It’s time to start thinking about your property taxes and your homestead tax exemption. If you bought a home in the past year or have never filed for your homestead tax exemption, it’s time to do so!

What is the homestead tax exemption anyways? A homestead exemption helps you save on your taxes for simply being a homeowner. It’s a reduction on a homeowner’s property taxes.

To qualify, you must reside in the home on January 1st for the year in which you are applying and the home must be your primary residence (i.e. you cannot claim multiple homestead tax exemptions for multiple properties).

To receive your exemption, you must apply before your county’s deadline. Once granted, the exemption is automatically renewed each year.

Each county has different homestead exemption programs. Be sure to read the information for your specific county. If your exemption status should change, you will need to re-apply.

Below are instructions on how to apply in each county. Don’t miss your opportunity to file and receive a break on your property taxes!

Cobb County

Deadline for submitting original application by mail is April 1, 2016.

http://www.cobbtax.org/Forms/HtmlFrame.aspx?mode=content/taxforms.htm

DeKalb County

Deadline for submitting the application, either online or by mail, is April 1, 2016. City of Dunwoody homes are included in DeKalb. Link to online application is under the section titled, “Basic Homestead.”

http://taxcommissioner.dekalbcountyga.gov/TaxCommissioner/ExemptionInfo.html

Decatur

If you live in Decatur, you must apply for BOTH Decatur and DeKalb.

Deadline for submitting the application, either online or by mail, is April 1, 2016. However, all new eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply for any new exemptions prior to March 15, 2016, to ensure exemptions will appear on your 1st installment tax bill.]

http://www.decaturga.com/city-government/city-departments/administrative-services/taxes-and-fees/homestead-exemption-information

Gwinnett County

Deadline for submitting the application, either online or by mail, is April 1, 2016.

https://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.publicaccessnow.com/HomesteadExemption.aspx

Forsyth County

Deadline for submitting the application by mail is April 1, 2016. You can download the application online and mail it in. Please note, the application does need to be notarized. You will also need to provide a copy of your driver’s license.

http://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Board-of-Assessors/Homestead-Exemption

Fulton County

Deadline for submitting the application, either online or by mail, is April 1, 2016. City of Sandy Springs homes are included in Fulton County.

http://www.qpublic.net/ga/fulton/online_filing.html

Please feel free to reach out to The MacDonald Team if you have any questions. Now go get your tax break!