DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson to Retire Dec. 31

DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson announced he will retire effective Dec. 31, concluding a 26-year career with the county, including 10 years as tax commissioner.

Johnson, who was reelected in 2024 to a term that runs through 2029, said Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden will oversee the office following his departure. The tax commissioner is an elected position, and Golden will lead the office until the vacancy is addressed through the appropriate legal process.

“With more than 20 years of legal experience and nine years as chief deputy, Ms. Golden is well-qualified and prepared to lead the office while ensuring continuity at every level,” Johnson said in a statement.

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office plays a central role in county operations, overseeing the collection and disbursement of personal and real property taxes, administering homestead exemptions, processing vehicle registrations and renewals, and collecting motor vehicle taxes.

Reflecting on his tenure, Johnson highlighted the office’s operational achievements, including 10 consecutive, timely tax digest submissions, which ensured uninterrupted funding for county and school operations. He also cited improvements in customer service and efforts to modernize tax operations.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead one of DeKalb’s key governmental functions,” Johnson said. “Our team worked hard to ensure responsiveness, accuracy, and efficiency for DeKalb residents.”

Johnson began his career with the tax commissioner’s office in 2000 as a network coordinator. Under former tax commissioners Tom Scott and Claudia Lawson, he advanced through multiple roles, including supervisor, manager, and chief deputy, before being elected tax commissioner in 2016.

Beyond his county service, Johnson has been active in civic and professional organizations. He is a past president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club, former chair of the Tax Commissioners’ Technology Development Council of Georgia, a former board member of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority, and a former board member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Tucker.

In 2024, Johnson was named Tax Commissioner of the Year by the Georgia Association of Black County Officials, recognizing his leadership and contributions to public service.

County officials have not yet announced the timeline or process for filling the elected position on a permanent basis.