Homestead Exemption

FAQ

Who is entitled to a Homestead Exemption?

Any Georgia resident owning and occupying the house on January 1st.

Where do I file?

In the first year, the new homeowner usually must go in person to the office of the Tax Commissioner of the county in which the property is located. However, there are some counties that allow the filing of the homestead exemption online or by mail. Please check with your county tax office. If you live in a specific city or town, you may have to file there as well, check with the county's representative.

What documents do I need?

The Warranty Deed.

Questions upon filing

The property owner making the return will be asked the following questions:

Present and previous ownership

Description of the property

Kind of title held

Name of mortgage company, if any

Amount of loan, if any

Receipt of tax bills

The tax bills will be mailed out as early as July and as late as December, depending on the county where your property is situated. When the lender is escrowing funds for the taxes, the taxpayer should place his loan number on the tax bill and enclose the tax bill along with the next payment and forward it to the lender, who will pay the taxes out of the escrow account.

Important!

Failure to file a tax return will result in a penalty, forfeiture of homestead exemption, and will increase your monthly payments. If your property is located within the limits of a city, you must also check with the city tax commissioner.