Georgia Homestead Exemption

Under Georgia law, several types of homestead exemptions are available for homeowners. These exemptions can reduce your property taxes for the county, school, and state portion of ad valorem tax levies. Some counties also provide for additional local tax exemptions as well. Exemption applications are filed with the tax commissioner in your county. Generally, you may file your application for homestead at any time during the year. However, it must be received by April 1, the same day that property tax returns are due in your county. Failure to submit your application by this date will result in losing your homestead exemption for that tax year.

Georgia Homestead Exemption Eligibility

A homestead exemption reduces the amount of property taxes homeowners owe on their primary residences. To qualify, homeowners must own and occupy their homes as of January 1 of the year they’re applying for the exemption. They also must not have claimed any other property tax exemptions in another county or state.

Each county has different applications and requirements for its homestead exemptions. However, all of them have the same basic eligibility criteria: the applicant’s name must appear on the deed for the property, and it must be occupied as the primary residence. In addition, applicants must provide proof of residency and United States citizenship. This can include federal and state income tax returns, a Form DD214, or a letter from a physician licensed to practice in Georgia.

Some counties offer a floating or varying homestead exemption that freezes the value of your property at its base year valuation. This will reduce your property taxes as the value of your home rises. In addition, some counties have special exemptions for senior citizens and low-income residents.

Georgia Homestead Exemption Application

The State of Georgia provides several types of homestead exemptions, and local counties are authorized to increase the amounts above those offered by the State. To apply for a Georgia homestead exemption, you must file an initial application with your county tax commissioner or tax assessors office.

You must provide proof of ownership and residency in the form of a driver’s license or state-issued ID. You can file online or in person year-round, but you must do so by April 1. The exemptions are effective for the next tax year. You do not have to reapply each year, unless there is a change in ownership or you seek a different type of exemption. Floating or variable homestead exemptions are available to qualified homeowners aged 62 and over, which reduce the County M&O portion of their county property tax but not the school ad valorem portion or bonded indebtedness levy.