It's 2011 & time to save you some money!!! Each year I'm amazed by how many people haven't been informed that they need to file for their homestead exemption on their primary residence. You may remember at closing that I promised to follow up with you at the beginning of the year because this exemption can save you a small fortune if you file for it (it's only for your primary residence and will renew every year..no need re-apply as long as the home remains your primary residence.)
There are a number of people who don't seem to know this or aren't sure how to do it - so please, if you have friends who purchased in the last 12-24 months pass this post along to them, even if they didn't use my services previously it's okay -- they still deserve to be guided/protected & save some money :)
Each county has different rules & applications ....even within the county things can be different - as an example - Dekalb/City of Atlanta only requires 1 application through Dekalb County.....for Dekalb/City of Decatur there are 2 separate applications (instructions & links to the important websites are below for each situation).
If you have questions please feel free to email or call me to assist along the way. I will be calling in the coming days to check up on you (I am a former teacher.....so it's hard to break the habit of trying to ensure everyone does their homework).
In order to submit your application, your motor vehicles must be registered to the county where you claim homestead exemption (some counties will automatically change your tags for you when you apply others will want proof prior to processing your application)
For Dekalb County: Instructions are below (deadline is by April 1st, except “City of Decatur” must file for both Dekalb County & City of Decatur by March 1st to get current year exemptions)
http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/TaxCommissioner/homesteadGen.html
Go to the very bottom of the page and look for the link for “new homeowners and existing homeowners without a homestead exemption”
You’ll need your PIN or Parcel ID (which can be searched for online by following the prompts/instructions)
If you prefer to mail in your application there is a link online to download the application and then sent to: DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office P.O. Box 100004, Decatur, GA 30031
For City of Decatur – you can apply online (Decatur Deadline March 1st) at the website below:
http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_atr_gh1application.aspx
There are additional exemptions for Senior Citizens, Disabled Veterans, and more.
If you have questions feel free to county the county offices or just give me a call.
Michael Neville
Real Estate Consultant
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Midtown
#1 Individual Realtor for KW Atlanta Midtown '09
404-310-8364
www.LiveInAtlantaGA.com (website)
http://activerain.com/blogs/mpneville (blog)
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