Glossary of Tax Terminology
The definitions provided on this page are merely general explanations of common tax terms used by the city of Marietta. They are not meant to be construed as legally-binding explanations.
Ad Valorem - According to the value.
Assessment - The official act of discovering, listing, and appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes. Assessments are based on a ratio of 40 percent of the (appraised) market value as of the first day of January of each year. The assessments used by the city of Marietta are received from the Cobb County Assessors.
Fi fa (fieri facias) - A term used interchangeably with execution to satisfy a judgment of debt.
General execution docket (G.E.D.) - A list of delinquent taxpayers.
Legal description - is a statement that serves to identify the location and boundaries of a parcel of land that is legally acceptable for assessment of taxes (district/land lot/parcel).
Mill - A mill is one-tenth of one cent. The millage rate is the determining factor in the calculation of your taxes. The city of Marietta’s millage rate is established by the Mayor and Council in the following manner:
Revenue needed ÷ digest = millage rate
Millage rate x 40 percent = tax levy
Digest - The total 40 percent assessed value of all taxable property inside the city limits which includes real estate, personal property, public utility systems, motor vehicles, mobile homes and railroad cars.
Warranty deed - A deed which conveys title to property whereby the seller guarantees the title to be good and unencumbered except as stated, and agrees to defend and protect the purchaser against any loss that may arise in the future from any defect in the title at the time of conveyance.