Owning your home comes with perks, and one of the biggest is the Homestead Exemption, which can help lower your property taxes on your primary residence. Various exemptions exist, including basic, senior, disabled, and veteran options, with eligibility criteria often varying by county. Most homestead exemptions, once granted, automatically renew.
Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for a homestead exemption, you generally must own and occupy the property as your primary legal residence as of January 1st of the tax year for which you are applying. You cannot claim a homestead exemption on any other property in Georgia or any other state. Your Georgia driver's license or state ID, as well as vehicle registrations for all owned vehicles, must reflect the property's address. For specific exemptions, such as those for seniors or individuals with disabilities, additional age, income, or disability status requirements may apply.
Gathering Documentation: While required documents can vary by county and exemption type, common items include:
- Valid Georgia Driver's License or State-Issued ID.
- Social Security Number.
- Vehicle registrations for all vehicles owned by applicants and their spouses.
- Recorded deed or closing documents if the home was recently purchased.
- Proof of income (e.g., state and federal tax returns, Social Security award letters) for income-based exemptions.
- Proof of disability (e.g., doctor's letter, Social Security Disability benefits documentation) for disability exemptions.
Submitting Your Application. Applications are typically filed with the county's Tax Assessor's Office or Tax Commissioner's Office. The deadline to apply for the current tax year is generally April 1st. Applications received after this date will usually be processed for the following tax year. Many counties offer online application portals, in-person application options, and sometimes mail or drop-box submissions.
Here are links to the homestead exemption information for several Metro Atlanta counties:
Not sure if you qualify, or just bought a home and don’t want to miss it? Reach out, I’ll walk you through it.
Katherine Mojica
404-819-3943
Realty One Group