Homestead Exemption Deadlines for 2008 in Georgia
For the most current information on Homestead Exemption deadlines in Georgia, read our blog post for the 2010 Tax year – File Your 2010 Homestead Exemption.
Did you purchase a new home in Atlanta last year? Then it is important that you file for a Homestead Exemption in your county. This can save you thousands of dollars in property taxes! Here is some helpful information on exemptions and links to the appropriate websites from several counties such as Cobb, Gwinnett and Fulton.
A Homestead Exemption provides 3 basic protections. While some states provide this exemption automatically, in Georgia a homestead exemption must be applied for during the first year of residence in your primary home. You only have to apply for the exemption once. Here are the 3 basic protections under homestead exemption:
1. It provides an exemption from property taxes which can be applied to a home
2. It prevents the forced sale of a home to meet the demands of creditors
3. It provides the surviving spouse with shelter
Upcoming Exemption Deadlines by County (this information has been researched on the websites for each county; however, you should check with each tax center to ensure accuracy of this information)
• Dekalb County: Homestead exemption applications are accepted year-round, but current-year exemptions must be applied for between Jan 2 and March 1
• Fulton County: Homestead exemptions are due by March 1, 2008 and can be completed online
• Cobb County: You can apply for exemptions year-round by mail or in person; however, you must apply by March 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year.
• Gwinnett County: Application deadline is March 1.
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Patricia Smith | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
I have just received a letter informing me to file for a homestead exemption. If I have lived in my home for several years (and was a resident on Jan. 1, 2008) and have had a homestead exemption previously, is it necessary to reapply?
Shelly Casteel | Jun 10, 2008 | Reply
I was not aware of any such exemption when we purchased our first home two years ago. Is there any way you can apply for this now? and why were we not told of this? Help?
Julieta Archambault | Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
I bought my home in March of 2006. I was not aware of the Homestead Exemption thus did not apply for it. Is it too late to do so now?
abbey | Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
we have lived in our house for over a year now and realized we never applied for the exemption? Is it too late?
Barry Wolfert | Nov 14, 2008 | Reply
You can apply for your homestead exemption anytime after you received the deed back from the county. If you missed a year, you can apply and have it count for next year. So, if you apply today (Nov 14, 2008) your exemption will be valid for your 2009 property taxes.
Once you have received the exemption, it is good for as long as you own your home. You do NOT have to apply every year.
Also, you may qualify for other exemptions so check with your individual county tax office.
The homestead exemption from the state reduces your property’s appraised value by $10,000. After the reduction, your county (and city, if applicable) taxes are applied based on the appropriate millage rate.
Feel free to email me with questions. I am a Associate Broker with Re/Max Communities in Marietta. My email is buyorsell@barrywolfert.com.
Cecelia | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
My former husband and I purchased a house together in 1992. We divorced in August of 2008, and I received the home. A Homestead Exemption application came in the mail. It asks for a date of purchase. Do I put the original date of purchase of the house or the date of the divorce?
B. J. Suter | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
How do we make ourselves heard! How do stop the Governor from taking away our Homestead Exemption! There are other ways to find money to run the state – ways to cut spending and waste – other than having us pay more and more – the Governor has to be responsible for balancing the budget withou asking the state residents to PAY MORE – is he like Bush – totally unaware of how the economy is hitting everyone around him?
Laura Everett | Jan 16, 2009 | Reply
Cecelia,
Our best guess is to put the original date of purchase, but that is just a guess. For definite information you should probably contact your local county office. Thanks!
Bobby Sands | Jan 16, 2009 | Reply
I understand your frustration but stupidity should stay out of your solutions. We will always pay more taxes the longer the US keeps progressing. Stuff cost more and therefore more to pay for… so saying that the Governor or Bush is clueless is just plain ignorant.. you appear to be the one that is clueless. I agree wasteful spending, budget cuts, etc need to be done but I can’t stand when someone ignorantly places blame on a political figure when the political figures from both sides do the exact same thing…
Krista Whitney | Jan 22, 2009 | Reply
How do I know if they received my paperwork for my homestead exemption on my house?
Linda | Feb 28, 2009 | Reply
My mother is in a nursing home and her home is in my name I do get mail there and have furniture there but live closer to my mom until things change and will live there full time eventually but can I file for an exemption from the tax on the home now?
Laura Everett | Mar 2, 2009 | Reply
Linda,
It would be best to contact your local county office to get all of your questions answered.
Linda | Apr 1, 2009 | Reply
If the value has gone done on my residential property can I re-file my homestead exemption to have it reflect the correct value?
LAWRENCE HENRY | Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
Can the Homestead exemption be claimed for the tax year 2010? I have read articles that some of our politians wanted to do away with with the exemption.
I will be 62 years old before the year ends and will be eligible for the 62 and older exemption next year.
It is my understanding that this exemption will also end if and when this exemption ends?
If this is true who do i need to contact to voice my opinon?