Cherokee County, GA Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps

Cherokee County has over 10,800 parcels of land and continues to draw new residents and real property investors. Its location near the Atlanta metropolitan area has contributed to steady growth in the local housing market. The Clerk of Superior Court, the Tax Assessor, and the Tax Commissioner handle property records in the county.

Most of the county's housing consists of single-family homes, with the majority in Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs, and Ball Ground. Homes listed for sale typically remain on the market for 40 to 60 days before receiving offers. This is comparable to the average across Georgia.

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How to Look Up Cherokee County Property Records

Cherokee County property information is available through several online resources. Records of property ownership and current assessed values can be viewed on the Tax Assessor's Property Search portal. The Tax Commissioner's online payment system provides access to tax bills and payment records. For deeds, liens, plats, and other recorded documents, search the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) website.

Call the Clerk of Superior Court at (678) 493-6511 or visit the office in Canton if you need certified copies of recorded documents

Who Keeps Cherokee County Property Records?

Three government agencies handle property records management in Cherokee County:

• Clerk of Superior Court: This office maintains and records documents that relate to real property ownership and transfers.

• Tax Assessor's Office: The Tax Assessor's Office determines the taxable value of real property. It maintains parcel information and property assessment data.

• Tax Commissioner: The Tax Commissioner’s Office oversees the billing and collection of property taxes. It also processes eligible tax exemptions and administers tax sales involving delinquent taxes.

How to Search Cherokee County Property Records Online

Searching Cherokee County property records online involves five simple steps:

1. Locate the parcel: Type the owner's name or property address into the Tax Assessor's search tool. You will see basic ownership information in the search results.

2. Open the parcel details: Select the relevant property on the results page to view.

3. Pull the recorded documents: Visit the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority website to obtain deeds and other recorded instruments for the property.

4. Verify the current tax status: Use the Tax Commissioner's property search portal to confirm the current tax bills, payment records, due dates, accrued interest, and any outstanding balances.

5. Request certified copies: If you need certified copies of deeds and other recorded land documents, contact the Clerk of Superior Court by phone or in person.

Clerk of Superior Court: Deeds, Mortgages, and Liens

The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all official land documents and property documents.

Tax Assessor: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data

The Tax Assessor's Office in Cherokee County determines the taxable value of properties in the county by conducting annual property assessments. It keeps records of property ownership and parcel details.

Tax Commissioner: Tax Bills and Payments

The Tax Commissioner's Office handles property tax billing and oversees tax sales when property taxes become delinquent.

Property Tax in Cherokee County: Rates, Exemptions, and Appeals

The amount of property tax owed depends on a property's assessed value. For most properties in Cherokee County, it is 40% of their fair market value, minus exemptions. The result is multiplied by the millage rate to determine the tax owed. One mill is $1 in tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.

• Assessed value = FMV x 40%

• Property tax due = assessed value x millage rate.

Homestead Exemptions

• Basic Homestead Exemption: Homeowners who own and live in a property as their primary residence may qualify for the basic homestead exemption in Cherokee County. This exemption reduces their property’s assessed value by $2,000.

• Local Additions: Cherokee County also provides several local tax relief programs for qualifying individuals, including disabled veterans and senior citizens (aged 62 or older who meet the applicable income requirements).

• CUVA & FLPA: Owners of agricultural and forest land in Cherokee County may enroll in the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) and Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) programs. These programs assess a property based on its agricultural or forestry use instead of its fair market value. To participate in any of these programs, you must agree to continue to use your property for agricultural, conservation, or forestry purposes for a 10-year covenant period.

Appealing an Assessment

Property owners who disagree with their annual assessment may appeal after receiving their assessment notice from the Tax Assessor. The appeal must be filed within 45 days from the date the notice was mailed.

The Tax Assessor’s Office reviews the appeal and may correct any errors or adjust the assessed value. However, if the issue remains unresolved, the appeal may be referred to the Board of Equalization for a hearing. They may seek further review in the Superior Court if they remain dissatisfied with the Board's decision.

GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer

The county's Assessor's Office manages the Geographic Information System (GIS). This parcel viewer allows you to view lot dimensions, ownership information, sales, floodplains, and aerial photos of properties in Cherokee County.

Foreclosure and Tax Sales

Unpaid property taxes can eventually result in a tax sale if the debt remains unresolved for an extended period. Georgia law allows the Cherokee County Tax Commissioner to place a levy on properties with delinquent taxes and sell them to recover the amount owed. A property may also go into foreclosure when the owner falls behind on mortgage payments.

Right of Redemption

A property owner does not immediately lose all rights to the property even after a tax sale. In most cases, Georgia law provides a 12-month redemption period during which the former owner may reclaim the property by paying the amount for which it was sold.

In addition, the owner must pay a 20% premium during the first year, as well as any additional taxes or costs. If the property is not redeemed within that period, the purchaser may take steps to obtain a clear title to the property.

Costs to Access Property Records

O.C.G.A. Section 15-6-77 sets the fees for recording and accessing Cherokee County property records. A summary of these fees is shown in the table below:

How to Record a Document

Recording a property document in Cherokee County generally involves four steps:

1. Prepare the document: ensure it meets Georgia’s recording requirements. Documents that transfer real estate should include a completed PT-61 Real Estate Transfer Form.

2. Calculate fees: Calculate the recording fees before submitting. The recording fee for most documents is $25 for the first page and $2 for each additional page. Some transactions may come with additional taxes depending on the type of document being filed.

3. Submit to the Clerk: File the document with the Clerk of Superior Court either in person, by mail, or through an approved electronic recording provider. After submission, the Clerk reviews the document and assigns a recording number to make it part of the county's records.

4. Retrieve the recorded copy: Copies of recorded documents may be requested from the Clerk’s Office directly or searched online through the GSCCCA system.

FAQs

Quick Reference: Your Cherokee County Property Records Checklist

Key Contacts and Official Portals