Privacy Policy – Gilmer County Property Appraiser

Privacy Policy establishes the commitment of the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office to protecting sensitive data. Citizens frequently ask about the security of their personal details and property data. This document clearly defines the Gilmer County property appraiser privacy policy regarding the collection and use of information. We recognize that trust requires transparency, especially concerning Gilmer County property records confidentiality and Gilmer County real estate data protection. We want every user of our services to feel secure knowing their property information privacy Gilmer County is a top priority. This official Gilmer County appraisal office privacy notice details our data handling policy Gilmer County property office. It addresses common questions about which data is public and which is protected, covering subjects like Gilmer County property tax data privacy and the Gilmer County personal information policy. We adhere to strict Gilmer County property appraisal confidentiality rules when managing the property database. Reviewing this privacy statement Gilmer County property appraiser helps you understand your rights and our responsibilities concerning your data. We aim to make our privacy practices Gilmer County assessor clear and easy to follow for all residents. This statement reflects our dedication to securing your information while still meeting the requirements for Gilmer County public records privacy policy.

Privacy Policy outlines the specific measures taken by the Gilmer County property office to ensure property data privacy Gilmer County. This document addresses the data privacy guidelines Gilmer County property office follows when managing records for appraisal services. We detail our security protocols for Gilmer County assessor office data protection, including how we safeguard information related to property tax assessment and collection. The commitment to real estate records confidentiality Gilmer County extends to all digital assets, including Gilmer County GIS & parcel data privacy. We explain the difference between information considered public record and any personal data that is kept confidential. The Gilmer County property database privacy practices section describes the technical and administrative controls in place to prevent unauthorized access. Citizens deserve to know exactly how their Gilmer County property tax information privacy is maintained. This notice provides full transparency on our Gilmer County appraisal services privacy procedures and how you can exercise control over your information. We also explain how changes to this Gilmer County property appraiser privacy policy will be communicated, ensuring you are always aware of updates to our data security commitments. Our goal is to maintain the highest standard of data protection for every resident.

Information We Collect

The Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office collects certain information to perform its statutory duties. These duties include property valuation, tax assessment, and maintaining accurate public records. The collection of data supports the core function of fairly distributing the property tax burden across the county. The type of information collected varies based on the services you use and the interactions you have with our office, both online and in person. We follow all state laws regarding public records and data protection.

Understanding which data is gathered is key to understanding our Gilmer County personal information policy. We separate the data into two main types: information you provide to us directly and information collected automatically through digital systems. This separation helps us apply the appropriate levels of security and confidentiality to each type of data. Maintaining Gilmer County property records confidentiality requires a clear structure for data classification and handling.

Data You Provide Voluntarily

When you interact directly with the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office, you may provide certain personal details. This information is needed to process exemptions, update ownership, or handle appeals. Providing this data is necessary for the completion of specific official requests. For example, applying for a Homestead Exemption requires submitting identifying details.

The voluntary data collected is directly related to the assessment process or to service requests. We limit the collection of personal data to what is necessary and relevant to our legal obligations. This practice supports our commitment to property data privacy Gilmer County. Examples of data you might provide include:

• Owner names and mailing addresses for tax bills.
• Contact phone numbers or email addresses for official communication.
• Social Security numbers or specific identification for exemption applications (kept highly restricted).
• Details about property improvements or sales prices submitted during an appeal or valuation review.

This submitted information helps the office maintain accurate property records and ensure fair tax assessments. The security measures for this data are part of our official Gilmer County assessor office data protection strategy. We treat sensitive, non-public details with the utmost care, in line with Gilmer County property appraisal confidentiality rules.

When forms are submitted online, the data is encrypted during transmission. In-person submissions are handled by trained staff who follow strict internal protocols. The purpose of collecting this information is always tied back to the legal requirements of the property appraiser’s functions. We strive to be transparent about why we ask for specific details.

Automatically Collected Information

When you use the official website for the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office, certain technical data is gathered automatically. This collection helps us improve website performance and security. This type of data does not usually identify you personally but relates to your interaction with the site. We use this information to understand user behavior in an aggregate way.

This automatically collected data supports the technical aspects of Gilmer County GIS & parcel data privacy by helping us monitor system health. The data gathered includes:

1. Your Internet Protocol (IP) address, which is a number assigned to your device.
2. The date and time of your visit and the specific pages you viewed.
3. The type of browser and operating system you are using.
4. The website you came from to reach our site (the referring URL).
5. The files you downloaded from the website.

We use small data files called “cookies” for website functionality. These cookies help the site remember your preferences during a single session. They do not store personal details or exemption information. We do not use cookies to track your activity across other websites. This practice is central to our transparent data privacy guidelines Gilmer County property office.

The automatic collection of this technical information is standard for government websites. It allows us to identify system issues, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the online property database remains available. We use standard web analytics tools that anonymize data where possible before analysis. This maintains your Gilmer County property tax information privacy while supporting better service delivery.

How We Use Your Information

The Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office uses the collected information strictly for official purposes. Every use of data aligns with our legal mandate to assess property value and maintain public property records. We do not sell or rent personal information to outside parties. Our commitment to Gilmer County real estate data protection is based on using data responsibly and only as needed.

The uses of your information fall into three main categories: improving services, communicating with you, and fulfilling legal obligations. These categories ensure that data use is purposeful and justifiable under the Gilmer County property appraiser privacy policy. We have internal controls to verify that data access and use comply with these defined purposes.

For Service Improvements

We use both voluntary and automatically collected data to make our services better for the public. Understanding how users interact with the website helps us organize information more logically. For instance, knowing which property search features are used most often helps us prioritize technical updates.

Service improvement uses include:

• Analyzing website traffic patterns to optimize server capacity and speed.
• Using feedback from forms to redesign confusing processes for property appeals or exemptions.
• Aggregating non-personal data to identify trends in property data access, which assists in resource planning.

The goal is to provide citizens with efficient access to public property information while securing non-public details. This continuous effort supports the best privacy practices Gilmer County assessor can offer. Improved services mean more efficient tax administration and clearer communication for property owners. We use data from sources like online feedback forms to directly adjust user interface elements.

Communication & Notifications

We use contact information you provide to communicate official matters related to your property. This communication is necessary for the proper functioning of the property tax system. Examples include sending notices of assessment value, information about exemption status, or updates regarding a property appeal hearing.

Official communication methods include:

1. Sending official assessment notices via postal mail to the recorded mailing address.
2. Using email addresses, if provided, to send reminders or confirmation of online submissions.
3. Using phone numbers only for direct, official contact related to a specific property record or request.

You will not receive unsolicited marketing emails or calls from the Property Appraiser’s Office. All communication respects the real estate records confidentiality Gilmer County expects. We use secure communication channels for sensitive information, such as official letters sent via certified mail for certain legal notices. This maintains the integrity of the Gilmer County appraisal services privacy commitment.

Legal and Compliance Purposes

The most important use of collected information is to comply with Georgia state laws and local ordinances. The Property Appraiser’s Office acts under specific legal mandates for property taxation and public record keeping. Data is used to fulfill these legal duties.

Compliance uses include:

• Calculating fair market value for all properties as required by law.
• Processing and auditing exemption applications to ensure eligibility.
• Responding to lawful subpoenas or court orders for specific property data.
• Maintaining a searchable public record of property ownership, value, and characteristics, as mandated by the Georgia Open Records Act.

The legal requirement to maintain public records means that much of the property data (owner name, property address, value, legal description) is accessible by law. However, specific private information, like Social Security numbers used for exemptions, is protected from public view. Our Gilmer County property database privacy practices clearly distinguish between public and protected data. We follow the Gilmer County public records privacy policy to the letter, ensuring that protected data remains confidential while public data is accessible.

This distinction ensures we meet both the transparency requirements for public services and the security standards for personal details. We regularly review our data use practices against current state laws to ensure ongoing compliance. This proactive approach supports the Gilmer County assessor office data protection framework.

Data Protection and Security Measures

Protecting the data entrusted to the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office is a core responsibility. We employ technical, administrative, and physical security measures to safeguard information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our security framework is designed to meet or exceed current government standards for data protection.

These measures are part of our continuous effort to maintain Gilmer County real estate data protection. We understand the sensitivity of property and personal details. The security protocols apply to all data, whether it is stored digitally or in physical files. We treat all records with a consistent level of care, regardless of the format.

Encryption and Secure Access

Data security starts with protecting information both while it is moving and while it is stored. We use industry-standard encryption protocols for all data transmitted between your web browser and our servers. This ensures that information submitted online, like appeal forms, cannot be easily intercepted.

Key security practices include:

1. Transport Layer Security (TLS): All online data entry and viewing of non-public property records use TLS encryption.
2. Data Encryption at Rest: Sensitive personal data stored on our servers is encrypted.
3. Strong Access Controls: All office systems require unique, complex passwords and multi-factor authentication for staff access.

These technical controls are central to the Gilmer County GIS & parcel data privacy efforts. Even public data, like parcel maps, is hosted on secure systems to prevent tampering or denial-of-service attacks. We regularly audit our encryption certificates and access logs. This adherence to technical security standards reinforces the privacy statement Gilmer County property appraiser makes to the community.

Internal Access Restrictions

Not every employee in the Property Appraiser’s Office needs access to every piece of data. We enforce a strict “need-to-know” policy for internal data access. Staff members can only access the minimum amount of information required to perform their specific job duties. This limits the internal exposure of sensitive data.

Administrative controls for internal access:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is used to assign different levels of system permissions to staff based on their function (e.g., appraisal staff versus customer service staff).
• Regular staff training on data handling, confidentiality, and security best practices is mandatory.
• Access to highly sensitive data, such as exemption applications with Social Security numbers, is restricted to a very small, authorized group.

This internal restriction framework is a critical part of our Gilmer County personal information policy. It prevents unauthorized internal viewing or misuse of confidential details. Audit logs track all access to sensitive records, allowing us to review and investigate any unusual activity. These measures demonstrate the office’s commitment to Gilmer County property appraisal confidentiality rules.

Additional Security Practices

Beyond technical and administrative controls, the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office implements physical and procedural safeguards. Physical security protects the hardware where data is stored. Procedural safeguards address how staff handle information in daily operations.

Examples of additional security practices:

These layers of security ensure the long-term integrity of the Gilmer County property database privacy practices. By combining these different security types, we create a strong defense against various threats. We perform regular security updates and patches on all systems to guard against known vulnerabilities. This proactive stance supports property data privacy Gilmer County for all residents.

Opt-Out Preferences

The majority of the information maintained by the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office is public record under Georgia law. This means that certain property details cannot be removed or opted out of public viewing. However, the law provides specific provisions for protecting certain sensitive personal details and for limiting the use of your contact information.

We respect your right to control the use of your data where legally possible. This section explains how you can exercise your preferences under the Gilmer County property appraiser privacy policy. Understanding these limitations is important because the office must prioritize its legal duty to maintain public records.

How to Limit the Use of Your Data

While property ownership and value data are public, certain individuals may qualify to have their contact information or specific personal identifiers protected from public disclosure. These protections are typically granted to specific groups, such as active or former law enforcement officers, judges, or victims of domestic violence, as defined by state statute.

Steps to request limitation or protection:

1. Review the relevant Georgia state statute regarding public record exemptions for personal safety.
2. Obtain the official application form from the Property Appraiser’s Office or website.
3. Submit the completed form along with all required supporting documentation (e.g., official identification, court order).
4. The office will review the application against the legal criteria for exemption.

If approved, the protected information, such as a home address or phone number, is removed from public online search results. The property record itself remains public, but the sensitive personal details are restricted. This process upholds Gilmer County property tax data privacy while balancing public record requirements. For general communication, you may request to be removed from non-mandatory email notification lists, but official legal notices must still be sent.

Sharing & Third-Party Services

The Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office shares information only when necessary to perform its official functions or when legally required. We do not sell personal data to marketing firms or other private entities. Any sharing of information is conducted under strict agreements that uphold the data privacy guidelines Gilmer County property office follows.

Transparency about data sharing is a key component of building trust. This section clarifies when and why your information may be shared outside of our office and how we manage third-party tools that assist our operations. Our commitment remains to real estate records confidentiality Gilmer County.

When and Why We Share Information

Data sharing often occurs with other government agencies for coordination of services. For example, property data is regularly shared with the Gilmer County Tax Commissioner’s Office for the purpose of bill collection. This inter-agency sharing is necessary for the smooth operation of the local tax system.

Information is shared with:

• Gilmer County Tax Commissioner: To ensure accurate tax billing and collection based on the appraised value.
• State Revenue Department: For mandatory reporting and oversight of local tax processes.
• Other Local Government Agencies: Such as planning and zoning departments, for public infrastructure projects and permitting purposes.
• Legal Authorities: When presented with a valid court order, subpoena, or search warrant, as required by law.

In all cases of sharing, we only release the minimum amount of data required by the requesting entity or legal mandate. We do not transfer protected, non-public personal information unless explicitly required by law or judicial order. This careful approach maintains the high standard of Gilmer County assessor office data protection. We document every instance of official data sharing for accountability purposes.

Third-Party Tools and Services

The Property Appraiser’s Office uses external software vendors to provide certain services, such as hosting the property search website or managing the Geographic Information System (GIS). These vendors are considered third-party service providers and only process data on our behalf.

How we manage third-party services:

1. We execute formal agreements with all vendors that require them to maintain the confidentiality and security of the data they handle.
2. Vendors are strictly prohibited from using the data for their own marketing or non-official purposes.
3. We select vendors who demonstrate compliance with recognized data security standards.

For example, the online mapping tool for Gilmer County GIS & parcel data privacy is provided by a specialized vendor. The data displayed is public property information, and the vendor is bound by contract to protect the underlying system and any collected technical data. Our contracts ensure that the vendor’s security practices meet the requirements of the Gilmer County property database privacy practices. This ensures that even when using external help, the data remains secure and its use is controlled.

Your Rights & Data Control Options

As a resident and property owner in Gilmer County, you have certain rights concerning the data the Property Appraiser’s Office maintains about you and your property. These rights are defined by Georgia law and relate primarily to the accuracy and accessibility of public records. We encourage property owners to actively review their records.

The office is committed to helping you exercise these rights under the Gilmer County appraisal services privacy commitment. Knowing your options helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of the public property records. We strive to make the process for exercising these rights straightforward and accessible.

Requesting Data Access or Deletion

Since the property record is largely a public record, you have the right to access the data related to your property. This allows you to verify the accuracy of the information used for valuation. You can access most public property data directly through the online property search tool.

How to access or request changes to your data:

• Access: Property owners can view their public record (owner, address, value, characteristics) anytime online or in person at the office.
• Deletion: Deletion of public property data (like owner name or value) is not permitted, as this data must be maintained as a historical public record by law.
• Correction: If you find an error in the physical characteristics or ownership details of your property, you may submit a request for correction to the office.

Requests for correction must be submitted in writing and should include supporting evidence, such as a deed or survey. This process ensures the public record is accurate and supports fair taxation. While deletion is not an option for public data, correction is vital for maintaining the accuracy of the property information privacy Gilmer County expects.

Updating Your Personal Information

It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that the mailing address on file is current. The Property Appraiser’s Office uses this address to send important official notices, such as the Annual Notice of Assessment. An outdated mailing address can lead to missed deadlines for appeals or exemption filings.

Steps to update your mailing address:

1. Obtain the official change of address form from the office website or in person.
2. Complete the form, providing the property Parcel ID and the new, correct mailing address.
3. Submit the signed form to the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office via mail or in person.

Changes to ownership information, such as adding or removing a name, require the recording of a new deed with the Gilmer County Clerk of Superior Court. The Property Appraiser’s Office updates ownership records based on the official documents recorded with the Clerk. Maintaining current contact information is a practical way property owners contribute to their own Gilmer County property tax information privacy.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

The legal landscape for public records and data security changes over time. Therefore, the Gilmer County property appraiser privacy policy must also be reviewed and updated periodically. We reserve the right to modify this statement to reflect changes in state law, technology, or office practices. Any changes will maintain the core commitment to Gilmer County real estate data protection.

We are committed to providing notice of any material changes to this policy. Transparency in updates ensures that citizens are always aware of how their data is handled. This section details how we notify the public of updates and where to find the most current version.

Notification of Updates

We will post any revisions to this privacy statement on the official website of the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office. For significant changes, we may use other methods to inform the public, such as announcements on the website’s homepage or in official public notices. We encourage users to check this page periodically.

The methods for notification include:

• Posting the revised policy directly on the office’s official website.
• Highlighting major changes in a separate notice on the website’s primary landing page for a set period.
• For legally mandated changes, publicizing the update in accordance with required state procedures.

The goal is to ensure that every citizen who relies on the privacy practices Gilmer County assessor adheres to is kept informed. We will always clearly state what has changed and why. Minor changes, such as grammatical corrections or formatting adjustments, may not receive a separate public notice but will be reflected in the updated document.

Date of Last Revision

To help you determine if the policy has changed since your last review, we post the date of the most recent revision at the beginning of the policy document (for internal records) and at the bottom of this page. This date serves as a clear indicator of the policy’s currency.

The date below reflects when the content of this document was last officially reviewed and updated by the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office. Relying on this date helps ensure you are referencing the most current Gilmer County appraisal office privacy notice. We recommend checking this date before relying on any specific provision.

Date of Last Revision: January 15, 2026

Contact Us for Privacy Concerns

We welcome questions and concerns regarding the Privacy Policy and our data handling practices. Addressing public inquiries directly is an important part of maintaining transparency and trust. If you have specific questions about Gilmer County property records confidentiality or how your personal information is managed, please reach out to our office.

We have designated staff responsible for overseeing data security and responding to privacy inquiries. We take all concerns seriously and will investigate any reported issues promptly. Your feedback helps us continually improve our adherence to the data handling policy Gilmer County property office has established.

How to Reach the Gilmer County Property Appraiser’s Office

You can contact the office through various methods, including mail, phone, or in-person visits. Please use the official contact details below for all correspondence related to property data or privacy concerns. When contacting us about a specific property, please include the property owner’s name and the Parcel ID number to help us assist you quickly.

Official Contact Information and Location:

Physical Location and Visiting Hours:

• Address: 1 Broad Street, Suite 100, Ellijay, GA 30540 (Illustrative location near Gilmer County Courthouse)
• Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Except official county holidays)

We recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment if your inquiry requires detailed discussion with an appraiser or data specialist. This ensures that the appropriate staff member is available to assist you with your Gilmer County property database privacy practices questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Privacy Policy shares the commitment of the Gilmer County Property Appraiser office to protecting sensitive data. Citizens often ask about the security of their personal details and property data. This document defines the Gilmer County property appraiser privacy policy concerning the collection and use of information. Trust requires transparency, especially regarding Gilmer County property records confidentiality. Consequently, we provide clear answers about how we manage your real estate data protection.

What does the Gilmer County Property Appraiser Privacy Policy cover?

The Privacy Policy explains how the Gilmer County Property Appraiser office handles property and personal details. For example, the policy covers the types of data collected, how that data is used, and who may access it. Because the office follows Georgia law, most property ownership, value, and tax parcel data are public records. Yet, the policy confirms our efforts to protect non-public details like social security numbers or banking information when we collect them. This statement guides our staff and helps keep your sensitive data secure.

Is my personal contact information protected under Gilmer County property records confidentiality rules?

Yes, your personal contact information receives protection, though some property data is public. The Gilmer County property records confidentiality rules separate public property data privacy details from private personal contact details. For instance, the public can see the name of the property owner and the assessed value. However, the office does not make personal phone numbers, email addresses, or specific financial details public. We restrict access to this private information to authorized staff only.

What steps does the Gilmer County assessor office take for data protection of real estate records?

The Gilmer County assessor office uses several steps for data protection. We keep electronic real estate records safe on secure servers with strong firewalls. Staff access to sensitive files requires permission and special security codes. Furthermore, physical documents stay in secure areas with controlled entry. This careful approach helps stop unauthorized people from seeing private property information. We regularly check our systems and update security measures to maintain high standards for Gilmer County property database privacy practices.

Can I ask the Gilmer County property office to correct or remove my personal data if it is wrong?

Yes, you may ask the Gilmer County property office to correct inaccurate personal information if it is not required public data. If you find a mistake in your contact details or other private records, you should contact the Assessor’s staff. Then, you will need to provide documents that support your request for correction. Consequently, the office will review the documentation and update the data following state laws. This process helps the office maintain accurate and current records for everyone.

Does the Gilmer County property appraiser privacy statement apply to property tax data privacy?

The Gilmer County property appraiser privacy statement does apply to property tax data privacy. The statement governs how the office collects, stores, and shares all associated information. Specific details, like the total assessed value and taxes owed, are public records under state law. On the other hand, certain property tax information used for payment or identification purposes, such as bank account numbers or social security numbers, stays private. The policy ensures the office follows strict data privacy guidelines for all tax-related information.

Will the Gilmer County property appraiser share my personal information with outside agencies or third parties?

The Gilmer County property appraiser does not share your personal information for marketing or commercial purposes. We respect your data protection rights. The office only shares private information when required by law, such as a court order or legal subpoena. Otherwise, your details remain with the office. We do not sell or lease any private information collected during the appraisal process to outside agencies or third parties. This commitment ensures your Gilmer County personal information policy is respected.