One of the many benefits of home ownership is the Homestead Exemption, offered by local counties, for which you may be eligible this tax year. The filing period for each county runs from January 1 through March 1 or April 1 depending on the county. Applications submitted after the deadline will be applied towards the following tax year. 

Typically, your county will send a letter to all new homeowners regarding the Homestead Exemption. If you have received this letter, fill in the requested information and return it to the Tax Commissioner's Office. If you have not received any information you may contact your local county tax commissioner to request this form. Please refer to the chart below for county contact information. You will need a copy of your Warranty Deed before submitting your form.  This will typically arrive at your new residence 1 to 3 months after your closing.

Please note that if your home is in DeKalb County, DeKalb County has also recently instituted a Property Assessment Freeze.  If you are applying for your homestead exemption for the first time, you will also be applying for the freeze at the same time.  Other counties may be doing this also, so be sure to check online or by phone to see if they are offering a freeze as well.
 

You may apply for the Basic Homestead exemption if you own and occupy the home as your legal residence and primary domicile on January 1 of the year in which the exemption is being claimed. The home must be your legal residence for all purposes whatsoever including the registration of your vehicles and filing of your Federal and Georgia State income taxes. You cannot file for homestead exemption on rental property, vacant land, or on more than one property. Homestead exemption applications are accepted year around. Current year exemptions must be applied for January 2 through March 1 or April 1 depending on the county. Applications received after the deadlines will be processed for the following year.

If you are looking for a different county in Georgia, please click here: Georgia Counties

*Note: dates and information given are to the best of our knowledge and are provided for your convenience. Please check with your county directly. We are not responsible for late or inaccurate filings.