2023 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
FILE YOUR 2023 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
If you purchased a home in 2023, the deadline to file your Homestead Exemption is April 1, 2024. Click here for a convenient resource and links to filing your exemption in Georgia.
WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?
In Georgia, as in many other states across the nation, homeowners are offered a valuable benefit known as the “Homestead Exemption.” A Homestead Exemption is designed to reduce the amount of property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence provided:
- The home is occupied by the homeowner as their primary residence as of January 1 for the current tax year.
- The homeowner applies for the Homestead Exemption in the County where the property is located prior to the April 1 deadline.
In general, you will only need to apply for the homestead exemption once, and then the exemption will continue to apply as long as there is no change in ownership, name, spelling, or any other correction on the deed. You will, however, need to reapply if you want to qualify for a different exemption.
Each county has different applications and requirements so pay careful attention when filing. It is important to note that homestead exemptions are generally only applicable to a homeowner’s primary residence, not additional properties or investment properties.
WHEN DO I FILE A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?
Each year, property tax returns must be filed by April 1. Applications for Homestead Exemptions are also due on that date. Exemptions filed after April 1 will not count for that tax year and will be suspended until the following calendar year. Although the deadline is April 1, Homestead Exemption Applications can be filed at any time during the year. The only requirements to qualify for the homestead exemption in a given year are that the applicant owned the home on January 1st of that year and submitted the application prior to April 1.
HOW DO I FILE A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?
1. Determine if you’re eligible. To be eligible for a homestead exemption:
- You must have owned the property as of January 1.
- The home must be considered your legal residence for all purposes.
- You must occupy the home.
- You cannot already claim a homestead exemption for another property in Georgia or in any other state.
2. Gather what you’ll need. Required documents vary by county or city. If you are applying for a special exemption, additional documentation to show proof of eligibility will be required. They can include:
- Homeowner’s name
- Property address
- Property’s parcel ID
- Proof of residency, such as a copy of valid Georgia driver’s license and a copy of vehicle registration
- Recorded deed for new owners, if county records have not been updated
- Trust document and affidavit, if the property is in a trust
3. File your Homestead Exemption. You must file your homestead exemption application with your county tax officials. Please contact your county tax officials for the specifics on how to file your homestead exemption application.
4. Next Steps. Once approved, most homestead exemptions are automatically renewed each year as long as you continually occupy the home under the same ownership.
For additional Homestead Exemption information and resources, please visit Georgia's Department of Revenue's website.
