Georgia Homestead Exemption  

The Georgia Legislature modified the Homestead Exemption Law a few years ago and here are the changes:

1)  Effective June 1, 2005, new homeowners may apply for the Homestead Exemption year-round.

2)  Beginning June 1, 2005 homeowners may file for the Homestead Exemption immediately after receiving their warranty deed which is generally mailed to them after recording.

For example: If you purchased and occupied real property as your legal and primary residence from January 2, 2007 through January 1, 2008, then you are eligible to apply for the exemption until March 1, 2008 for the 2008 tax year.

 

I advise all of my new homeowners to file for this exemption just as soon as possible after closing on their home.  The entire process probably takes an hour or less and it is a substantial property tax savings. This is not the time to  procrastinate and miss the filing deadline for your county tax commissioner's office or county tax assessor's office.  Most of the information for the Greater Atlanta Metro Atlanta County offices is listed here at:

www.pamelakrealestate.com

and for your convenience,  some counties now have their application forms available on-line.

 

Certain counties actually mail out the application to the new owner of record, but, do not wait for this.  If you miss your county's filing deadline, then you'll miss out on the tax savings for the entire tax year!

The great news is that you only need to file for the Homestead Exemption one time!  Once the exemption is granted, it will remain just as long as the home is your legal and primary residence.

 

What you need to file for the Homestead Exemption:

1)  A Copy of your Warranty Deed

2)  Social Security Numbers of All Persons on the Deed

3)  Mortgage Holder and  Amount of the Mortgage, if applicable

4) A Copy of your HUD-1 Closing Statement

 

Please note that each county is different so make sure to personally contact your Tax Commissioner/ Tax Assessor's Office prior to making application!

 And there are special savings for Senior Citizens which is why Forsyth County recommends that Seniors apply in person to assure that they are granted all the property tax savings that they are entitled to receive.