Anyone who has purchased a primary residence in the state of Georgia during 2008 should be applying for Homestead Exemption after Jan. 1, 2009. It is best to get this out of the way in Jan., but you have until the end of February to truly have it completed. I personally send the packets of info to my buyer clients depending on the county they live in during January so they have ample time to apply. Clients appreciate it when you save them money before, during, & after the purchase of their home - plus it just feels good to help people save money.
Every county's policies are different and it requires either contacting your realtor for them to advise you or gong on the website for the county you live in and check the tax assessor's page. As an example Fulton County and Dekalb County have different policies & procedures yet both deal with citizens of Atlanta. You may have to file in person versus on the internet - read carefully & ask questions.
You will DRAMATICALLY reduce your property taxes by filing for Homestead Exemption. There are other exemptions depending upon your status within protected classes (senior citizens, physically disabled, wounded veteran, etc.) Ask your agent for assistance and tell your friends & family.
Unfortunately, I know a person who didn't have a helpful agent & paid a few THOUSAND extra dollars in taxes for the first few years he owned his property because he had never filed for homestead exemption. Once you have filed for your homestead exemption you will not have to file for it again as long as that home is your primary residence.
You can only file for homestead exemption on 1 home at a time, not investment properties (primary residence only.)
I hope this helps save you some serious $$$$ with this tax benefit
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