Special offer

Homestead Exemption and Property Tax info

By
Mortgage and Lending with Homeland Financial

 

Homestead Exemption and Property Tax help:

Following are very important homestead exemption and property valuation assessment dispute information.  I hope that the information I provide is useful. I am proving links to homestead exemption info per county. Most of Metro Atlanta counties are listed. Some web links may be broken due to county website updates. Please contact me and I will help you track down the proper websites and updated links.

What is homestead and what is needed to apply?

Homestead is a property tax reduction program, intended to keep taxes lower on owner-occupied homes.

In order to receive homestead exemption, you must present proof of ownership, complete a homestead application and provide the social security number of all owners. You must be listed as the owner on county tax records.

Who qualifies?

Those who own and occupy the property as their primary residence as of January 1 of the year for which application is made.

When should you apply?

You must apply by March 1 to receive credit on the current year tax bill. Applications received after March 1 will be processed for the following year.

 Are there any special homestead exemptions?

Yes, for blind, disabled or paraplegic veterans, senior citizens and some people in military service. If all owners do not occupy the property, a partial homestead exemption may be given.

How often must I file?

Once, unless a form is mailed to you by the Assessor. If you receive an application, it is important that you complete it and return it to the address on the form.

Where can I file?

You should receive an application in the mail by February 1. If you do not receive an application in the mail, contact your county tax commissioner’s office for an application and for any additional questions.

 

The property valuation assessment dispute starts first with the filing of a “Taxpayer’s Return of Real Property”. Obtain the form, write in your estimated “Fair Market Value” and mail it to your county's tax assessor’s office. Upon reviewing the submitted return, your county's tax assessor’s office will either agree or disagree with your “fair market value”. If they do not accept your stated value, they will issue a “Notice of Change of Assessment”. This notice will inform you of the valuation the county will use to calculate your tax for the current tax year. If you disagree with this value, you will then have the right to appeal. Instructions on how to appeal will be included with the notice. If they accept your valuation, the “Notice of Change of Assessment” will not be issued and taxes will be adjusted based on the fair market value you submitted. Below are the links to the “Taxpayer’s Return of Real Property” by county.

One tip in filling out the Property Tax Return is to search for your tax bill online with the county. The tax bill will contain your Map and parcel ID plus partial legal description of your property. Use this information to complete the Property Tax Return. You do not have to break down your estimated value by “land” and “improvements”. Simply fill out a total estimated value in the “total” section. Remember you must file by March 1. Make sure to mail the return via Certified Mail. Please contact me if you need additional information or clarification. Good luck!

Cobb County:
Property tax Info search: Cobb County Tax Bill Search
Homestead Exemption: Cobb County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return: Cobb County Real Property Return Forms

Cherokee County:
Property tax Info search: Cherokee County Tax Bill Search      
Homestead Exemption: Forms available at county tax commissioner’s office :
2780 Marietta Highway Canton 30114 : 678.493.6400
Real Property Return: Cherokee County Real Property Return Forms

Clayton County:
Property tax Info search: Clayton County Tax Bill Search     
Homestead: Clayton County Homestead Exemption Forms   
Real Property Return: Clayton County Real Property Return Forms   

Dekalb County:
Property tax Info search: Dekalb County Tax Bill Search     
Homestead: Dekalb County Homestead Exemption Forms   
Real Property Return: Dekalb County Real Property Return Forms     

Fulton County:
Property tax Info search: Fulton County Tax Bill Search     
Homestead: Fulton County Homestead Exemption Forms  
Real Property Return: Fulton County Real Property Return Forms     

Forsyth County;
Property tax Info search: Forsyth County Tax Bill Search     
Homestead: Forsyth County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return: Forsyth County Real Property Return Forms

Gwinnett County;
Property tax Info search: Gwinnett County Tax Bill Search
Homestead: Gwinnett County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return: Gwinnett County Real Property Return Forms

Hall County;
Property tax Info search: Hall County Tax Bill Search
Homestead: Hall County Homestead Exemption Forms
Real Property Return: Forms available at county tax assessor’s office:
300 Henry Ward Way, Suite 203 Gainesville, GA 30501 : 770.531.6720

 

Homeland Financial is proud to display the "Lending Integrity" seal of approval. This seal identifies Homeland Financial as meeting the Highest Ethical Lending Standards. Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS: 150504/162627

 

 

Comments (3)

Indera Coggins
Re/Max 100 - Dunkirk, MD

Hey Christian,

Am I missing something here. I thought the Homestead credit was for last years claim. Is this an extention?

Jan 20, 2011 04:07 AM
Christian Pak
Homeland Financial - Atlanta, GA

Hi Indera,

In the state of Georgia, homestead exemptions(credits) are applied for the year it is filed. If you file for the exemption in Jan-Mar 2011, it will be applied to the 2011 property taxes that will be due at the end of 2011.

If you purchased the subject property during 2010, you paid the property tax at the end of 2010 as assessed for the 2010 tax year with any credits that were in place with the previous home owner. As the new owner of the property, you will need to apply for the homestead exemption the following year between Jan- Mar and claim any and all exemption that you (the new owner) qualify for.

This info is valid for the state of Georgia. It may be different in other states and jurisdictions.

Thanks.

Christian Pak

Jan 20, 2011 04:25 AM
Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

Christian, this is a very nicely done piece.  I am sure that you will get a lot out of it, and you are providing your clients very valuable information.

Jan 20, 2011 04:49 AM