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

Approximately 20,000 parcels of land spread across Union County constitute the county property records. The real estate market is shaped by tourism and retirement communities. Blairsville serves as the county seat and is home to the offices of the Clerk of Superior Court, the Tax Assessor, and the Tax Commissioner. When researching property records, contact any of these agencies.

Blairsville has the highest number of homes, with single-family detached properties accounting for most of the housing stock in the county. Listed properties typically stay on the market for about 55 to 60 days before going under contract.

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How to Look Up Union County Property Records

Union County property records can be accessed through three primary sources. The Board of Assessors’ online search portal provides access to property ownership information and assessed values. The Tax Commissioner's Office maintains property tax bills and payment records. For deeds and other recorded real estate documents, search the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) portal,

To obtain certified copies of recorded land documents, contact the Clerk of the Superior Court at (706) 439-6022.

Who Keeps Union County Property Records?

Union County property records are open for public viewing under the Georgia Open Records Act. The following local offices maintain these records:

• Clerk of the Superior Court: The Clerk of the Superior Court records the county’s land documents.

• Board of Tax Assessors: The Union County Board of Tax Assessors establishes the assessed value of properties.

• Tax Commissioner: The Tax Commissioner is responsible for property tax billing and payment recordkeeping.

How to Search Union County Property Records Online

You can take these steps to search Union County property records online:

1. Locate the parcel: Enter the property address or parcel identification number (PIN) on the Tax Assessor's portal to locate the parcel.

2. Open the parcel detail: On the search results list, select the matching parcel to open its information page.

3. Pull the recorded documents: Visit the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority website to access deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other recorded instruments. You may search by owner name, recording date range, or book and page number.

4. Verify the current tax status: Use the Tax Commissioner’s Property Tax Search portal to review current and previous tax bills.

5. Order certified copies: Certified copies of deeds and other recorded documents are available through the Clerk of Superior Court. Contact the office to request them.

Clerk of the Superior Court: Deeds, Mortgages, and Liens

The Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments that affect real estate.

Tax Assessor: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data

The Tax Assessor keeps records of property ownership, assessed values, exemptions, and parcel maps.

Tax Commissioner: Tax Bills and Payments

The Tax Commissioner's Office collects property taxes on behalf of the county and other taxing authorities. It also conducts tax sales for delinquent properties.

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

Georgia bases taxes on a property's assessed value, which is 40% of its fair market value. After determining the assessed value, the county applies the local millage rate and subtracts any exemptions. (1 mill = $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: Property owners who use their homes as their legal residence as of January 1 may be eligible for the basic homestead exemption in Union County. This reduces the property's assessed value by $2,000 before county and school taxes are calculated. To benefit from this exemption, submit your application on or before April 1. Once approved, the exemption renews automatically as long as eligibility does not change.

• Local Additions: Union County provides local homestead exemptions in addition to those available under state law. These include school tax relief for homeowners who are 65 years or older and meet the applicable income requirements.

• CUVA & FLPA: Farmers who have agricultural or forest land in the county may qualify for Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) or Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA). Both programs require a 10-year covenant with the Board of Tax Assessors. Throughout the agreement, the property must be used for farming or forestry.

Appealing an Assessment

Anyone who believes the value on their Notice of Assessment is inaccurate has 45 days from the date of the notice to file an appeal. The Tax Assessor's Office reviews the assessment first. If the issue remains unresolved, the case is heard by the Board of Equalization. However, they may seek further review in the Superior Court if they are not satisfied with the Board's decision.

GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer

The Tax Assessor in Union County manages the Geographic Information System (GIS) through the public portal. The map allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership details, sales history, and aerial imagery of properties.

Foreclosure and Tax Sales

Delinquent property taxes may result in a tax sale. During the sale, the Tax Commissioner conducts the public auction to recover the delinquent taxes, and the property is sold to the highest bidder. Tax sales are generally held on the first Tuesday of the scheduled sale month, in accordance with O.C.G.A. Title 48.

Right of Redemption

After a tax sale, Georgia law gives the former owner a limited time to buy the property back. This is referred to as the right of redemption. In most cases, redemption requires payment of the tax sale purchase price, a 20% premium during the first year, and any other amounts required by law. If the property is not redeemed within 12 months, the purchaser may take steps to obtain full ownership.

Costs to Access Property Records

Here is a list of fees charged for recording and accessing property records in Union County under Georgia law.

How to Record a Document

Take the following steps to record a property document in Union County:

1. Prepare the document: Confirm that the document meets the county's formatting requirements. If it transfers real property, include a PT-61 Real Estate Transfer Form.

2. Calculate fees: Most documents have a basic recording fee of $25. Some filings, such as those that transfer ownership, require additional taxes.

3. Submit to the Clerk: Take the documents to the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court in person or send them by mail. If electronic recording is available, you may also file them through an approved e-recording vendor.

4. Retrieve the recorded copy: Request copies directly from the Clerk of the Superior Court or access them online through the GSCCCA search platform after the document has been recorded.

FAQs

Quick Reference: Your Union County Property Records Checklist

Key Contacts and Official Portals