A homestead exemption does basically what it’s called: it exempts a certain dollar amount (or percentage) of your home’s value from your property taxes. They are named “homestead” exemptions because they apply to primary residences, not rental properties or investment properties. So, you must live in the home to qualify for the exemption.  In Georgia, you are entitled to the Homestead exemption if you owned and occupied your home by January 1.  To receive your homestead exemption you must file with your county’s tax office.  These exemptions are automatically renewed each year unless there is a change in ownership or you no longer meet the eligibility requirements. You do not need to reapply for exemptions if you refinance your home. For all exemptions, the property must be in the name of the applicant.

You can file anytime, but you must file by the county’s published deadline to receive the exemption for the current year. Click on your Metro-Atlanta county below to go directly to your tax office:

Cherokee

Cobb

Dawson

Dekalb

Fayette

Forsyth

Fulton

Gwinnett

All other Georgia counties

All of the counties listed above have a filing deadline of April 1 to apply for a homestead exemption on this year’s property taxes.  Likely you will need to provide a copy of the recorded warranty deed, Social Security numbers of all persons on the deed, the mortgage holder, and the amount of the mortgage…and additional documentation may be required.  So check your county’s tax office website first.  While you’re on the county’s site, check to see if you may qualify for additional exemptions!