Homestead Exemption is a Property Tax Savings! See how...

 Hi Everyone,

Each year we send out a page that explains how to file for your Homestead Exemption in the state of Georgia.  What is a Homestead Exemption?  By definition each county government gives certain exemptions to its citizens, which are applied against the property tax assessment to lower your real property tax bill. 

The requirements for the Basic Homestead exemption are as follows:

1. Filing is only required once, NOT every year.

2. You must occupy the property as your principle residence

3. You must have all cars owned by you, registered in the county where you are filing

4. You or your spouse can not be claiming homestead in another city, county or state.

NOTES:

A. Other exemptions are available in some counties for Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons (such as Cobb and Forsyth Counties)

B. If applying by mail we suggest you send the application via cerified mail

C. If in the future you change the way title to the property is held you must re-file for the Homestead Exemption.

Homestead Exemption Law Amended:

The Georgia Legislature recently modified the Homestead Exemption Law.

I. What are the changes?

The new law provides for year round filing of the Georgia Homestead Exemption.  On June 1, 2005 new homeowners were able to apply for their homestead exemption immediately upon receipt of their warranty deed, which is customarily mailed ot them after recording at the county office has taken place.  However, exemptions must be filed by certain deadlines to apply to the current tax year.  The deadlines by county are shown below as well as the contact information per county.

II What documents are needed in filing?

The Warranty Deed will be needed.  If you can't locate your filed Warranty Deed (also called the Security Deed) then call the attorney from the closing.  They should provide you a copy.

III Questions upon Filing:  The property owner making the return will be asked these questions:

A. Present and previous ownership

B. Description of Property

C. Kind of Title held (ie. Right of survivorship)

D. Name of Mortage company and loan amount, if any.

Let us hear from you all.... please respond to this blog so we can see if this is of value to you all!!!

Many thanks in advance .... Happy New Year 2009!

Our Best Always,

Janet Weidmann (team leader)