that believes there’s a better way to handle your real estate closing. We’d love to work with you. Contact us today, and let’s see what we can do together.
Photo by Stephen Harlan on Unsplash

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Feb 20

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We're closed for Presidents Day, but we'll be back at it tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some fun facts about those who have held the office.  https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/531531/american-presidents-facts
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Let's review how tax prorations! https://harlanflorence.com/tell-me-how-tax-prorations-work/
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Jan 16

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We are closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
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Not all heroes wear capes. http://ow.ly/nayn50Mk9Pk
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Dec 21

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We'll be closed Friday the 23rd for the holiday. Have a happy Yule, everyone!
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Nov 11

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We're closed for Veteran's day as we  celebrate the service of all US military veterans. Know someone who served or is serving? Tell them thanks, and we'll see you on Monday.
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Harlan Florence, Attorneys at Law. 5775 Glenridge Drive, Building B, Suite 550, Atlanta, Georgia 30328.
T:770 817 1012 F:770 817 1013 W:www.harlanflorence.com (but you already know that, since you're here, right?)
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