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 - Fulton County/City of Atlanta only requires 1 application through (instructions & links to the important websites are below for each situation).
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 Cobb County you must apply by April 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year.
City of Marietta, Austell, Acworth, Smyrna, Kennesaw and Powder Springs residents must also apply for any city exemptions with the city tax office.
The Cobb County Tax Commissioner's office mails Homestead Exemption applications around the end of January to homeowners on record who purchased or transferred property the previous year. If you do not receive an application you can print one from the following website or call (770) 528-8600 to request one. http://www.cobbtax.org/forms/htmlframe.aspx?mode=content/generalinfotax.htm
The applicant's name must appear on the deed to this property in order to qualify. By law, you must pay your motor vehicle taxes in the county where you claim Homestead Exemption. A current registration or receipt of motor vehicle taxes paid in Cobb County must be provided for all personal vehicles you own at the time you apply for exemptions. You must also provide legal evidence of residency and United States citizenship, such as a Georgia driver's license, Georgia ID card, etc.
Homeowners can apply for most exemptions by Certified Mail, or you can visit our office at 736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 100, Marietta, GA. Our mailing address is P O Box 649, Marietta, GA 30061-0649. Applications can also be completed at the East and South Cobb Government Service Centers located at 4400 Lower Roswell Road and 4700 Austell Road. Applications must be received or postmarked by April 1, 2011 to affect taxes for the 2011 tax year.
For City of Marietta Residence they must also apply separately with the City. You can use the links below:
http://www.mariettaga.gov/services/forms.aspx (Bottom of the page for homestead exemption)
Here’s a link for the actual application in pdf form: http://www.mariettaga.gov/departments/finance/tax/docs/exemption.pdf
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)
Short Sale Info & Avoiding Foreclosure: www.AtlantaDignifiedSolutions.com
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