Tax Time

With tax time upon us, there are a few things that you can do to reduce your property tax liability.  Unfortunately all of them require a little time and effort on your part.  In order to qualify for the 3% cap on property tax assessments that was passed last November in Georgia, you must file an application at the County Tax Commissioner's office.  The Towns County Tax Assessors Office has indicated that you must claim Homestead exemption as well.  Again, you have to file a form before the prescribed deadline.  Be aware however, that you may already be receiving a better reduction if you have multiple homes and have filed for homestead exemption in another state.  With property values in decline, for the 1st time in my 20+ years in real estate, if you have a recent appraisal which is less than your assessed value, you can provide the tax assessor's office with a copy and request that they reduce the value, although there is no requirement that they do so.  Other exemptions are available, dependent upon use of the property.  You can find more information at  http://gaassessors.com/