Homestead Tax Exemption

Jun 10

A homestead exemption is a legal provision that helps reduce the amount of property taxes you pay on your new home and saves you money. Under Georgia law, you are entitled to a homestead exemption for the property that you own and occupy as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. While you only need to file once per property, the exemption is not automatic. You must properly file for the exemption to save on your taxes. You can find instructions on how to file for the exemption on your County’s Tax Assessor’s website.

You will need to file the homestead exemption application and submit all of the required information and documentation by April 1st of of the year in order to be granted the homestead exemption for this year. Once you have properly filed for the homestead exemption and it has been granted, the exemption will remain on your property until there is a change in ownership (i.e., you do NOT need to refile for the exemption every year. Note: If there is a change to your deed, you may want to call the county to double check that you don’t need to re-apply). You may need the following information and documentation to complete the application:

Georgia Driver’s License or valid GA identification;
Social Security Number (Owner and Spouse)
Registration for all vehicles owned in the county where exemption applied for
Settlement Statement from closing
Recorded deed for your new home showing the recorded deed book and page number
Trust document and affidavit if the property is titled in the name of a trust
Proof of income, previous year’s tax returns, and copy of Social Security Award Letter (for Senior and other Special Exemptions)

Links to county exemptions are listed below. Please note that if the property is located within city limits, the homeowner may need to file with the city as well.